Featured Post from CAA Club Group

STORY: By the Numbers - CAA looks back on key initiatives from the pandemic

Jun 30, 2020

3 min



It’s been almost five months since COVID-19 started to dominate headlines in Canada and many people and businesses had to adapt to quickly changing circumstances.  


As one of Canada’s largest membership organizations, with multiple areas of business, CAA had to navigate the changes in various industries in order to keep CAA members safe.  


The initial response 


As a travel company, our agents helped to rebook hundreds of passenger travel itineraries as flights were cancelled and borders closed. CAA’s travel insurance company, Orion Travel Insurance, worked with thousands of insureds to extend their trip cancellation and interruption insurance policies while offering additional protection for travel suppliers’ vouchers and credits.  


As the community spread of COVID-19 started to take hold, CAA had to make the difficult decision to implement contact-free service and ask members to seek alternative transportation from their breakdown location, all in the interest of keeping members and drivers safe.  


To help do our part to curb the spread of the virus, a decision was made in early March to close all of CAA’s retail stores across south-central Ontario. While the state of emergency had not yet been implemented by the province, we felt it was the right thing to do. All CAA associates across the company quickly adapted to work from home.  


Shortly after, a state of emergency went into effect in Ontario and CAA was established as an essential service both for roadside and insurance operations.  



A Responsibility to do something good 


Once the safety of CAA operations was taken care of, we quickly started looking at how else we can make a difference during this difficult time.  


First, we committed to supporting healthcare workers and first responders by offering free roadside assistance during this crisis. 


We then leveraged our network of trucks to deliver vital food and supplies to those in need. CAA worked with several large organizations in need, such as food banks, Meals on Wheels, Mobilizing Masks for Healthcare Workers and other community service groups, to assist with delivering vital supplies where they were needed urgently.  


CAA also felt that it was important to stay connected and check in on the vulnerable members of our community who are struggling most. We created Operation Outreach to proactively reach out to a group of CAA members who were over the age of 75. The initiative was overwhelmingly positive with members appreciating the call and opportunity to interact with someone. One member even offered to join our outbound-calling team and to help check in with others.


As the pandemic continued, we noticed that another important way we could give back and help people in need was through our insurance coverage.  


We saw that Canadians everywhere were feeling the profound social, emotional and financial effects of COVID-19, and so CAA Insurance looked at every possible way to help people save money. We are the only insurance company offering a 10% rate reduction on both home and auto policies, as well as a $100 Auto Insurance Relief Benefit. Unlike other insurers, we made sure that the rate reduction would be valid for the duration of the 12-month policy term. 


By the numbers 


Everything that was accomplished throughout the pandemic was possible thanks to the hard work of dedicated Associates and the enduring support of our Members. While many Members may join CAA for roadside or to sign up for insurance, they are also contributing to the community.  


The COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity for us to support our Members and the communities in which they live. We are pleased to share the impact that was made throughout this time.




Powered by

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from CAA Club Group

MEDIA RELEASE: Survey finds Ontarians are concerned about road conditions as CAA launches 2026 Worst Roads campaign featured image

3 min

MEDIA RELEASE: Survey finds Ontarians are concerned about road conditions as CAA launches 2026 Worst Roads campaign

