You don’t need a membership to get roadside assistance. You can call a local towing and roadside company directly and pay for the one call, use a pay-per-use service through your insurer or credit card, or check whether your car’s warranty already covers you. In Metro Detroit, Skyline Towing handles jump starts, lockouts and flat tire changes with no sign-up: $100 in Wayne County and $125 in Oakland County.
Your options without a membership
Call a local company directly
You pay only for the call you need, you get a price up front, and the company that answers is the one that sends the truck. This is often the fastest option because there’s no call center in between.
Pay-per-use through insurance or a credit card
Some insurers and credit cards offer roadside service you pay for only when you use it, sometimes at a set price. It’s worth checking your card benefits and policy before you need it.
Your car’s warranty program
Many new vehicles come with roadside assistance for a few years. Check your owner’s app or manual. If the car is still under warranty, this may be free.
Add it to your auto policy
If you’d like coverage going forward, many insurers add roadside assistance to a policy for a small cost. Read the mileage limits and the number of calls allowed per year.
Pay per use or membership: which costs less?
If you need help once every year or two, paying per call usually costs less than an annual membership. If you drive an older car, commute long distances, travel a lot, or have several drivers in the house, a plan can pay for itself. Our roadside assistance plans guide walks through the trade-offs.
What to ask before you pay
- What’s the total price for this service?
- If it can’t be fixed on site, what would a tow cost, and can the same truck do it?
- How long until someone arrives?
- How can I pay?
Roadside help in Metro Detroit, no membership
Call Skyline Towing at (248) 832-6000, any time. Typical arrival is 45 to 60 minutes. See our roadside assistance page and prices.
Skyline Towing, 6450 E Hancock St, Detroit, MI 48207. (248) 832-6000.