> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://answeringservicecare.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://answeringservicecare.com/docs/ai/choosing-the-right-answering-model.md).
# Choosing the right answering model
ASC offers three answering models: AI, live, and hybrid. The right choice depends on your call types, service expectations, and staffing strategy.
ASC also supports AI capabilities across voice and messaging workflows. These include Voice AI, SMS AI, text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and multilingual support in 80+ languages.
### At a glance
* **AI answering** fits routine, structured interactions that benefit from speed and consistency.
* **Live answering** fits high-touch conversations where every caller should reach a trained agent.
* **Hybrid answering** fits operations that want both automation and live support in one model.
### AI answering
AI answering is a strong fit when you want immediate coverage, repeatable workflows, and support for high call volume.
Common fits include:
* after-hours coverage
* overflow support
* routine intake, scheduling, and message taking
See [AI Answering](/docs/ai/readme.md).
### AI capabilities beyond answering models
ASC offers AI capabilities that can support both automated and agent-assisted workflows.
* **Voice AI** supports inbound call handling, intake, routing, and escalation.
* **SMS AI** supports text-based conversations, intake, updates, and follow-up workflows.
* **TTS** converts configured responses into natural spoken audio.
* **STT** turns caller speech into text so workflows can understand and act on it.
* **Multilingual AI** supports interactions in 80+ languages across supported use cases.
### Test a live AI agent
Choose an industry vertical to test a live AI agent.
| Industry vertical | Demo number | Core AI capabilities |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Home Services
Anchor Plumbing Co.
| [(866) 651-1340](tel:+18666511340) | Identifies plumbing emergencies, including flooding and gas leaks. Routes urgent calls to on-call crews. Books routine jobs on a live calendar. |
| IT & Tech Support
Cortex IT / Northpoint
| [(844) 791-0976](tel:+18447910976) | Handles first-level technical support, including password resets and credential issues. Escalates critical outages. |
| Property Management
Marlin Bay
| [(866) 651-1353](tel:+18666511353) | Manages property intake. Separates standard maintenance requests from urgent tenant emergencies. |
| Finance & Accounting
Saul the Tax Man
| [(866) 651-1348](tel:+18666511348) | Handles professional client intake. Schedules new and returning tax clients directly on a calendar. |
| Legal Services
Hank Hill Law
| [(866) 651-1489](tel:+18666511489) | Conducts bilingual English and Spanish legal intake. Screens for conflicts and captures case details. |
{% hint style="info" %}
Answering Service Care uses the contact information you provide to contact you about its services. By texting these numbers, you agree to receive SMS messages from Answering Service Care. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply `HELP` for help or `STOP` to opt out.
{% endhint %}
### Live answering
Live answering is a strong fit when the conversation itself is part of the service experience. It works well when callers need reassurance, flexibility, or nuanced handling from the start.
Common fits include:
* sensitive or urgent conversations
* high-touch client service
* workflows that depend on human judgment
### Hybrid answering
Hybrid answering combines both approaches. It lets AI handle routine interactions while live agents step in for exceptions, escalation, or high-touch moments.
Common fits include:
* mixed call flows with both routine and complex conversations
* after-hours coverage with live escalation
* teams that want efficiency without giving up human support
See [Hybrid: AI plus live](/docs/ai/hybrid-answering.md).
### How to choose
Start with the type of experience you want callers to have.
* Choose **AI** when consistency, speed, and automation matter most.
* Choose **live** when every caller should speak with a person.
* Choose **hybrid** when you want both, with clear rules for handoff.
{% hint style="info" %}
You can start with one model and adjust over time as your workflows, volume, or service expectations change.
{% endhint %}
### Related
* [AI Answering](/docs/ai/readme.md)
* [How AI answers your calls](/docs/ai/how-ai-answers.md)
* [Hybrid: AI plus live](/docs/ai/hybrid-answering.md)
* [Get started with AI](/docs/ai/get-started.md)
---
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