Towing a Car Cost

• If it's a regular tow, expect to pay a low of about $35 to a high of around $75 for a five-mile tow. There will be extremes across the country, said Sam Brewer, head of the Tow and Recovery Association of America. However, if the car is still under the manufacturer's warranty or is covered by an auto insurer or association, the first five miles will probably be free.
• How it's calculated: Tow companies usually charge a base rate of $35 -$75 for the first five miles, plus a mileage fee ranging from $2.50 -$5 a mile for every mile after the first five, Brewer said. Prices vary according to the cost of living in various regions. That means a 40 mile tow could run $135 -$275. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere it could go up to $1,000 or more, according to Brewer.

• If the car goes into a ditch, gets stuck in the mud or breaks a part, the tow takes longer and hence costs more. The extra charge runs between $60 -$100 an hour.
• Some, though not all, auto towing services charge more for heavy vehicles such as Hummers or trucks. If a towing service does charge more, generally it will be about 20 to 25 percent more than the company's ordinary fee, Brewer said.

• A typical five-mile tow is free if the car is still under the manufacturer's warranty or with coverage by an auto insurer such as Geico or an auto association like AAA.
• Geico charges its members as little as $12 per car each year for 24-hour roadside assistance and towing to the nearest repair facility that can fix the problem. The AAA Classic plan is $54 a year, varying slightly depending on the region.
• Even with coverage from insurance or an auto association, depending on the plan, tows longer than five miles can be costly. For example, with auto association AAA's Classic plan, drivers are liable for the charges after five miles, though its Plus and Premier memberships pay for longer tows.

• Ask for a recommendation from a mechanic, a friend or neighbor.
• If far from home, ask local law enforcement to suggest a company that has the requisite training and equipment.
• Ask if the company has been certified by the Tow and Recovery Association of America.
• Check with the state's consumer affairs department or the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has gotten a lot of complaints.
• 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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