User-submitted photo of Barton Street in Hamilton, which placed second on Ontario’s 2025 top ten list. Concern about road conditions continues to be top of mind for Ontarians, with eight in 10 CAA members worried about the state of the province’s roads, according to new survey data released as CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) launches the 2026 CAA Worst Roads campaign. The survey also found that nearly 70 per cent of CAA members don’t believe enough is being done to maintain Ontario’s roads, up five per cent from last year, reinforcing what many road users experience daily. Cracks in pavement remain the most common issue (88 per cent) identified by respondents, followed closely by potholes (87 per cent), uneven or bumpy road surfaces (81 per cent) and congestion (80 per cent). “Ontarians are telling us loud and clear that road conditions are not keeping pace with expectations,” says Teresa Di Felice, Assistant Vice President, Government and Community Relations for CAA South Central Ontario. “The Worst Roads campaign gives Ontarians a direct way to raise their concerns and helps decision-makers understand what roads need attention according to their constituents.” Despite widespread frustration, the survey suggests most concerns are not reaching decision-makers. It found that nearly 80 per cent of Ontarians commonly complain about road conditions to a spouse, co-worker or mechanic rather than to the governments responsible for road maintenance. CAA calls on Ontarians to nominate roads in urgent need of repair “We know this campaign works,” says Di Felice. “When Ontarians speak up and nominate roads they want to see repaired, we consistently see action.” Many nominated roads are critical trade and supply‑chain corridors, linking the CAA Worst Roads campaign to community growth and economic strength. “Growing population pressures in Ontario, particularly in the GTA, are driving the need for improved infrastructure to mitigate congestion issues, and the rapid wear and tear of our roads,” adds Di Felice. Poor road conditions contribute to vehicle damage, congestion, and safety risks for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. With the cost of living already high, the added expense of repairs caused by potholes and deteriorating roads is placing further strain on household budgets. The survey found that 80 per cent of Ontarians are paying out of pocket for those repairs, while ten per cent are forgoing repairs altogether. For more than two decades, the CAA Worst Roads campaign has influenced infrastructure decisions across the province. Roads that appear on the annual Worst Roads list often see repairs prioritized or moved up, as governments respond to public feedback. In the last five campaigns, over 10 roads have received attention due to their appearance on the CAA Worst Roads list. Most recently, County Road 49 in Prince Edward County received a large provincial investment supporting the repair of over 18 kilometres of the road. County Road 49 has been a popular road on the CAA Worst Roads Campaign’s top 10 list for some time. Ontarians can nominate any road for issues, including potholes, congestion, faded road markings, poor signage, traffic light timing, and pedestrian or cycling infrastructure. CAA SCO is encouraging all road users to participate. Nominations for the 2026 CAA Worst Roads campaign are open now and can be submitted online at www.caaworstroads.com until April 17. Once nominations close, CAA will compile and release Ontario’s Top 10 Worst Roads later this year, as well as regional top five lists. CAA conducted an online survey with 2,718 CAA SCO Members between January 6 to 14, 2026. Based on the sample size and the confidence level (95 per cent), the margin of error for this study was +/- 2 per cent.

MEDIA RELEASE: Manitobans paying more for vehicle repairs as CAA Worst Roads campaign launches featured image

2 min

MEDIA RELEASE: Manitobans paying more for vehicle repairs as CAA Worst Roads campaign launches

Submitted photo of Saskatchewan Avenue, Winnipeg’s Worst Road in 2025. Manitobans are paying more out of pocket to fix their vehicles as concerns about road conditions continue to grow, according to new survey data released as CAA Manitoba launches its annual CAA Worst Roads Campaign. The survey found 92 per cent of Manitobans are concerned about the state of roads in the province and are spending an average of $944 to repair vehicle damage caused by poor road conditions. This is $122 more than last year, when the average repair cost was $882. As Winnipeg grows and congestion worsens, fixing key trade and connector routes isn’t just about road conditions; it’s about protecting the economy, keeping our city moving, and prioritizing affordability. “Most of the roads people flag as priorities are the same routes our supply chain depends on, they’re how goods get in, out, and across the province,” says Ewald Friesen, manager, government and community relations for CAA Manitoba. “With Manitoba’s growing population, especially in Winnipeg, there is a need for improved infrastructure.” At the same time, the rising cost of living has made consumers more mindful of their spending, and people are opting to keep their cars longer rather than buy a new one. Poor roads increase the wear and tear of tires, lead to higher fuel consumption, and increase the risk of other costly repairs. Nearly half of drivers (45 per cent) reported experiencing vehicle damage due to poor road conditions, with potholes cited as the leading cause, accounting for 86 per cent of damage. Most drivers (75 per cent) are paying for repairs out of pocket; 12 per cent filed a claim with Manitoba Public Insurance. Another 14 per cent said they chose not to repair the damage, up six per cent from last year. Despite widespread frustration, the survey suggests most concerns are not reaching decision-makers. It found that 85 per cent of Manitobans commonly complain about road conditions to a spouse, coworker or mechanic rather than to the governments responsible for road maintenance. Manitobans encouraged to nominate roads most in need of repair “The Worst Roads campaign is a proven platform that gives Manitobans a voice and helps governments identify the roads causing the most frustration,” says Friesen. “We know it works because we see governments prioritize budgets and move up road repairs every year after appearing on the list.” Manitobans can nominate any road for issues, including potholes, congestion, faded road markings, poor signage, traffic light timing, and pedestrian or cycling infrastructure. CAA Manitoba is encouraging all road users to participate. Nominations are open at www.caaworstroads.com from March 17 to April 10. Once nominations close, CAA Manitoba will release a list of the top 10 worst roads in the province, along with regional lists. CAA conducted an online survey with 649 CAA Manitoba Members between January 6 to 14, 2026. Based on the sample size and the confidence level (95 per cent), the margin of error for this study was +/-3 per cent.

