Understanding the Cost of Towing and Roadside Assistance Coverage

When your vehicle breaks down or needs to be transported, towing services become a critical necessity. Understanding the cost of towing and how to secure roadside assistance can help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses. In this guide, we'll explore the factors that affect towing costs, options for roadside assistance coverage, and what you should know before hiring a towing service.

Key Takeaways

On average, drivers can expect to pay around $109 for a tow, but the final cost can vary significantly based on several factors. Towing services typically charge a base rate plus a per-mile rate, and prices can increase depending on the time of day and vehicle type. Roadside assistance coverage can be added to your auto insurance policy or obtained through membership with an auto club. Adding this coverage is generally affordable and can cover multiple tows annually. Before hiring a towing service, it's essential to clarify the total cost, understand rate calculations, and check the service's licensing and insurance.

How Much Does It Cost To Tow a Car?

The national average cost for towing a car hovers around $109. This figure represents a general benchmark, but the actual cost can fluctuate based on various factors. For instance, the cost of a tow can be influenced by the type of towing required, the size and weight of your vehicle, and the distance involved.

When your car breaks down, the cost of towing is usually lower compared to towing a vehicle after an accident. Additionally, if your car needs to be winched out of difficult terrain like mud or snow, extra fees may apply. These additional services can range from $50 to $250, depending on the complexity of the situation.

How Much Does It Cost To Tow a Car Per Mile?

Towing rates per mile generally range from $2.50 to $7.00. The cost tends to be higher for heavier vehicles and longer distances. The average towing cost per mile is not fixed and can increase for longer distances. For instance, a tow covering up to five miles may cost between $35 and $125, while a 40-mile tow might range from $125 to $275. For longer distances, such as 100 miles, the cost can go up to $600.

What Factors Determine the Cost To Tow a Car?

Several factors can impact the cost of towing, including:

• Type of Vehicle: Heavier vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans require more powerful towing equipment, which can increase the cost. Luxury vehicles or those with custom modifications may also incur higher fees due to the need for specialized care.

• Time of Day: Towing services requested during nighttime, weekends, or holidays often come with higher fees. These off-hour services are more expensive due to the additional staffing required outside regular operating hours.

• Distance: Most towing companies charge a base fee for hooking up the vehicle and then a per-mile rate for the distance traveled. The further your vehicle needs to be towed, the higher the total cost will be.

• Winching: If your vehicle is stuck in challenging terrain, such as mud or snow, you might need winching services to extract it. In some regions, such as Los Angeles, winching can cost between $70 and $200 per hour, plus additional charges if towing is required afterward.

Does Insurance Cover Car Towing?

Many auto insurance policies include roadside assistance, which often covers towing costs. If your current policy does not include this coverage, you may have the option to add it for an additional fee. Alternatively, you can purchase roadside assistance from standalone providers like AAA.

Here’s a snapshot of what you might pay for adding roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy:

• Liberty Mutual: $7-$35 annually
• Travelers (Basic): $10 annually, covering up to 15 miles
• USAA: $18-$24 annually
• Farmers: $20 annually
• Nationwide (Basic): $22-$24 annually, covering up to 15 miles
• Esurance: Varies, potentially free with collision and comprehensive coverage

Standalone roadside assistance memberships, such as those from AAA, offer various tiers of coverage:

• Classic: $52.50 annually, covering up to 7 miles
• Plus: $87.50 annually, covering up to 100 miles
• Premier: $116.50 annually, covering up to 200 miles for the first tow and 100 miles for subsequent tows

Are There Other Ways of Getting Towing Coverage?

Aside from purchasing roadside assistance through your auto insurance or from standalone providers, there are other options to explore:

• Vehicle Warranties: Some new vehicle warranties include roadside assistance as part of their coverage. This can include services such as towing, battery jumpstarts, and tire changes.

• Credit Card Benefits: Certain credit cards offer roadside assistance as part of their benefits package. Coverage can vary widely but may include towing, tire changes, lockout assistance, and emergency fuel delivery.

When Is Towing Most Needed?

Towing services are typically required in situations where a vehicle becomes inoperable or unsafe to drive. Common scenarios include:

• Mechanical Failures: When a vehicle breaks down and cannot be started or driven safely to a repair facility.

• Car Accidents: Removing damaged vehicles from the scene to ensure safety and restore traffic flow.

• Severe Weather: Conditions such as snowstorms, floods, or icy roads can lead to vehicles being stuck or stranded.

• Fuel Shortages or Flat Tires: When a vehicle runs out of fuel or has a flat tire and needs to be transported to the nearest service station.

What Should I Ask When Hiring a Towing Service?

Before hiring a towing service, make sure to ask the following key questions:

• What is the total cost? Understand the complete cost before agreeing to the service.

• How are rates calculated? Clarify how the service charges for towing, including any base fees and per-mile rates.

• What types of towing services are offered? Determine if they provide flatbed towing, wheel lift, or other types.

• Are they licensed and insured? Ensure that the towing service meets legal requirements and has insurance coverage.

• Are there references or reviews? Check for customer feedback or reviews to gauge the service’s reliability.

• How quickly can the tow truck driver arrive? Confirm the estimated arrival time to avoid long waits.

• Is there a service area limit? Find out if the towing service operates within specific geographic boundaries.

• What payment methods are accepted? Ensure they accept your preferred method of payment.

FAQs

1. What is the average cost of towing a car?

The national average cost for towing a car is around $109. However, the final cost can vary depending on factors such as distance, vehicle type, time of day, and additional services required.

2. How is the cost of towing calculated?

Towing costs are typically composed of a base rate for hooking up the vehicle and a per-mile rate for the distance traveled. Additional fees may apply for special services like winching or towing during off-hours.

3. What factors influence the cost of towing?

The main factors influencing towing costs include the type of vehicle (size and weight), time of day (night, weekends, or holidays), distance of the tow, and terrain conditions (such as mud or snow).

4. Does insurance cover towing costs?

Many auto insurance policies include roadside assistance, which often covers towing costs. If your policy does not include this, you may be able to add it for an additional fee or purchase coverage through standalone providers like AAA.

5. How can I get roadside assistance coverage?

You can obtain roadside assistance coverage by adding it to your auto insurance policy or by purchasing a membership with a roadside assistance provider such as AAA. Some new vehicle warranties and credit cards also offer roadside assistance.

6. Are there additional fees for winching services?

Yes, winching services, which are used to extract a vehicle from difficult terrain, can incur additional fees. For instance, in some areas, winching can cost between $70 and $200 per hour, plus any towing fees if the vehicle needs to be transported afterward.

7. What should I check before hiring a towing service?

Before hiring a towing service, check the total cost, how rates are calculated, the types of towing services offered, licensing and insurance status, arrival times, service area limits, and accepted payment methods.

8. How can I reduce towing costs?

To potentially lower towing costs, consider purchasing roadside assistance coverage in advance or choosing a towing service with transparent pricing. Some auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance as an add-on, which can be more cost-effective.

9. Can I get a quote before the tow?

Yes, most towing services can provide a quote based on the details you provide, such as the distance of the tow and the type of vehicle. It’s a good idea to request a quote beforehand to avoid unexpected charges.

10. When is towing most commonly needed?

Towing is most commonly needed in situations where a vehicle is inoperable or unsafe to drive, such as mechanical failures, car accidents, severe weather conditions, or when a vehicle runs out of fuel or has a flat tire.