Meet Daniel – He’s Here To Help

Click. The sound a car makes when the engine won’t turn over.

It’s the first really cold day out, and the battery needs a boost.

This, along with flat tires, keys locked inside and other ailments that stall one’s car from doing what it should, happens to most people.

In fact, this was true nearly 100,000 times for some of CAA Atlantic’s 268,000+ Members in the last year alone.

Enter Daniel Hoben.

Hoben has been part of CAA Atlantic’s fleet team in Saint John for nearly five years after working as a truck and transport mechanic.

“I knew I needed a job where I could be outside and helping people,” he said.

Hoben is one of dozens of fleet drivers in Atlantic Canada and is based in Saint John.

CAA Atlantic’s Members are eligible for up to five service calls each membership year. It’s not a great day when one’s car won’t start. Whether it’s a dead battery, keys are locked inside, or the tire is pancake flat. He noted that people are often stressed out when they call, but he enjoys seeing them cheer up upon arrival.

The best part of my job is being able to help people out when they’re having a tough day,” Hoben said. “When someone has car trouble, or gets a flat tire, we always do what we can to either fix the problem or get their car where it needs to be fixed.”

Working rain or shine, warm or cold, Hoben – and the dozens of other fleet Members across Atlantic Canada – are ready for anything. Because each day is anything but ordinary.

“From my experience, there really isn’t an average call,” he said. Though most of his calls involve a car being towed.

Here’s how it works.

The call, email or app request for service comes in, and a fleet driver is assigned to the call.

Hoben said he typically goes to the location and assesses the specific circumstances.

“I may try to diagnose the issue to see if I can get it started or fix the problem,” he said.

That unfortunate click?

We often get calls for no starts, and we have the tools to test the battery of the car and to check the battery connections,” Hoben explained. “It always makes people happy when we can diagnose, and/or fix their problem before it has to go to a garage.”

Hoben said previous experience as a mechanic is helpful, and he continues to learn about vehicles constantly.

As much as he enjoys learning about vehicles, he’s appreciative of the people he gets to help.

“My favourite part of working as part of the CAA fleet is knowing we are a membership-based company,” he said. “I know it’s because of our Members that I have this job.”

To become a Member of CAA Atlantic, visit atlantic.caa.ca to learn more and sign up today.

CAA Atlantic is a Member-based organization offering the best in roadside assistance, travel planning, advocacy for the mobile public and terrific insurance products. Plus, CAA Atlantic offers several discounts through our Rewards & Discounts program, including restaurants, retail and so much more.