AI Phone Assistant for Trades

How Clara answers your phone

Answers when you need coverage

Clara can answer calls around the clock using a natural-sounding voice. Forward your business line or use a Clara number, then test the setup before relying on it.

Asks your intake questions

Configure the questions Clara should ask about the caller, job, location, timing, and urgency so your team gets the details it needs for follow-up.

Creates a call summary

After a call, Clara sends a written summary to your phone. Spam filtering helps separate likely business inquiries from unwanted calls.

What an AI phone assistant can handle

Answer calls when you or your crew cannot reach the phone
Ask the job, location, timing, and callback questions you configure
Capture caller details and send a structured summary
Provide consistent intake during busy periods and after hours

What stays with your team

Diagnosing the job or making safety decisions
Quoting work that needs trade judgment or an inspection
Dispatching emergency work without your escalation rules
Following up when a caller needs a person or the details are unclear

Start with a written intake plan, test it with realistic calls, and keep a person responsible for exceptions. Use the overflow call answering guide for busy periods, the after-hours checklist for closed-office coverage, or the emergency escalation plan for urgent-call handoffs.

Built for contractors and trades

Clara works as an AI phone assistant for trades and local service businesses. See how it can support caller intake for your line of work:

Plumbers Electricians Cleaning services Roofers Auto repair Carpenters

Comparing your options? Read our guide to the best AI phone answering services for US contractors, or see Clara's pricing. New to the category? Start with what an AI receptionist is and how it works.

AI phone assistants, explained

What is an AI phone assistant for trades?

An AI phone assistant for trades answers business calls using a natural-sounding voice, asks the intake questions the business sets, captures caller details, and sends a summary. It can provide call coverage while a contractor or crew is working, driving, or off the clock.

How much does an AI phone answering service cost?

Clara starts at $39.99/month, with a 7-day free trial on eligible monthly plans and no per-minute fees. Compare the included features, usage limits, phone setup, and escalation workflow with the other options you are considering.

Is an AI phone answering service better than voicemail?

Unlike voicemail, an AI phone assistant can ask follow-up questions, capture what the caller needs, and send the details to your team. You should test the setup with representative calls before relying on it.

Does Clara work with my existing phone number?

Yes. Keep your current business number and forward calls to Clara when you can't pick up, or use your Clara number as a dedicated second business line and advertise it directly. Choose the setup that fits how your team handles calls.

Can an AI answering service take calls 24/7?

Clara can provide call coverage around the clock, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Set clear intake and escalation rules, then test routine, urgent, spam, and unclear calls before using it for after-hours coverage.

Reviewed by Adam Stevens, Co-founder, Clara · Last reviewedAugust 22, 2026

A phone assistant for the calls you can't take