We take out these insurances to give us the peace of mind in knowing that we have someone there for us should the need arise. So why then should your everyday needs be any different? I am sure we have all had the need for a tow truck at some point in our lives, I know I have. CAA, the Canadian Automobile Association offers member benefits that most of you may not be aware of. They are much more than just 24/7 Roadside Assistance.

Last year, after being involved in a major traffic accident with 4 other cars, the need for a tow truck was quite evident. My husbands new car was not drivable, CAA was there when needed. They were also there for me to change a flat tire late one evening a few years ago. The point being, that they too offer a type of insurance that most of us need at some point throughout the year. For those of you who travel from the "burbs" into the city for work, you know what I am talking about...the QEW and Gardiner Expressway can play havoc on your senses. A basic membership costs only $69 per year. Comfort on a budget.

As a member of the CAA for many years, I have taken advantage of their offerings over and over for such things as maps for the road trips to Florida, battery boosting, gas delivery and in one case, a locked car door. They were able to accommodate me in a very timely fashion.

Even as I write this blog, I too am pleasantly surprised at the list of other services and member benefits that CAA brings to the table. They have partnerships with literally hundreds of different organizations and attractions that my family already frequents. Whether you want to travel abroad for business and are in need of travel insurance, or are going to a family wedding in Nova Scotia and need a hotel for your stay, the CAA has the answers. Many restaurants, hotels, museums, zoos, amusement parks, movie theatres have partnered with the CAA to offer member benefits.

The CAA partners obviously see that offering these deals and discounts to the masses is good for business, or they wouldn't continue their relationship. So, whether I am planning for the summer getaways, the day trips to the zoo, or the dinner out on the town, I will most certainly be checking the CAA website to see if my membership has any added bonus in store for me. Life is hard enough already, I enjoy receiving the benefits that CAA has to offer.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to be driving a new car all the time, so the CAA member benefits can cover you for the unexpected. Having 24/7 Roadside Assistance would give any mother comfort in knowing that when her eldest daughter is driving between university and home in her late model car with CAA coverage, she is going to be okay.

When using your CAA membership card at participating partners, you can earn CAA reward dollars that are redeemable for anything that CAA has to offer. You can earn up to 20% in CAA dollars. Every CAA dollar you earn equals $1.00 CAD, and you can use them towards your next dream vacation, travel merchandise, membership renewal, gift memberships or even your home and auto insurance premium if you are insured through their CAA Insurance Company in Ontario.

So, as you can see there is much more than meets the eye when you consider the CAA for your family.