What is the Difference between Roadside Assistance and Towing?
Owning a motor vehicle reduces the stress of public transport. However, with the ownership comes the stress of repairs and breakdowns. In Australia, state-based motoring clubs such as RACQ, NRMA, and RACV recorded millions of roadside assistance calls yearly, with RACQ attending over 740,000 rescues in 2024 across Queensland.
It is therefore good for drivers to know their options when breakdowns occur. The most common options available to drivers are: towing and roadside assistance. Although both services are geared towards getting the driver and vehicle to safety, they operate under different circumstances.
As a new car owner, it is imperative to know the differences and which is best for you.
Is Roadside Assistance Similar to Towing?
Towing companies design a service package to assist drivers with quick fixes, like recharging the vehicle's battery or delivering fuel on the roadside.
Basically, it’s a towing company's service if they're stranded on the roadside because of minor vehicle issues. Drivers can call their towing company to request assistance, which will send a mechanic to inspect the vehicle.
The service package may include various services, and varies between towing companies. It helps with fixable issues, like those listed below. The goal of roadside assistance is to get the vehicle back on the road safely without towing.
Battery service - If your vehicle stops unexpectedly, it's often because of a dead battery. Roadside assistance helps by testing and jump-starting it.
Flat tire replacement – Roadside assistance helps replace the tire or tow the vehicle to the closest repair shop.
Fuel Delivery – There are some instances in which we run out of fuel. Roadside assistance delivers sufficient fuel to take the driver to the closest service station.
When to Choose Towing Services?
The vehicle requires towing when the towing services cannot repair it on the scene. The motor mechanic needs to transport it to the nearest garage or other safe location for repairs.
A key difference between roadside assistance and towing services is that with towing, the towing operator requires specialised equipment and expert knowledge to transport the vehicle.
Towing companies also have a range of specific vehicles, like flatbed tow trucks, wheel lifting towing and wrecker tow trucks, catering to various types of breakdowns.
Common situations requiring Towing services
Automobile collisions – If a vehicle is not roadworthy or drivable after a collision, the driver should call for towing services.
Major Mechanical failures – Mechanical failures like engine issues, transmission problems or broken axles can render the vehicle immobile. In these cases, tow trucks are required to move the vehicle to a safe location.
Why You Need to Know the Difference between Towing and Roadside assistance
Whether driving on a busy Sydney motorway, a remote Queensland highway, or a suburban street in Melbourne, it's essential to know the differences between towing and roadside assistance. Knowing which service to call can make a huge difference in how quickly and safely the driver can get back on the road.
Save Time
When faced with a vehicle breakdown, calling the right service ensures the right help arrives sooner. A roadside assistance operator can resolve simple problems, like a flat battery or tire, on the spot, saving you from unnecessarily waiting for a tow truck.
Roadside assistance is also available 24/7, no matter the day, time or whether it’s a weekend or public holiday.
Money Saver
Roadside assistance is generally more affordable, especially for minor issues like jumpstarting the car's battery, than calling out for towing services.
Safety Factor
Attempting to drive a vehicle that needs towing puts the driver at risk and may cause further damage to the car.
Additionally, if the car breaks down on a deserted road or on a busy highway, it also puts the driver at risk.
Where can Drivers get Roadside Assistance?
Drivers have several avenues to access roadside assistance. Selecting the correct service provider depends on the route and how you drive.
It is also important, before finalising any agreement to compare each plan's features, response times and costs
- Several vehicle insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on to a motor vehicle's insurance policy. It's important to check the policy to verify what's included. Some insurance policies may limit call out numbers or towing distance.
- Drivers may also sign up for stand-alone roadside assistance plan through the state’s motoring club, such as NRMA (NSW and ACT), RACQ (Queensland), RACV (Victoria), RAA (South Australia), RAC (Western Australia), or RACT (Tasmania).
- Motoring clubs specialise in vehicle recovery and usually provide nationwide coverage through mutual agreements.
- Certain towing companies, like Fast Sydney Towing, offer towing and roadside assistance services, assisting motorists with flat batteries, tyre changes, lockouts and emergency fuel delivery. Their prompt response times and experienced operators make them a trusted option across the region.
- Vehicle owners may also acquire complimentary roadside assistance when purchasing a new car through their car manufacturer.
How to Choose the Right Roadside Assistance Operator
It's important when selecting the right service provider to look for a company that's professional and reliable.
Here’s what to look for:
- 24-hour service: Roadside assistance rarely occurs during office hours.
- Experienced operators: Trained professionals should know how to replace a tire, refill the fuel tank or jumpstart your car. They should ensure your vehicle is handled safely.
- Transparent Billing: A reputable company provides clear costs upfront.
- Range of services: Look for companies that offer towing and roadside assistance, so you’re covered for any situation.
Next Time You’re Stranded, Know Who to Call
While some towing operators offer roadside assistance, there is a difference between roadside assistance and towing. Drivers may need roadside assistance to get the car moving again. There are packages offering assistance for minor issues that they can repair promptly. Once repaired, the driver can drive the vehicle away.
Towing services are for when the vehicle cannot move, if there is an accident or a serious mechanical failure. The towing operator will move the vehicle to a safe location, with a flatbed, for further repairs.
The next time your vehicle breaks down, you’ll know whether you need roadside assistance or a tow truck.
