Who to Call When Your Car Breaks Down
Call for roadside help first, through your insurer, your car's manufacturer, or a separate roadside club, whichever one you already pay for.
Check what coverage you already have before you call anyone
Most drivers already have some form of roadside help built into something they're paying for. It might be part of your car insurance policy, part of a warranty from the dealer, or a membership with a roadside club. The first call should go to whichever one of these applies to you.
If you're not sure, your insurance card or policy documents usually list a phone number for roadside assistance. Newer cars often come with a manufacturer program that covers the first few years of ownership regardless of insurance. Check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's app if you have one.
What kind of coverage you have changes who answers
If your car insurance includes roadside assistance, calling your insurer connects you to a dispatch service that sends a tow truck or a technician, depending on the problem. This is usually a separate line from the one you'd use to report a crash or file a claim, so look for the specific roadside number rather than the general customer service line.
If your car is still under a manufacturer warranty, the automaker's roadside program may be the faster option, and it won't affect your insurance at all. This number is often printed inside the glove compartment or on a sticker near the fuel door.
If you belong to a roadside club, that membership works regardless of what car you're driving or who insures it. Some people carry two or three overlapping options without realizing it, which means the real question isn't who to call, it's which of your existing memberships to use first.
If none of these apply, you'll need to call a local towing company directly, and your insurer can usually still reimburse part of the cost if your policy allows for it. Ask your insurer what their reimbursement process looks like before you assume it's covered.
What actually broke changes what help you need
A dead battery, a flat tire, or an empty gas tank usually gets resolved on the spot by whoever responds, no tow required. These are the most common reasons people call for roadside help, and most programs cover them as a basic service.
If the car won't start for a reason that isn't obvious, or if something sounds or smells wrong, you likely need a tow to a shop rather than a fix on the roadside. Say as much when you call, since it changes what kind of truck or technician gets sent.
If the breakdown happens somewhere unsafe, like a highway shoulder, call for emergency help first if you're in danger, and worry about roadside assistance after you're somewhere safe to wait.
Questions people ask about this
Does calling roadside assistance count as a claim on my insurance?
Usually not, since roadside assistance is a separate service from your claims history. It's worth asking your insurer directly, since how they categorize it can vary by company.
How do I find my roadside assistance phone number?
Check your insurance ID card first, since many insurers print it there. If it's not listed, call your insurer's main line and ask them to confirm whether you have roadside coverage and what number to use.
Can I use roadside assistance for a car I don't own?
It depends on whether the coverage is tied to the vehicle or to the person. Some policies and memberships cover you as a driver no matter what car you're in, while others only cover the specific car on the policy, so check before you assume either way.
What should I have ready when I call for a tow?
Have your location, your policy or membership number, and a description of the problem ready before you dial. Knowing whether the car can be shifted into neutral also helps the dispatcher figure out what kind of truck to send.
Is roadside assistance worth adding to my policy?
That depends on what you're already covered by elsewhere, like a warranty or a club membership. If you don't have another option, ask your insurer what it would add to your premium and compare that against what a roadside club membership costs on its own.
If you're not sure what roadside coverage you have, it's worth checking before you're stuck somewhere needing it.
Find your insurance card or log into your insurer's app and look for a roadside assistance number. If your car is newer, check the glove compartment or owner's manual for a manufacturer program too. Write down whichever numbers apply to you and keep them in your car, not just your phone, in case your phone dies along with your car. If you find you have no coverage at all, ask your insurer this week what it would cost to add it, and compare that to what a standalone roadside club charges.
