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Roadside assistance vs towing: what is the difference?

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The short answer

Roadside assistance is a service that sends help for common problems like a dead battery, a flat tire, a lockout or running out of fuel, and it often includes a tow. A tow company moves your car. If you have a plan, call it first, since it often sends a local tow company anyway.

What is roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance is a service you sign up for, or get with something else, that sends help when your car has a problem. It usually covers jump starts, flat tires, lockouts, fuel delivery and a tow.

You may already have it. It often comes with car insurance, a new car, a credit card or a membership in an auto club. Many people find out only when they are stuck, so it is worth checking before you need it.

What is a tow company?

A tow company is a local business with trucks that move vehicles. It can pick up your car and take it to a shop or another place you choose. Many also do quick fixes like jump starts and lockouts.

When you call a roadside assistance plan, the plan often sends a local tow company to do the work. So the person who arrives may be from a local tow business either way.

Which should I call first?

Call your roadside assistance plan first if you have one, because it may handle the whole thing for you. If you do not have one, or you need help right now and the plan is slow, call a local tow company.

If you are in a dangerous spot, do not wait to sort this out. Call emergency services and get to safety first.

  • Have a plan: call the plan first.
  • No plan: call a local tow company.
  • Danger or injury: call emergency services first.
  • Quick fix needed: ask if the company can do it on the spot.

What questions should I ask before I agree?

Ask when help will arrive, what the plan or company will do, and what you will be responsible for. Ask how far a tow can go and where your car will be taken.

If a company will not give you a straight answer on the time or the details, that is a sign to try another. You are allowed to ask questions before you say yes.

Step by step

  1. Get to a safe place

    Hazard lights on, away from traffic. If anyone is hurt or you are in danger, call emergency services first.

  2. Find out if you have a roadside assistance plan

    Check your roadside assistance plan (through your insurer, car maker, credit card or auto club). Look on your insurance card, in your insurer app, in your car paperwork or in the wallet cards you carry.

  3. Match the problem to the help

    A dead battery, a flat tire, a lockout or a fuel problem is often covered as a quick fix. A car that cannot be fixed on the spot needs a tow.

  4. Call your plan first if you have one

    Tell them where you are, what car you have and what happened. Ask what your plan covers for this problem and how far a tow can go.

  5. Call a local tow company if you have no plan

    Pick one that gives you a clear arrival time, and ask them what they need from you.

  6. Keep a record

    Write down the company, the job number and the arrival time. Keep any receipt so you can ask your plan about it later.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I have roadside assistance?

Check your insurance card or app, your car paperwork, your credit card benefits and any auto club membership. Many people have it through more than one place.

Does roadside assistance always include a tow?

Not always, and there are often limits on distance or number of calls. Check your plan for the details, or ask when you call.

Can I call a tow company directly even if I have a plan?

Yes, but you may pay for it yourself and not get paid back. Check with your plan first if you can, so you know what it covers.

What if my plan says help will take a long time?

Ask for the arrival time, then decide. If it is too long for your situation, you can call a local tow company. If you are unsafe, call emergency services.

Stuck right now?

If anyone is hurt, or you are stopped in traffic, call emergency services first. Then get to a safe spot away from moving traffic.

Once you are safe, call your local tow company or your roadside assistance plan. This page is general information and cannot send help.

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