Provider guide

How to Start a Roadside Assistance Business (With or Without Towing)

Roadside assistance is one of the last vehicle-service businesses you can start without a tow truck, a shop, or a big loan. A working van, basic tools, and $2M in commercial liability insurance is enough to run legally in most US states. This is the full playbook.

$2–5K startup

Tools + insurance + LLC.

No tow required

Jumpstart, tire, fuel, lockout.

Scale later

Add a wheel-lift when volume justifies it.

1. Decide: with towing or without

Without towing is the fastest path. You offer jumpstarts, flat tire changes, mobile tire install, battery replacement, fuel delivery, lockouts, and winch-outs. No CDL, no tow truck, no DOT number required in most states. Startup cost: $2,000–$5,000.

With towing unlocks the biggest ticket ($75+ per call) but adds a commercial driver's license, a $30–60K wheel-lift or flatbed truck, DOT registration, and a heavier insurance policy ($1M+ auto liability, on-hook, garage-keepers). Most owners start without towing and add it after month 6.

2. Register the business

• Form an LLC in your state ($50–$500). Keeps personal assets separate.
• Get an EIN from the IRS (free, 10 minutes online).
• Open a business bank account.
• Register for state sales tax if your state taxes labor (most don't for roadside).

3. Get the right insurance

Non-negotiable. Without insurance, one dropped car pays out your house.

• Commercial general liability: $1M–$2M per occurrence.
• Commercial auto on your service vehicle ($500K minimum).
• On-hook / cargo if you tow.
• Garage-keepers if you'll hold customer vehicles overnight.

Progressive Commercial, Nationwide, and Sentry all write roadside policies. Typical cost: $180–$400/month without towing, $600–$1,200/month with.

4. Buy the starter tool kit

• Jump pack (NOCO Boost Pro GBX155)
• Cordless impact wrench + sockets
• Floor jack + jack stands
• Tire plug kit + portable inflator
• Long-reach lockout kit
• 5-gal gas can + diesel can
• Portable winch or come-along
• Cones, hi-vis vest, flashlight

Total: about $1,200–$1,800 for pro-grade gear.

5. Set your pricing

Flat $45–$65 per service is the market standard in 2026. Undercutting hurts you — customers who want the cheapest option are the ones who dispute charges. Match or beat the local independent, not AAA.

6. Get your first paying calls

The hardest part. Options ranked by speed to first call:

Join a dispatch network like I NEED ROADSIDE — customers request on our app, we send you the job, you keep 100% of the service fee. No leads to buy, no marketing spend. Fastest path to your first paid call.
Google Business Profile with 24/7 hours + service area — free.
Facebook Marketplace + local groups.
Contact independent shops and used-car lots that hate towing their own inventory.
Sign up with insurer networks (Agero, Urgently) — slower onboarding, lower per-call payout.

7. State-specific requirements

Licensing rules vary. Here's what to check in your state:

Skip the marketing. Get calls day one.

Apply as a provider on I NEED ROADSIDE. We send you jobs. You keep the money. No leads to buy.

Apply as a provider