When your car won't start in the Masonville parking lot or you're locked out at White Oaks Mall, you need help fast. But what exactly does "roadside assistance" cover? And when do you actually need a tow truck versus a quick fix on-site?
If you've ever stood in a parking lot Googling "what's included in roadside assistance," this guide is for you. We'll break down the most common services, what you can expect when you call, and how to know if you need a tow or just a jumpstart.
What Does Roadside Assistance Actually Cover?
Roadside assistance is the umbrella term for services that get you moving again without towing your vehicle. Think of it as the first line of defense when something goes wrong.
Here's what's typically included:
Battery Boosts (Jump Starts) Your battery died at the Costco on Wellington Road. A technician arrives with a portable booster pack, connects it to your battery, and gets you running in about 10-15 minutes. If your battery is completely dead or failing, we'll let you know — sometimes a boost will get you home, but you'll need a new battery soon.
Need a boost right now? Call (226) 476-4176. We serve Byron, Hyde Park, Westmount, and everywhere in between.
Lockout Service Left your keys in the car at Cherryhill Mall? Happens more often than you'd think. A lockout service uses specialized tools to unlock your vehicle without damaging it. Most lockouts are resolved in 15-20 minutes, and you're back on the road.
Flat Tire Changes If you have a spare tire, we'll swap it out for you. If you don't have a spare (or it's also flat), we can tow you to a nearby shop. Tire changes usually take 20-30 minutes depending on the vehicle and whether your spare is accessible.
Fuel Delivery Ran out of gas on Highway 401 near the Wonderland exit? We'll bring you enough fuel to get to the nearest station — usually 5-10 litres. It's not a full tank, but it's enough to get you moving.
Winching and Extrication Slid into a ditch on a snowy morning in Lambeth? Got stuck in mud off Veterans Memorial Parkway? Winching pulls your vehicle back onto the road using a tow truck's winch system. Depending on how stuck you are, this can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.
How Long Does Roadside Assistance Take?
Response times vary depending on where you are and what time you call.
In London city limits (Byron, Masonville, White Oaks, Argyle, Wortley Village, Oakridge, Westmount), expect 20-40 minutes on average during the day. Late night or early morning? Could be faster — less traffic, fewer calls.
Highway 401, 402, or Highway 3 calls usually take 30-50 minutes depending on your exact location. If you're between exits or in a high-traffic area, it might take a bit longer for safety reasons.
St. Thomas and Woodstock areas are typically 30-50 minutes from dispatch, depending on where our nearest truck is when you call.
Winter weather, rush hour, and road closures can add time. If you call during an ice storm when half of London is sliding off the road, expect delays — but we'll get to you.
When Do You Need a Tow Truck Instead?
Sometimes roadside assistance isn't enough. Here's when you need an actual tow:
- Your car won't start even after a boost — likely a bigger electrical or mechanical issue
- You don't have a spare tire, or your spare is also flat
- Your transmission won't engage — the car runs but won't move
- You hit something and the car isn't driveable — bent wheel, leaking fluids, etc.
- Your check engine light is on and the car is running rough or overheating
- You're stuck so badly that winching isn't enough
If you're not sure whether you need roadside help or a tow, just call (226) 476-4176 and describe what's happening. We'll let you know what you need — no upselling, no BS.
What's NOT Included in Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance handles common breakdowns, but it doesn't cover everything. Here's what it won't do:
- Mechanical repairs — we can boost your battery or change a tire, but we can't replace your alternator on the side of the road
- Multiple service calls for the same issue — if we boost your battery and it dies again 10 minutes later, you need a tow to a shop, not another boost
- Off-road recovery in extreme conditions — if your vehicle is submerged, rolled, or in a dangerous location, that's a specialized recovery job
Do You Need Roadside Assistance or Just a Towing Company?
Good question. Here's the difference:
Roadside assistance is for minor issues that can be fixed on-site: dead battery, flat tire, lockout, out of gas. You're back on the road without a tow.
Towing is for when your car can't be fixed where it is. You need it transported to a shop, your home, or another location.
Most towing companies (including us) offer both. When you call, we'll figure out what you need based on what's happening with your vehicle.
Does Insurance Cover Roadside Assistance?
Many auto insurance policies in Ontario include roadside assistance, but not all. Check your policy or call your insurer to confirm. If it's covered, you'll usually pay nothing out of pocket — we bill your insurance directly.
Don't have coverage? No problem. We offer pay-as-you-go rates for all roadside services. Call (226) 476-4176 for a quote.
Can You Call Roadside Assistance If You're Not the Owner?
Yes. If you're driving someone else's vehicle (a friend's car, a rental, a family member's truck), you can still call for roadside help. We'll need the vehicle details and your location, but ownership doesn't matter in an emergency.
What to Do While You Wait for Roadside Assistance
You've called for help. Now what?
Stay safe. If you're on Highway 401, 402, or any busy road, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on unless it's unsafe to do so. If you must get out, move well away from traffic.
Turn on your hazard lights. Makes you visible to other drivers and helps us spot you faster.
Note your exact location. If you're on a highway, check the kilometer marker or nearest exit. In the city, a street address or major intersection is enough. The more specific you are, the faster we'll find you.
Have your phone handy. We might need to call you for clarification or to let you know we're close.
Why Call Ems Towing for Roadside Assistance?
We're a local company based in the London area. That means:
- Fast response times — our trucks are already in Byron, Masonville, Hyde Park, and across the city, not coming from out of town
- We know the area — Highways 401, 402, Highway 3, Wonderland Road, Wellington Road, Veterans Memorial Parkway — we've been there
- Transparent pricing — we'll tell you the cost before we dispatch, and we don't tack on surprise fees
- We offer more than just towing — battery boosts, lockouts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and highway recovery are all available
Stuck and need help? Call (226) 476-4176 24/7.
Common Roadside Questions
How much does roadside assistance cost in London, Ontario? It depends on the service. A battery boost typically runs $80-$120. A lockout is usually $75-$100. Tire changes are similar. Fuel delivery costs vary based on distance. Call for an exact quote based on your location and what you need.
Can you get roadside assistance at 3 AM? Yes. Breakdowns don't wait for business hours, and neither do we. We're available 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
What if I'm not in London — do you cover St. Thomas and Woodstock? Yes. We serve St. Thomas, Woodstock, and the surrounding area. Response times are a bit longer than in-city calls, but we'll get to you.
Do I tip the roadside assistance driver? Not required, but appreciated if you feel the service was excellent. Most people don't, and that's completely fine.
When in Doubt, Just Call
If your car isn't doing what it's supposed to do and you're not sure if you need roadside help or a tow, don't waste time Googling. Call (226) 476-4176 and talk to a real person. We'll ask a few questions, figure out what's going on, and send the right help.
No sales pitch. No runaround. Just honest advice and fast service in London, St. Thomas, Woodstock, and everywhere in between.
For more info on specific services, check out our battery boost service, lockout help, or FAQ page.