When you're on the road, mechanical problems can happen. That's why knowing when to opt for roadside assistance or towing is critical. Roadside assistance and towing are essential services, but many drivers are unaware of their differences and applications.
If you're wondering: is towing included in roadside assistance? What exactly is roadside assistance? RoadPro answers these questions and provides you with roadside assistance and practical tips to help you decide which service you need.
You will also understand how to make the most of these services to ensure the safety and efficiency of your operations on the road.
Differences Between Towing and Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance and towing are two services that, although related, serve different purposes and situations. Understanding their differences can help you choose the right service when faced with breakdowns on the road.
What is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is a service designed to solve minor breakdowns and emergencies for vehicles on the road. This service generally includes a variety of aids, such as:
Tire Change: if your semi truck or trailer has a flat tire, a technician will come to replace it for you or they will repair it if it's possible.
Battery Recharge or Replacement: in case your vehicle's battery runs out of power, roadside assistance can provide a jump start.
Fuel Supply: if you run out of fuel, the roadside assistance service can bring you enough to get you to the nearest gas station.
Unlocking Services: if you leave the keys inside the semi truck, the roadside assistance unlocking service can help you open the vehicle.
Minor Mechanical Assistance: some minor mechanical problems can be solved on site so that you can continue your trip safely.
Is Towing Included in Roadside Assistance?
In many cases, towing is included as part of roadside assistance, but it's important to understand the limits and conditions that apply. Towing coverage may vary depending on the service provider and the type of policy you have.
Generally, roadside assistance will include towing up to a certain distance (approximately 10-20 miles). If the towing required exceeds this distance, additional charges can apply.
What is Towing Service?
Towing is a service for moving broken down or accident vehicles to a garage, a nearby workshop or a safe place. Situations in which you might need a towing service include:
Major Breakdowns: serious mechanical problems that cannot be solved on the road.
Accidents: after an accident, the vehicle may not be safe to drive.
Immobilized Vehicles: if your semi truck or trailer gets stuck in a ditch, snow or mud
Key Differences Between Roadside Assistance and Towing
There are important differences between these two services that you should take into account before asking for either of them:
Purpose
Roadside assistance is designed to solve minor problems on the road and allow the driver to continue his trip.
On the other hand, towing is used when the vehicle needs to be transported due to serious problems or damage.
Coverage
Roadside assistance may include towing, although in most cases within specific limits.
Towing as an independent service may be necessary for longer distances or more complex situations.
Cost
Roadside assistance is usually cheaper than towing, especially if you only need basic services such as a battery jumpstart or fuel supply for your semi truck.
On the other hand, if your semi truck or trailer needs to be towed a long distance, the cost of towing can be considerable. In some cases, the cost of towing can be comparable or even higher than the cost of an annual roadside assistance plan
Response time
Waiting times for roadside assistance and towing may vary depending on certain factors. In general, roadside assistance usually responds more quickly than towing service.
10 Tips for Choosing Between Towing and Roadside Assistance
Choosing between roadside assistance and towing can be a crucial decision when your semi truck has a failure in the middle of the road. Here are 10 tips to help you determine which service is right for your situation.
Evaluate the Specific Vehicle Situation
The first consideration is the nature of the problem your semi truck has. If it has a minor breakdown, such as a flat tire, a dead battery, or you have run out of fuel, roadside assistance is the most appropriate option. This service is designed to solve small problems and get you back on the road as soon as possible.
In contrast, towing will be needed to move the semi truck to a workshop for more complex repairs. For example, if it has suffered significant damage, is involved in an accident, or is unable to move due to serious mechanical problems or wheel damages.
Consider Insurance Coverage
Check your insurance policy to see what services are included. Many heavy vehicle insurance policies include roadside assistance as part of the package. This may cover services such as tire changes, battery recharging and fuel supply, as well as towing up to a specified distance.
If your policy includes these services, use them to avoid additional expenses. If you don't have roadside assistance coverage, consider purchasing a specialized commercial vehicle assistance plan. These plans offer a network of reliable services and can be a cost-effective option to ensure you have access to roadside assistance.
