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 |  | 5 miles By Tow Truck: $35-$125+ |  | Rent a Car Trailer: $65-$200+ day |  | 100 miles by Tow Truck: $275-$600+ |
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Getting towed involves having a tow truck take a vehicle to a destination, most commonly a repair shop or residence, and is usually no more than a five-mile trip.
Typical costs: |
- 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[1] 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[2] 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[3] charges its policyholders $14 a year per vehicle for its Emergency Road Service with 24-hour toll-free assistance. Allstate Motor Club[4] costs about $52-$108 annually, with prices varying slightly based on region and services offered The cost of AAA membership[5] 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.
Related articles: Car Rental, Used Car, New Car, Car Insurance, Car Accident Lawsuit
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Additional costs: |
- There may be an overtime charge for tow truck service on nights, weekends or holidays. For example, Ace Towing[6] 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.
Shopping for towing a car: |
- 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[7] or the International Auto Technicians' Network[8] .
- For tips on choosing a good mechanic, visit AutoEducation.com[9] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Posted by: John Zboralski in Traverse City, MI. | Posted: July 15th, 2019 09:07AM |
| Type of Vehicle: escape | Distance Towed: 20 |
| Tow Company: TC towing |
Daughter got in an accident totaling the vehicle. went to check on vehicle. The gentleman would not allow me to retrieve my Daughter's personal items which is in direct conflict with Michigan law. than went on to explain that we could square the deal with $50.00 dollars and the title. |
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| Posted by: Random Angry Customer in New Haven, MI. | Posted: March 14th, 2019 10:03AM |
| Type of Vehicle: Audi A4 | Distance Towed: .5 Miles |
| Tow Company: Cant remember |
Half a mile navigation wrong road. Guy quoted me at 5000 to get it back onto the road. Had a buddy winch me out for free. |
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| Posted by: DMI in Fredericksburg., VA. | Posted: February 27th, 2019 06:02AM |
| Type of Vehicle: Toyota Sienna | Distance Towed: 56 miles |
| Tow Company: Fast Towing LLC |
Flat tire on minivan used for work at 10pm in suburban area. Driver searched for nearby tow company. The one coming up online was based out of a town 50 miles in opposite direction of where he needed to be towed, but since it was the one that popped up, he called. Tow company charged $475/hour! I don't think our employee got that info up front...or if he did, he did not get a 2nd opinion from a supervisor. Ugggh. |
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| Posted by: Josh Freeman in salt lake city, UT. | Posted: December 1st, 2018 02:12PM |
| Type of Vehicle: chevy cruze | Distance Towed: 3 miles |
| Tow Company: ABC Towing |
I was in the rain and slid off into the center ditch in middle of the freeway. I found this guys local website at www.utah-towing.com and he pulled me out for $85.
Do you think that was fair for it being in the mud? The guy got mud all over his clothes.
I thought it was fair. let me know. |
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| Posted by: Ray Aitken in Dolan Springs AZ, AZ. | Posted: June 16th, 2018 10:06PM |
| Type of Vehicle: Walkersmall pick up | Distance Towed: 58 miles |
| Tow Company: Walker Towing |
The wife went off the road 15 miles from Overton Nevada, Park Service Police called a tow service on "rotation" out of Henderson Nevada...over 50 miles away. The tow company charged $280.42 per hour at 4.5 hours round trip then 35.00 per day storage. |
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| Posted by: Holly Patrice Tillman-Hodges in Acton, TX. | Posted: June 16th, 2018 05:06PM |
| Tow Company: Acton Wrecker, Acton. Tx |
HD was 9/10 mile from tow co. and driveable but I did have my license. I told tow to take home 3 miles away. He said "$400. 00 but if you have coverage , tow to my shop and insurance will cover. The tow was 1135.00 for .09 of mile for bike with squ as re size dent on tank and headlight bent. The tower, son of owner has harley and license to ride charged 450.00 labor for 15 minutes took to load.
Charged 50.00 notification for letter on 29th sns I notified them I was coming to see bike on 28th. I got no letter.
So grand total was 1236.45 to tow bike less than mile and tell me to use coverage to yard.
