The Towing & Roadside Assistance category brings together all emergency service providers for stranded drivers across Israel — large towing companies, independent private tow truck operators, insurance company roadside assistance, and advanced vehicle recovery specialists. When your car breaks down in the middle of Highway 6 at night, gets stuck in a commercial parking lot, overheats in traffic, gets bogged down in mud after a forest trip, or is unfortunately involved in an accident — the professionals in this category are the first to reach you. They operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays, providing solutions for every type of vehicle — from scooters to heavy-duty trucks.
Types of Towing — Which Truck Suits Which Vehicle
There are three main types of tow trucks in the Israeli market: Flatbed Tow Truck — the most common and safest truck. The entire vehicle is loaded onto a horizontal flatbed that lowers hydraulically to the ground, completely eliminating wear and tear on the gearbox, tires, and steering system. This is the recommended towing method for automatic transmission vehicles, electric vehicles, 4x4 vehicles with a central differential, and luxury cars. Wheel-Lift Tow Truck — a system that lifts only the two front wheels using a hydraulic arm, while the rear wheels roll on the road. Suitable only for manual transmission, front-wheel-drive vehicles, and for short distances only. Tow Hook — an old and not recommended method, it endangers both vehicles and is usually prohibited on highways. Motorcycle towing requires a special truck with a dedicated rail or ramp.
When to Call a Tow Truck vs. Roadside Assistance
It's important to understand the difference: Roadside Assistance handles minor issues that can be resolved on the spot — a flat…
Tips for choosing a professional
Save your insurance company's roadside assistance number on your mobile phone — before you get stranded.
Photograph your vehicle from all sides before it's loaded onto the tow truck — important for proving damages.
Agree on the price in writing before loading the vehicle — not during the journey and certainly not at the end.
For electric or hybrid vehicles, demand only a flatbed tow truck — otherwise, tens of thousands of shekels in damage.
If you have children — ask the tow truck operator to order a taxi for you; most companies agree without extra charge.
Do not let the vehicle shorten the journey if it's overheating — pull over immediately and call a tow truck.
Once a year, check that you have a working spare tire, jack, and lug wrench in your car.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for a tow truck to arrive?
In urban areas: 20-45 minutes during the day, 30-60 minutes at night. On intercity roads: 30-90 minutes. In remote areas (Arava, Upper Galilee): up to 2 hours. Insurance company roadside assistance usually commits to a maximum of 60 minutes.
How much does an average tow cost?
Towing up to 30 km: 250-600 NIS. Each additional km: 5-10 NIS. Night towing (22:00-06:00) and Saturday towing add 50-100% to the price. Complex recovery: 1,500-5,000 NIS.
Does my insurance cover towing?
Most comprehensive policies include basic roadside assistance: one tow per year up to 30-50 km, tire change, jump start, and roadside aid. Check your policy — Plus/VIP services include more.
Which type of tow truck is suitable for my car?
For automatic, electric, hybrid, 4x4, and luxury vehicles — flatbed towing is mandatory. For manual transmission, front-wheel-drive vehicles — a wheel-lift tow truck can also be used for short distances.
What's the difference between towing and roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance solves problems on the spot (flat tire, dead battery, keys). Towing moves the vehicle to a garage when it cannot continue driving (engine malfunction, accident).
How do you tow an electric vehicle?
Only with a flatbed tow truck! Manual towing can burn out the inverter and cause tens of thousands of shekels in damage. Make sure the tow truck operator understands electric vehicles.
What to do if I'm offered a tow truck I didn't request?
You are not obligated to accept or pay. Ask for a towing license certificate, photograph the vehicle before loading, sign a written price agreement beforehand, and do not agree to surcharges after the vehicle is on the tow truck.