> 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/overview/answering-modes.md).

# Live, AI & Hybrid Answering

ASC gives you three flexible ways to cover calls, so you can match support to your business, budget, and caller needs.

<figure><img src="/files/kn0AkIiXMx7685Zg3g4p" alt="Live answering, AI answering, or both in one place: three answering modes from one trusted partner"><figcaption><p>Live, AI, or hybrid, three answering modes in one place.</p></figcaption></figure>

### The three modes

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#### Live answering

Professional, US-based live agents answer your calls, follow your script, capture messages, transfer calls, and escalate based on your instructions.
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#### AI answering

A multilingual AI assistant answers calls, captures messages, transfers calls, uses your personalized greetings, and can set appointments. It escalates to a live agent 24/7 when a call needs a person.
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#### Hybrid (both)

Run AI and live answering together. The AI handles routine calls and hands off to a live agent through **24/7 human escalation**, routed by your rules, so the routine is automated and everything else reaches a person.

### What's included across modes

All plans include the ASC web and mobile app, email and SMS notifications, secure messaging, personalized greetings, and usage reporting. Higher tiers add call recording, a dedicated account manager, integrations, and appointment setting. Live chat is available as an add-on.

### Choosing a mode

* **Live** when every call should reach a trained agent.
* **AI** for high-volume, routine call handling, with multilingual support.
* **Hybrid** to automate the routine and escalate the rest to a live agent.

### Plans

Each mode is offered in Starter, Small Business, Pro, and Enterprise plans, billed monthly or annually (annual plans save up to 10%), with no long-term contracts on standard plans. The Enterprise plan adds a dedicated account manager and a free integration. See Plans and pricing for the tiers, or the live [pricing page](https://answeringservicecare.com/pricing) for current rates.

Your active mode and routing rules are configured with your implementation specialist. See the Implementation checklist to get set up.


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