Check the Distance to the Nearest Mechanic Workshop
The cost and convenience of towing may vary depending on the distance to the nearest workshop. Roadside assistance usually includes towing within a specified radius. But if you need a ride to a shop outside that radius, you may have to pay additional charges.
Knowing the location of repair workshops on your usual route will help you better plan and decide when a towing service is necessary. In addition, some roadside assistance providers may have agreements with specific garages, which could offer you additional advantages.
Value the Cost of Each Service
Cost is a crucial factor to consider. Roadside assistance is usually cheaper and may be included in your insurance or specialized assistance plan. Towing, on the other hand, can be quite expensive, particularly for long distances.
Before making a decision, ask for a quote for each service and consider whether your budget can cover it or not. Sometimes paying a little extra for roadside assistance can save you money in the long-term and reduce your commercial truck's downtime.
Analyze the Availability of Services in the Area
The availability of roadside assistance and towing services may vary depending on your location.
In urban areas there is more availability of these kinds of services, so the response time is much faster. In rural or remote areas you may expect the opposite, immediate assistance is more difficult to find and waiting times can be longer.
Check out the service options available where you regularly travel, so you will be prepared in case of an emergency.
Consult Opinions and Experiences of Other Users
The opinions and experiences of other drivers are a valuable source of information. Ask your colleagues about the quality of roadside assistance and towing services in your area. Do online research, read reviews and participate in heavy vehicle drivers forums to get recommendations on the best providers of these services.
Knowing what to expect and which companies have the best reputations can help you make a more informed and reliable decision. Plus, you'll be assured that your semi truck will be in good hands when it needs assistance.
Compare Response Times
Response time is a critical factor, especially if you find yourself in an emergency situation. It also depends on your location and which service is closest to respond most quickly.
Roadside assistance usually has faster response times for minor problems. This can be vital if you are in a dangerous situation or in a heavy traffic area.
Towing, on the other hand, involves transporting the vehicle to a workshop, which significantly increases the waiting time.
Check with your service provider to see how quickly they can get to your location and make sure they can meet your time expectations. Prompt service helps you continue your operations and gives you peace of mind that you won't be stranded on the road
Verify Service Provider Policies and Terms
It is important that you know the service providers' policies and terms. Ask about towing limits, service areas covered and any additional charges that may apply.
Some providers have restrictions on the number of times you can use the service in a year, while others may have hidden fees. Knowing these details in advance will prevent you from unpleasant surprises and help you better plan what you will do in case of a breakdown on the road.
Emergency Preparedness
Although having roadside assistance and towing is crucial, being prepared for emergencies can make a big difference. Carry an emergency kit with you that includes items such as flashlights, basic tools, a first aid kit, and food and water supplies.
Having all these items can help you handle minor situations on your own while waiting for assistance, and will increase your safety and comfort. Also, consider having an emergency communication plan to keep your team informed.
Evaluating Specialized Assistance Plan Options
Joining a specialized heavy vehicle assistance plan can provide you with comprehensive roadside assistance and towing coverage. This often results in a lower cost than contracting these services individually.
These plans sometimes offer additional benefits, such as discounts on repairs and travel services. Explore the plan options available and choose one that fits your needs and budget.
However, not all types of spare parts and repairs may be included in the plan, so it's a good idea to call a mobile repair workshop for more complete services.
Receive Roadside Assistance from RoadPro
When driving a semi truck or a commercial truck, knowing when to use roadside assistance or towing is key to repair any failure and continue your trip with ease. Evaluating the specific situation, considering insurance coverage and reviewing the availability of services are critical steps in making the best decision.
In these critical situations, RoadPro is your best ally. We offer high quality roadside assistance services, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With RoadPro, you can be sure that you will receive a quick and professional response with a full range of services for your semi truck or trailer.
Minimize the delay on the road and return safely to your activities with RoadPro Assistance!
Call 470-750-2555 to request a free quote and 15% off in your first service.