should you call roadside assistance or towing? At first, both may seem the same, but they are two very different services. And knowing the difference can save you money, time, and stress. and here’s the truth—most drivers don’t actually need a tow truck when their car stalls.
At Five Star Roadside, we proudly serve 32 U.S. cities with 5 core services: emergency gas delivery, battery replacement, jump start, tire change, and car lockout help. Call us if you need help 1(800)-497-5860.
comparison between roadside assistance and towing
| Aspect | Roadside Assistance | Towing Service |
|---|---|---|
| Problem Type | Handles small, fixable issues like flat tire, dead battery, or lockout | Used when vehicle cannot be driven or is unsafe for the road |
| Driver Experience | Minimizes stress by solving the issue immediately | Often increases frustration due to waiting and added logistics |
| Night-Time Scenarios | 24/7 service available in most cities for urgent fixes | Available at night but fewer trucks may cause delays |
| Accident Situations | Not suited for collision-damaged vehicles | Mandatory for moving a car after a crash or severe damage |
| Technology Used | Equipped with portable jump kits, tire tools, fuel cans, unlocking devices | Uses flatbed or hook-and-chain trucks for relocation |
| Service Duration | 10–30 minutes on average to complete the repair roadside | May take several hours including wait time and shop repair |
| Cost Transparency | Flat, predictable rates per service or membership plan | Charges vary by mileage, time of day, and vehicle type |
| Preventive Value | Prevents small problems from escalating into breakdowns | Does not prevent issues, only reacts after total failure |
| Frequency of Use | Can be used multiple times a year for common issues | Rarely used unless major problems occur |
| Driver Control | Driver continues journey almost immediately after fix | Driver loses control of timing, depends on shop availability |
| Insurance Claim Process | Usually simple, billed directly to insurer with add-on coverage | Claims may require paperwork and reimbursement steps |
| Geographic Reach | Available in covered service networks (like 32 U.S. cities with Five Star Roadside) | More widely available, including highways and remote areas |
| Environmental Impact | Less fuel use because only a small vehicle responds | Higher fuel consumption due to large tow trucks |
| Driver Confidence | Reassures drivers that everyday issues won’t leave them stranded | Reassures drivers only when a complete breakdown happens |
| Scalability | Multiple small units can serve many drivers at once | Limited by number of tow trucks available in a given area |
| Family & Passenger Safety | Safer for families with kids since service is quicker and on-site | Less safe since passengers may wait long before being relocated |
| Weather Conditions | Still operates during rain or cold for minor issues | Tow trucks may struggle in snow, floods, or extreme weather |
| Vehicle Types Best Served | Cars, SUVs, light trucks, motorcycles | Heavy trucks, vans, trailers, severely damaged vehicles |
| Decision Factor | Chosen when the car is repairable roadside | Chosen when the car cannot be restarted or moved safely |
| Call to Action | 📞 Need help right now? Call Five Star Roadside at 1(800)-497-5860 for fast, reliable roadside assistance or towing coordination | |
1. Immediate Help vs Vehicle Relocation
Roadside assistance is about fixing small problems on the spot—flat tire, dead battery, or fuel shortage. Towing, in contrast, is about moving your vehicle to another location, like a repair shop.
Key Difference: Roadside assistance wins for quick fixes, whereas towing wins for major breakdowns.
2. Cost Difference: Affordable vs Expensive
Roadside assistance usually costs far less. A tire change or jump start may only run \$50–\$100, whereas towing can cost \$100–\$300 for short distances and much more for long hauls.
Key Difference: Roadside assistance is cost-effective, while towing is costly.
3. Time on Scene: Minutes vs Hours
With roadside help, technicians can arrive and get you moving within 30–60 minutes in most cities. In contrast, towing often takes longer because you wait for a truck, then wait again for your car to be delivered.
Key Difference: Roadside assistance is faster, towing takes longer.
4. Coverage: Common Problems vs Total Breakdown
Roadside assistance covers common car troubles: dead batteries, flat tires, empty tanks, or lockouts. However, towing covers complete vehicle failure—when your car simply cannot be repaired roadside.
Key Difference: Roadside covers everyday issues, towing covers immobilized vehicles.
5. Scope of Service: Minor Repairs vs Transport
Roadside crews bring tools and supplies to fix the issue where you’re stranded. On the other hand, towing trucks don’t repair; they only transport.
Key Difference: Roadside assistance repairs, towing relocates.
