When to Call a Tow Truck vs. Roadside Assistance in Ontario

When to Call a Tow Truck vs. Roadside Assistance in Ontario

Your car just stopped working. You are on the side of the road in London, Ontario, and you need help — but you are not sure exactly what kind. Do you call a tow truck? Do you need roadside assistance? Is there a difference? For most people, these terms are interchangeable. In practice, they describe different levels of service — and calling the right one saves you time, money, and stress. This guide explains what each service actually includes, when you need one versus the other, and how London Towing handles both from a single phone call.

London Towing provides both from a single call: (519) 914-3677

What Is Roadside Assistance? (Fix It Where You Are)

Roadside assistance is any service that solves the problem at your location so you can drive away without a tow. The vehicle stays where it is — a technician comes to you, fixes the immediate issue, and you continue on your way.

London Towing’s roadside assistance services include:

The key distinction: with roadside assistance, your vehicle stays on the road and you drive it home or to your destination. No tow truck flatbed is needed. This is almost always the cheaper, faster option — if the problem can be solved on site.

What Is Towing? (Move It Somewhere Else)

Towing is when the problem cannot be solved at the roadside and the vehicle needs to be physically transported to another location — a mechanic, body shop, dealership, your home, or the collision reporting centre.

Common situations that require a tow truck call instead of roadside assistance include engine failure, transmission problems, severe overheating, accident damage, brake failure, and any mechanical issue that makes the vehicle unsafe or impossible to drive.

London Towing uses flatbed towing for most situations — the safest method that keeps all four wheels off the ground. For pricing details, see our tow truck cost guide and our affordable towing guide.

Towing is more expensive than roadside assistance because it involves transporting the vehicle. A local tow in London typically costs $150 to $300 depending on distance. Long-distance towing costs more based on per-kilometre rates.

The Decision Guide: 12 Scenarios Answered

Here are the most common roadside situations London drivers face — and whether you need roadside assistance, a tow truck, or 911.

The Simple Decision Rule

If you are standing next to your car wondering whether you need a tow or roadside assistance, ask yourself one question:

If yes → you need roadside assistance. A battery boost, tire swap, fuel delivery, car unlock, plug repair, or winch-out will solve the problem on site. You drive away. This is faster and cheaper.

If no → you need a tow truck. The engine is dead, the transmission is broken, the car was in an accident, or the issue requires a mechanic’s garage and specialized tools. The vehicle must be transported somewhere else.

If you are not sure → call London Towing at (519) 914-3677 and describe the symptoms. Our dispatcher will recommend the right service over the phone. If it turns out you only need a roadside fix, you save the cost of a tow. If a tow is needed, we dispatch the right truck immediately. One call covers every scenario.

Cost Comparison: Roadside Assist vs. Tow

Choosing the right service saves real money. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the cost difference for common situations.

In every case above, the problem is solvable at the roadside — no tow needed. Some companies tow vehicles for problems that could be fixed on site, charging $150+ when a $75 roadside fix would have worked. London Towing always recommends the least expensive option that actually solves the problem. If a boost will get your car running, we do the boost — we do not upsell a tow you do not need.

Why One Company for Both Services Is Better

Many drivers think they need to call a separate roadside assistance company for a battery boost and a different tow truck company for towing. This creates confusion and wasted time — especially in an emergency. London Towing handles everything from one truck.

The technician diagnoses on arrival. You describe the symptoms when you call. The technician arrives with equipment for both roadside fixes and towing. If a boost does not work because the battery is truly dead, the same truck can immediately tow you to a mechanic — no second call, no second wait, no second dispatch fee.

You only pay for what you actually need. If the technician arrives and determines a roadside fix will work, you pay the lower roadside rate. If a tow is needed, you pay for the tow. You are never charged for both.

One number to remember. Dead battery, flat tire, empty tank, locked out, stuck in a ditch, accident, engine failure — whatever the problem, the call is the same: (519) 914-3677. The dispatcher figures out what you need and sends the right response. For more on choosing the right company, see our guide to choosing a towing company.

Your Rights When You Call for Help

Whether you call a tow truck or roadside assistance, Ontario’s TSSEA protections apply. Here is what you are entitled to — every time.

For the full breakdown of Ontario towing regulations, read our Ontario towing rules guide. To protect yourself from scam operators, see our towing scams guide.

What to Tell the Dispatcher When You Call

The more information you give the dispatcher, the faster we send the right response. Here is the information to have ready when you call a tow truck or roadside assistance.

Towing & Roadside Assistance Across London

London Towing provides both towing and roadside assistance 24/7 across all London neighbourhoods — Downtown, Byron, Hyde Park, Masonville, White Oaks, Old East Village, Westmount, and Lambeth.

We also serve St. Thomas, Woodstock, Dorchester, Strathroy, and the 401/402 highway corridors. Full service range: 24-hour towing, heavy duty towing, accident recovery, insurance billing, and scrap car removal.

Frequently Asked Questions