Insurance is being used for large jacked prices. TDI knows and gets next later |
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| Posted by: DianaMom in Dumfries, VA. | Posted: February 2nd, 2018 08:02AM |
| Type of Vehicle: Honda Civic | Distance Towed: 3 miles |
| Tow Company: Cropper\'s Towing and Tires |
My son had an accident on 95 North, and was quite close to home. The police called the tow truck company, and saddled us with this company, complete with its outrageous prices and rude customer service. On top of the high prices, their reps would not allow us to get his radio out, though we had the original one that came with the car. It was a gift, and we did not sell that to them! They took title to the car for their storage fees, and knowing it was worth little at this point, we were fine with that. |
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| Posted by: Vinh in Colby, KS. | Posted: March 12th, 2017 11:03AM |
| Tow Company: S&M Repair |
USAA covered 14 miles and hook up fee. Towing distance is 25 miles. I paid for 11 miles, which come to 35$. |
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| Posted by: John Hiland in Garner, NC. | Posted: February 22nd, 2017 07:02PM |
| Tow Company: A&E Towing |
Friendly prompt, cash price. Towed my Mercury 15 miles. Gave my wife and I a ride to our hotel no extra charge. Not all tow trucks are scumbags. |
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| Posted by: toyota in middletown, SC. | Posted: January 3rd, 2017 03:01PM |
| Type of Vehicle: PKUP TRUCK | Distance Towed: 5 MILES |
| Tow Company: CAROLINA TOWING |
Got in a roll over accident.totalled my toyota tundra,26' camper, and atv.tow company towed toyota with a roll back,towed camper with a wrecker,and atv with another wrecker. I helped them to do the hook up with atv because driver had no clue what he was doing.went to shop next day to get my atv and all my belongings from camper. they said you are not getting anything till you pay $2935.00 rite now.i said I'm traveling threw the state on vacation with nothing but cloths on my back due to you have everything of mine in lock up.and you can have my camper its to damaged to take with.I said where do you get this price? thats my rates, pay it.had no choice to pay and fight later...WHAT A TOTAL RIP OFF.Every state/county has set rates. so i guess I'm going after him with a civil suit... |
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| Posted by: Karson Wong in Irvine, CA. | Posted: December 4th, 2016 11:12PM |
| Type of Vehicle: Toyota Prius | Distance Towed: 8 miles |
| Tow Company: B & A Towing |
I want to share one of towed my car’s experience. On Dec 2, 2016, my Toyota (Prius) broke down on my driveway. I called AutoNation Toyota Irvine and as for tow my car to repairing. They gave me the tow car company telephone number they usually use to me but the company said no driver available that day. So I go to the website to search and type “towing in Irvine.” Google search gave me the first place to choose was “Greentow.com” on this site it show four green promise. The two of these are 1 Faster than our competitors less than 30min arrival, the other is Honest pricing policy fixed price no hidden costs. But these all lie…………
I called the phone number on the page. A lady picked up the phone. I told her I need a tow car and gave her my location and need tow to Irvine Toyota and ask the estimate cost. She said I can’t tell your right now, the driver will tell you after he arrived and he will call before 10 minutes he reach. She asked my phone number and credit card number said to pro |
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| Posted by: Feli in Houston, TX. | Posted: November 25th, 2016 08:11AM |
| Tow Company: Medina contracted thru Delta |
My Nissan Armada was stalled at a repair shop and needed to be towed to the dealership day after Thanksgiving because the repair shop couldn’t complete the repairs. I found Delta towing on the Internet and called them. All I heard the service rep quote me was $55 for the first 10 miles then $3 for every mile after that. The tow ended up being 9 miles. The receipt shows $55 wrecker service, $65 Tow, there's an unexplained $27 charge on the receipt, $3.25 toll, and $12 for taxes. Receiving an accurate quote helps. I would've called another company or waited to schedule the tow for a later date. I still have to be able to afford the repairs on my truck. So budgeting carefully is very important especially since the repair shop charged me as well. |
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| Posted by: a user in Champaign, IL. | Posted: September 26th, 2016 03:09PM |
| Type of Vehicle: 2015 Subaru WRX | Distance Towed: 2 miles |
| Tow Company: Tatmans Towing |
Towed for being in a no parking zone - surprised at the cost for towing 2 miles.
