Last updated · May 13, 2026
Terms of Service
These Terms govern your use of RoadKin (“RoadKin”, “we”, “us”), a roadside-assistance marketplace operated in metro Detroit, Michigan. By booking a service, creating an account, or using our website, mobile app, or phone lines, you agree to these Terms. If you don't agree, don't use RoadKin.
1. What RoadKin is
RoadKin is a marketplace that connects vehicle owners (“Customers”) needing roadside assistance with independent service providers (“Operators”) operating their own businesses. We do not own tow trucks, employ Operators, or perform service ourselves. Operators are independent contractors who carry their own commercial auto, general liability, and where applicable garagekeeper's insurance.
2. Booking + dispatch
When you book a service, we collect details about your situation, quote a price up front, and authorize a hold on your payment method. We then dispatch the closest available Operator who meets the service's requirements. If no Operator is available, your hold is released automatically — you are not charged.
- Pricing: The quote you see at booking is the price you pay if the service is completed. Tip is optional and entirely yours; 100% goes to the Operator.
- Hold vs. capture: Your card is held when you book, captured only when the Operator marks the service complete.
- Cancellation: You may cancel pre-arrival and your hold is released. After the Operator arrives or has departed for your location, a partial trip fee may apply.
3. Liability for vehicle damage
RoadKin does not perform service. Operators are independent contractors responsible for the quality and safety of their work. Damage caused by an Operator is the Operator's responsibility and is covered by the Operator's required insurance, not by RoadKin. We do not provide commercial auto, towing-property, or general liability coverage for Operators.
If damage occurs, document it before the Operator leaves the scene (photos, witness info) and contact us within 24 hours so we can coordinate with the Operator's insurer. RoadKin maintains a marketplace E&O policy for our own platform operations but it is not a substitute for the Operator's coverage.
4. Your responsibilities
- Provide accurate location, vehicle, and contact information.
- Be reachable by phone or text after dispatch. Operators can't help you if they can't find you.
- Don't obstruct or interfere with service. If you make the work unsafe, the Operator may decline and the hold may still be captured.
- Don't use RoadKin for unlawful purposes (e.g., evading a tow legitimately ordered by police or property owners).
5. Payments + refunds
Payments are processed by Stripe. RoadKin does not store full card numbers. Operators are paid via Stripe Connect.
- Successful service: Your card is captured for the quoted amount + any optional tip. Receipts are emailed automatically.
- No service rendered: Your hold is released. You are not charged.
- Disputes:Reach out within 24 hours of service and we'll review with the Operator. If we made an error or the service was deficient, we'll refund. Routine satisfaction disagreements with the Operator (e.g., service was completed but you didn't like the Operator's attitude) are not grounds for refund.
- Chargebacks:Initiating a chargeback for a service we've documented as completed may result in account termination and a permanent service ban.
6. Operator obligations
Operators must hold valid Michigan tow licensing for the cities they cover, commercial auto + general liability insurance, and clear Checkr background and motor-vehicle screening. Operators agree to accept or decline dispatches honestly, perform service to industry standard, and bring service-appropriate equipment.
7. Acceptable use
Don't do any of the following on or through RoadKin: book false or fraudulent services, harass Operators or our team, scrape or replicate our platform, attempt to interfere with our systems, or impersonate another person.
8. Privacy
We collect and use information about you as described in our Privacy Policy. By using RoadKin you consent to those practices.
9. Communications
By booking, you consent to receive transactional communications by email, SMS, and voice related to your booking — confirmation, operator dispatch, ETA updates, completion, and receipts. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time but transactional messages are required to deliver the service you booked.
10. Limitation of liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, RoadKin's aggregate liability for any claim arising out of these Terms or your use of the platform is limited to the amount you paid us for the service giving rise to the claim, or one hundred US dollars (US$100), whichever is greater. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, including lost profits, lost data, or lost time.
11. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless RoadKin and its officers, employees, and agents from any claim arising out of your misuse of the platform, violation of these Terms, or violation of any third party's rights.
12. Dispute resolution + governing law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. Any dispute between you and RoadKin will first be addressed by good-faith communication. If unresolved, disputes will be resolved by binding arbitration in Wayne County, Michigan, on an individual (not class) basis, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
13. Changes
We may update these Terms. Material changes will be announced via email or in-app notice with reasonable advance notice. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance.
14. Contact
Questions about these Terms? Email hello@roadkin.co or call (313) 644-5166.