Towing a Car Cost

• Having a tow truck move a disabled vehicle to a repair shop, residence or other destination typically means paying a base rate (sometimes called a hook-up fee) of $35 -$100, and $2.50 -$5 per mile; the first five to seven miles may be included in the base fee. These are average price ranges; in areas with no legal limits on towing fees and few or no competing tow companies, the cost can be much higher. Generally, a typical tow of five miles or less might cost $35 -$125; a 40-mile tow could be $125 -$275; a 100-mile tow could cost $275 -$600; and having a vehicle towed hundreds of miles could cost $1,000 or more.
• Some companies charge 20%-25% more for towing a truck or other heavy-duty vehicle. For example, Harris Towing Service & Auto Repair Center in Delaware has a flat rate of $60 for local towing; long-distance is a $75 hook-up fee plus $3.50 per mile; and towing a heavy-duty vehicle has a $150 -$175 hook-up fee plus $5.50 -$7.00 per mile.
• If the vehicle to be towed is stuck in mud or off the road in a ditch, total costs may be higher because the vehicle may need to be winched out of wherever it is stuck, and the tow will take longer. This is typically billed at $50 -$200 an hour. Phoenix Towing Service in Arizona charges $90 -$100 an hour for recoveries using a winch.
• Some insurance companies offer free towing and other services as part of a roadside assistance package or auto club membership for $15 -$360 or more a year, depending on the services provided. This free towing may be linked to the specific vehicle or to the driver regardless of vehicle. GEICO charges its policyholders $14 a year per vehicle for its Emergency Road Service with 24-hour toll-free assistance. Allstate Motor Club costs about $52 -$108 annually, with prices varying slightly based on region and services offered The cost of AAA membership varies by region but with five miles free towing it typically costs $49 -$69 annually or $91 -$114 with 100 miles for one driver; adding more drivers can cost $25 -$75 each.

• There may be an overtime charge for tow truck service on nights, weekends or holidays. For example, Ace Towing in North Carolina has flat rates of $83 -$90 for up to seven miles, but charges a $135 minimum from 10pm to 7am or on holidays.

• To find a tow truck, ask for a recommendation from a mechanic, friend or neighbor. If far from home, ask the local police to suggest a company that has the requisite training and equipment.
• When calling for a tow truck, be ready to give an exact description of the vehicle to be towed, its location and the nature of the problem. Members of an auto club or roadside assistance program will typically find the phone number to call for assistance listed on their membership card.
• If the car is disabled by the side of the road, make sure the vehicle is safely out of the flow of traffic, turn on the hazard lights and, if available, put out flares or warning triangles. While waiting for the tow truck, gather up any personal belongings that shouldn't be left in the vehicle. Most tow companies warn against standing on the side of the road, and recommend waiting inside the vehicle or in a nearby building within sight of the vehicle.
• For help finding a reliable repair facility, check sites such as the National Institute for Auto Service Excellence or the International Auto Technicians' Network.
• For tips on choosing a good mechanic, visit AutoEducation.com.

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