$140 base city charge
$60 dolly for all wheel drive
$25 admin fee |
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| Posted by: Jonathon Crystal in Thayer, MO. | Posted: August 15th, 2016 10:08PM |
| Tow Company: Lynn towing Salem arkansas |
My car went off road in heavy rain and got stuck cop called tow company told him ionly had a ten on me cop left tow company came told them I could not pay now he hooked up anyway I asked how much told me he didn't know got car out then said I had to pay 200 now orr they will take car I only had ten and still a week till next paycheck that was Saturday could not get ahold of them till Monday they told me now it would cost 279 to get it out today tomorrow 35 rollers more then 70 dollars a day after that luckily my Dad got the money up and paid them then said they didn't have key there its iin another truck going to another city had to wait 3 hour to get my car after all was paid to get it out what a scam folks if the grass would of been dry i could of drove out |
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| Posted by: vyki in Port Charlotte, FL. | Posted: June 26th, 2016 07:06AM |
| Type of Vehicle: 300zx | Distance Towed: under 15 miles |
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| Posted by: jesse todaro in lake stevens, WA. | Posted: May 3rd, 2016 11:05AM |
| Type of Vehicle: S 10 Blazer | Distance Towed: 10 miles |
| Tow Company: sky valley towing |
Police ordered my vehicle towed they couldnt find a closer company so 10 miles away sky veiw towing so 20 mile roand trip. Wouldnt want to call a company 2 miles away so pay 680 to get my ride what a rip off wash. State
2 |
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| Posted by: R Andrews in Tarboro, NC. | Posted: April 15th, 2016 07:04PM |
| Type of Vehicle: 1996 Lexuses Es 300 | Distance Towed: 9 miles |
| Tow Company: Jessie White |
Car broke down on side of road. Highway patrol called white's wrecker service or wrecker rotation. White was very rude on phone. He said it was $260.00 no matter how far. And $40.00 per day storage, this is on a Friday late in the afternoon and he said he was closed on Saturday and Sunday so that's automatic $80.00 extra so that's is an rip off |
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| Posted by: Good in Ankeny, IA. | Posted: April 15th, 2016 06:04AM |
| Tow Company: BP |
Got stuck in mud they drove up to it and pulledit right out. Drove 3 miles maybe???? |
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| Posted by: Donna Ruhl in Natomas, CA. | Posted: April 10th, 2016 04:04PM |
| Type of Vehicle: Hyundai | Distance Towed: 3 miles |
| Tow Company: Davis Towing |
My daughter parked her car st straddling her parking stall,Because her friend had her car in my daughters slot.My daughter was off loading and loading.It was there about 15 min.and within that amount of time was towed. The picture the tow truck driver took clearly showed my daughters car was never in the fire lane which starts at the edge of the stall to the side street.But he told her that it was an imaginary line the length of the set of stalls. How is there a red line that stretches along the back side of every parking spot. She then took a photo of a car that was parked totally in the red zone for half of the day |
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| Posted by: Deborah Jones in Gadsen, LA. | Posted: March 27th, 2016 07:03AM |
| Tow Company: Etowah/Kelton Pro Tow |
These guys are incredible. My Yukon flipped and we were just passing thru from LA to TN. The owner came out also and they both drove us around to find a hotel. They flipped it upright, pulled out of the ditch, changed plug wires, drained oil from combustion chamber, refilled all fluids and all in the same day no storage. They were kind, helpful and overall amazing. If only they could all be like these guys. |
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| Posted by: friend of a victim by tow co. scammers in medford, OR. | Posted: March 26th, 2016 05:03AM |
| Tow Company: DICKS TOWING |
y friends Tow bill &1600.00 truck in yard less than 24 hrs.> Charged $5.00 mile: (22 miles from scene to tow yard) charged for 42 miles: Tow Co. Said it took 5 hours to get truck pulled up a 15 ft embankment 11.00 pm -5:00am ,( Liars) she called her home @11:00 pm that she was off in a ditch somewhere didnt kno exactly where she was at she was in her truck till after 12:30am before She was found. Since when do tow co. Charge milage going to the call. (Is this legal). I believe the mileage charge can only be the miles after vehicle is hooked on. State police called tow co. To tow vehicle . ( my friend used to tow vehicles he said noway it took 5 hours to pull that truck up that embankment they hook up a cable winch & pulles them vehicles up in no time at all it was not a roll over .chrged for flagger: charged for 2 trucks to retrieve vehicle . Charged for yard fee.charged for mileage to the scene & from scene .charged hourly labor.charged for RIP OFFS & LIARS FOR HOURS SPECIFIED TIME. |
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| Posted by: a user in Lancaster, PA. | Posted: February 24th, 2016 07:02PM |
| Tow Company: A&J Towing |