6. Convenience: Quick Restart vs Hassle
Imagine being stuck with a flat tire. Roadside assistance changes it on the spot, and you’re back on the highway. In contrast, towing requires you to wait, get hauled away, then wait again at a shop.
Key Difference: Roadside assistance is convenient, towing is inconvenient.
7. Fuel Delivery vs Tow to Gas Station
Out of gas? Roadside brings fuel directly to you. Whereas towing takes your car to the nearest station or shop.
Key Difference: Roadside assistance delivers fuel, towing just moves you.
8. Jump Start vs Garage Repair
Dead battery? Roadside techs provide an immediate jump start or replacement. But towing drags your car to a garage where you’ll likely pay extra.
Key Difference: Roadside assistance restores power, towing delays the fix.
9. Tire Change vs Tow for Tire Damage
With roadside, a flat tire is replaced on the spot. In contrast, towing is only needed if your rim or multiple tires are destroyed.
Key Difference: Roadside handles normal flats, towing handles severe tire damage.
10. Lockout Help vs No Help
Locked out? Roadside unlocks your vehicle quickly without damage. However, towing won’t solve a lockout.
Key Difference: Roadside unlocks cars, towing cannot.
11. Membership vs Pay Per Tow
Roadside assistance can be bundled into memberships (monthly/annual), making it predictable and affordable. On the other hand, towing is mostly pay-per-use and can become expensive.
Key Difference: Roadside assistance saves with memberships, towing costs every time.
12. Short Distance vs Long Distance
Roadside makes sense for short-distance emergencies (like a stalled car near home). Whereas towing is the only option for long-distance relocation of a broken car.
Key Difference: Roadside works short-term, towing works long-term.
13. Urban vs Rural Response
In cities like Dallas, Houston, or Los Angeles, roadside techs often reach faster due to availability. In contrast, in rural areas, towing might be more common because repair crews are limited.
Key Difference: Roadside shines in cities, towing dominates rural stretches.
14. Customer Satisfaction: Higher vs Lower
Drivers prefer roadside because it offers instant relief. However, towing usually frustrates drivers because it adds waiting, transport, and repair time.
Key Difference: Roadside earns higher satisfaction, towing less so.
15. Reliability vs Dependency
Roadside assistance is seen as reliable for common car issues, giving drivers confidence that they’ll be moving again quickly. Towing, on the other hand, makes drivers dependent on a shop or garage, meaning the final solution is outside their control.
Key Difference: Roadside assistance offers independence, towing creates dependency.
Final Thoughts
Both services matter, but they’re not equal. Roadside assistance is the first line of defense for everyday car problems, while towing is the backup plan for total vehicle failure. Drivers across 32 U.S. cities rely on Five Star Roadside to save time, money, and stress with 5 essential services.
So, the next time you’re stranded, ask yourself: do I really need a tow truck, or can roadside help fix it right here? Chances are, roadside assistance is the winner.
FAQ
Are roadside assistance and towing the same?
No — they are not the same. Roadside assistance fixes small problems where you are (flat tire, dead battery, fuel delivery, lockout, jump start), while towing moves your vehicle to another place.
What is the main difference between roadside assistance and towing?
The main difference is purpose: roadside assistance solves many common problems on the spot, and towing transports a vehicle when it cannot be driven. One helps you get back on the road right away; the other gets your car to a shop.
Which is faster: roadside assistance or towing?
Roadside assistance is usually faster to resolve a minor issue because the fix happens on the spot. Towing can take longer due to the need for a truck, securement, and transport time. Local availability affects both.
When should I call roadside assistance instead of towing?
Call roadside assistance when the issue is small and repairable roadside — empty gas tank, simple battery issue, flat with a usable spare, or lockout. If you want a fast, usually cheaper fix that gets you moving, roadside help is usually the right call.
When should I call towing instead of roadside assistance?
Call towing when the vehicle is not safe to drive or cannot be fixed at the scene — severe engine failure, catastrophic damage, broken axle, or when the car must be moved long distances to a shop. Towing handles the heavy cases.
Does insurance cover towing or roadside assistance?
Sometimes. Many auto insurance plans include towing and roadside benefits, but coverage varies. Read your policy: it will say limits, payout method, and whether a membership is still needed. Call your insurer before you pay if possible.
Does Five Star Roadside provide towing or only roadside assistance?
Five Star Roadside focuses on roadside assistance services: emergency gas delivery, battery replacement, jump start, tire change, and car lockout help across 32 U.S. cities. If towing is needed, Five Star Roadside can advise next steps or you can contact a towing provider.