Roadside towing at night
This clip shows a tow truck and sedan on a wet street. Tell Rick’s the vehicle’s exact position, symptoms and safe access point when calling.
Roadside assistance in Chicago: direct service or benefit coverage?
Rick’s takes direct calls for mobile roadside service in Lake View East and Chicago’s North Side. Describe the problem first: a weak battery, locked-in keys, a flat tire with a usable spare, an empty fuel tank or a car that cannot be driven. Confirm availability and the price for that service.
If you plan to use AAA, insurance or a vehicle-manufacturer benefit, contact that provider first to confirm authorization, eligible services and reimbursement rules. Calling Rick’s directly does not establish coverage or an affiliation with your benefit provider. Compare roadside services with membership coverage.
Choose the right contact for your situation
- Immediate danger or injuries: call 911.
- Illinois Tollway incident: use the official *999 guidance.
- Membership or insurance benefits: ask your provider to confirm coverage and dispatch.
- Direct local service: call Rick’s at (312) 451-5785 with the pickup location and vehicle details.
See service versus benefit coverage before booking independently. If your parked car is missing, start with the City vehicle-search information.
Give us the symptoms and the access details
Before arranging help, describe what the vehicle does: slow cranking, clicking, normal cranking without starting, a stall, a flat tire, locked-in keys or suspected empty fuel. Add any recent service attempt and what happened afterward. You do not need to diagnose the fault before calling.
- Location: address, closest intersection, travel direction if on a road, and where the vehicle sits.
- Vehicle: year, make, model and hybrid/EV status; include AWD or 4WD for towing.
- Access: garage entrance and clearance, gate access, alley approach, blocked spaces and key availability.
- Service details: usable spare and wheel-lock key for a tire change; fuel type for delivery; destination for a tow.
Share only what you can establish from a safe place. Confirm the service, total price and current arrival estimate before agreeing.
On a highway, prioritize a protected waiting position
Illinois Secretary of State guidance advises moving well off the road, using emergency flashers and remaining with the vehicle, seat belt fastened and doors locked. Immediate danger such as fire can require a different response; call 911 and follow emergency instructions. Do not step into traffic to inspect a wheel or flag down a truck.
See the Chicago breakdown safety checklist.
Start with the problem, not the service name
A no-start could be a discharged battery, starter problem or another fault. A flat tire might be changed with a usable spare, while a vehicle without one may need a tow. Explain the symptoms and Rick’s can discuss what service fits.
Local help, specific details
Rick’s primarily serves Lake View East and works across Chicago’s North Side. Share your nearest cross streets, the vehicle type and any access restrictions so availability can be confirmed for that location.
What to tell Rick’s
These details help us check the right service, availability, arrival estimate and price:
- Exact location or nearest cross streets
- Vehicle year, make and model
- The immediate problem and any warning lights
- Keys, usable spare tire or garage access, if relevant
Common questions
Is roadside assistance available at night?
Rick’s is open 24/7. Call to confirm availability, an arrival estimate and pricing for your specific situation.
What if the vehicle cannot be repaired roadside?
Rick’s may be able to provide light-duty wheel-lift towing if the vehicle and access are compatible.
Ready to discuss your vehicle?
Share your location, vehicle details and symptoms. Confirm availability, arrival estimate and price by phone.
Call (312) 451-5785Explore related help
See other guides on this site or visit Rick’s main website for roadside assistance details.
Useful next steps
Services and coverage questions · What to do after a breakdown
Questions before you call
What is Rick’s roadside assistance phone number?
Call (312) 451-5785. Rick’s Emergency Roadside Assistance is open 24/7 and serves Lake View East, Chicago’s North Side and covered nearby suburbs. Confirm availability and price for your exact location.
What if I need roadside assistance right now?
If anyone is injured or in immediate danger, call 911 first. Once safe, call Rick’s with your location and symptoms to discuss a jump start, usable-spare change, lockout, fuel delivery or suitable towing. Current availability must be confirmed.
Help for specific situations
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