When your car breaks down in Lynnwood or anywhere in Snohomish County, you have two main options: roadside assistance or towing. Understanding the difference can help you get back on the road faster and potentially save money.
Roadside assistance services can fix many problems on the spot. They handle dead batteries with jump starts, unlock your car if you're locked out, bring fuel if you run out, and change flat tires when you have a spare. These services are often included with AAA membership, new car warranties, or credit card benefits.
Towing is necessary when your vehicle can't be fixed roadside. Engine failure, accident damage, transmission problems, or any issue that makes your car unsafe to drive requires professional towing to a repair shop.
For Snohomish County residents, AAA offers three membership tiers: Classic (5-mile tow), Plus (100-mile tow - popular for mountain pass travel), and Premier (200-mile tow). Visit AAA's website for current pricing, as rates may change. Remember, AAA covers the member, not the vehicle, so you're covered in any car you're driving.
Key Points
- Roadside fixes on-site: battery jump, lockout, fuel delivery, flat tire with spare
- Towing required for: engine failure, accident damage, no spare available
- AAA Classic: 5-mile tow included
- AAA Plus: 100-mile tow (great for mountain pass travel)
- AAA Premier: 200-mile tow
- AAA membership covers the member, not the vehicle
- WSDOT Incident Response is FREE on state highways (I-5, SR-99)
- Check AAA's website for current membership pricing
Local Resources
| Resource | Phone | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| WSDOT Incident Response | 911 | Free highway assistance |
| AAA Washington | 1-800-222-4357 | Member roadside service |
| Lynnwood Police (non-emergency) | (425) 744-6900 | Accident reports |