What to compare
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Does it triage with your rules? | Stops 2am pages for drips |
| Does it state your fee and record a yes? | No wasted trips |
| Does it dispatch, or take a message? | Messages get slept through |
| Does it escalate if the tech doesn't answer? | Nobody falls through the cracks |
| Per minute, per call, or flat? | Storm nights and long calls |
| Does it book routine calls? | Night callers become morning jobs |
Check each provider's current plans and features directly; pricing and features change, and we don't quote their prices here.
Live answering vs an AI emergency line
Live services put a person on every call, which some businesses value. An AI emergency line answers every call at once, applies your rules the same way every time, and handles the dispatch chain itself.
Paging Mike (on call)… "Burst pipe, 12 Oak St, fee agreed. Press 1 to accept."
(presses 1)
Customer texted: a technician has accepted and will call you shortly
Try before you switch
Call your current service tonight with a realistic emergency and time how long until a tech is actually on the way. 85% of callers who can't reach a business won't call back (BIA/Kelsey).
What Josie does
- 24/7 Emergency Line: Answers every after-hours call and sorts real emergencies from routine jobs with your rules.
- On-Call Paging + Schedules: Calls your on-call tech with the details. Press 1 to accept. No answer? Next person, then you.
- Emergency Fee Consent + Payment Link: States your after-hours fee and gets a clear yes before anyone is woken. Can text a payment link.
- For your trade: 24/7 Emergency Answering Service for Home Service Companies
Common questions
What is a good alternative to AnswerConnect for contractors?
Look for a service that triages with your rules, gets agreement to your emergency fee and dispatches your on-call tech with escalation. HireJosie does all three at a flat price.
Do I need to change my phone number to switch?
No. With HireJosie you forward your existing number.
What does HireJosie cost?
HireJosie is $29/month for 200 AI minutes, starting with a 7-day free trial — cancel before day 7 and you pay nothing. Pro is $79/month for 500 minutes, with $0.25/minute overage after that. Every feature is on every plan, and every plan starts with a 7-day free trial.