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Survey Reveals Canadians Remain Eager to Travel, but Rising Costs, Global Instability, and Shifting U.S. Attitudes Are Reshaping How and Where They Travel featured image

3 min

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Survey Reveals Canadians Remain Eager to Travel, but Rising Costs, Global Instability, and Shifting U.S. Attitudes Are Reshaping How and Where They Travel

Canadians remain passionate about exploring new destinations, but changing global dynamics are reshaping how and where they travel. According to CAA’s Travel Wise survey, more than half of Canadians (51 per cent) now say geopolitical and economic factors, such as instability abroad, a perception of the U.S. as being less welcoming, and rising travel costs, are influencing where Canadians choose to travel.  Shifting Destinations and Attitudes Travel patterns are evolving. The survey conducted in 2025 shows that only 22 per cent of Canadians planned to visit the U.S., an 11 per cent drop from 2024. Instead, many are opting to stay within Canada (40 per cent) or explore international destinations. The perception of the U.S. as less welcoming, coupled with rising travel costs and global instability, is prompting Canadians to reconsider their travel plans.  "Canadians are adventurous by nature, but today’s travellers are having to make thoughtful decisions," says Kaitlynn Furse, Director of Corporate Communications. "We’re seeing a clear trend toward exploring closer to home and seeking out new international experiences, all while keeping an eye on safety and value." Travel Insurance: A Critical, Yet Overlooked, Safeguard While Canadians feel confident travelling within their own country, many assume “home turf” means low risk. This misconception leaves millions exposed to unexpected costs when trips don’t go as planned. The survey found that 64 per cent did not have travel insurance on their most recent trip when travelling within Canada.  “Recent stories have highlighted Canadians facing unexpected medical bills, trip interruptions, and emergency expenses while travelling within Canada, often because they didn’t realize their regular provincial health coverage or credit card benefits had limits,” says Furse. “If something were to happen, provincial healthcare only partially covers you outside of your home, and sometimes, not at all, covering only basic emergency medical services when travelling in another province.”   Among those who travelled uninsured, 44 per cent believed coverage wasn’t needed, and 29 per cent thought their provincial government’s health plan would suffice. However, provincial healthcare only partially covers emergency medical services in other provinces, and sometimes not at all.  “One of the biggest misconceptions we see is the idea that travelling within Canada comes with less risk,” says Furse. “Unexpected medical costs, trip interruptions and emergencies can happen anywhere, and many travellers are surprised to learn they’re not fully covered.” With recent geopolitical incidents in Cuba, Mexico and the Middle East, Travel Wise is focused on helping Canadians understand risk, avoid misinformation, and make decisions grounded in facts rather than fear or speculation. Here are some tips:  Understand what an “avoid non-essential travel” advisory really means: Travel advisories reflect real-time safety risks, and an “avoid non-essential travel” signal indicates rapidly changing conditions that may change quickly, and support may be limited.  Know that advisories can affect your insurance and your exit options: Travelling against government advice can limit your travel insurance, including medical care or emergency evacuation. Coverage must be in place before conditions deteriorate.  Flexibility is essential; review cancellation and change policies now: Travellers should proactively confirm cancellation deadlines, refund eligibility, rebooking options for all reservations and understand the limits of credit card protections, employee benefits, and pension coverage benefits.   Stay connected to Canada while abroad: Canadians should monitor official updates from Global Affairs Canada and register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service before departure or while on location if something arises.  Rely on reputable sources and be cautious of misinformation online: Canadians should rely on official government sources, established travel organizations, and verified news outlets for travel guidance.  For many travellers, cancelled or delayed flights remain a top concern. CAA’s Air Passenger Help Guide offers a straightforward resource for travellers facing disruptions. The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from September 29 – October 8, 2025, with 2,0210 Canadian travellers aged 25 to 64 who have travelled outside their province of residence in the past three years and plan to travel again in the next five years. Based on the sample size of n=2,021 and with a confidence level of 95%, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)

View all posts
Powered by