I had a disabled car parked in my apartment complex lot which my complex had towed because the inspection wasn't up to date. Signs where all over saying pricing: $75 for tow and $25 per day storage. Except when I call the very next day (because shady companies like this always take your car AT OR AFTER CLOSING HOURS so you will be forced to pay for 2 days storage) they told me that sign was old and I owed $350!!!! Told me $250 for the tow and $50 per day!!! I politely noted the signs all around the complex. He said he'd talk to his boss. Called me back and said that is my apartment complex's problem that they haven't updated my signs, but I guess they made it $225 instead. My apartment complex says those are the most recent signs they had. Also only took cash?! Since it was disabled I had to have him tow it 0.4 miles to mechanic which cost me another $65. And I had to make an "appointment" to even get my car out in the first place b/c he was busy. Not even there 24hrs. Laws needed! |
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| Posted by: Holly Kellum in Farmville, VA. | Posted: January 11th, 2016 09:01PM |
| Tow Company: Joe's Towing |
I broke down with my kids in the car. They came out quickly and got us off the side of the road. We were probably 20 miles out side of town, so our total tow was about 45 to 50 miles at 10p.m. Thank you so much Joe |
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| Posted by: Tow/Recovery Industry in All, NY. | Posted: December 22nd, 2015 03:12PM |
| Type of Vehicle: F550 | Distance Towed: |
What is missed in all these comments and or complaints is the fact that we as a tow company spend a min of 100 grand for one decent truck fully insured and equipped to handle the task at hand...... Then we pay for the operator, if you drink and drive you get towed , if your kid decides it's ok to off road on private property and gets caught you get towed stupidity comes at a cost! Yes it sucks if your the guy or gal on the way home from work after a night shift and your car breaks down and it's now gonna cost you x to repair , but the guy coming out of his bed after working all day is the one who is gonna come pick you up ...he wants to tow it to his shop hell yes cause he wants to get back home to his bed so he's able to perform his duties in what usually a few short hrs if even and yes he wants to be paid a decent amount for that service as he should! |
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| Posted by: TROY TRAVIS in Mountlake Terrace, WA. | Posted: November 5th, 2015 06:11AM |
| Tow Company: Troy's Towing |
Well, I pulled the trigger and bought an older, functioning diesel tow truck. I buy, fix and sell a lot of reliable vehicles and this truck will come in handy. If I do decide to tow for a living I will not "rip people off" or "overcharge", I've already used it to tow one vehicle and my rates will be as follows $70 hook up, $3.50 mile and first 5 miles is free. I do not own a yard so there will be no storage fee. Keep an eye out for a reliable, inexpensive, upstart towing company. |
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| Posted by: pissed off in jersey in paterson n.j. (2015), NJ. | Posted: October 21st, 2015 01:10PM |
| Tow Company: juniors touch |
Located in Paterson n.j
This company charged $250.00 for two blocks. Had my vehicle in shop for 1 hour. Outragious cost. I have had other vehicles towed from work 15 miles and was charged $150.00 |
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| Posted by: Al in Tucson in Tucson, AZ. | Posted: October 16th, 2015 12:10PM |
| Type of Vehicle: Bus | Distance Towed: 5 miles |
| Tow Company: Barnett's Towing |
Excellent service. Bus broke down in middle lane at an intersection on the highway frontage road. Called our regular towing company and they didn't have a truck available. They suggested Barnett's. Barnett's had a heavy duty wrecker on scene within twenty minutes. Driver had all the tools necessary to hook up and disconnected the drive train to prevent damaging the transmission. At our yard, he reconnected the drive train before unhooking. Very reasonable rate considering the circumstances and equipment dispatched. |
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| Posted by: kido in columbia, SC. | Posted: June 25th, 2015 07:06AM |
| Type of Vehicle: car | Distance Towed: 5 miles |
| Tow Company: County Towing |
Charged 200.00 to tow 5 miles and 29.00 storage. Car was at tow place for 12 hours |
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| Posted by: Ram car in Modesto, CA. | Posted: June 10th, 2015 11:06AM |
| Tow Company: Allright tow |
Man I was having some drinks with some friends. George axes me,if I had more coke. I say yes, it's in my car. I'm walking around looking for my car. It's not there. I called the police and say. Where's my car. They say to mee. I don't know. I go back inside to the bar and ax the bartender. Where's my car. He says I don't no. He does tell me that I shouldn't have parked on a handicap parking. He tells me it probably got towed, hands me a card for Allright towing. I pick up my car next morning for free. The owner said thanks for the gift and did not charge me anything. I never did find my coke. |
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| Posted by: park mishaps in Northfield, OH. | Posted: May 11th, 2015 12:05PM |
| Type of Vehicle: Ford SUV | Distance Towed: 30 feet |
| Tow Company: Interstate Towing & Transport Specialist |
Got stuck off-road in national park, tow truck came, drove 100 yard through short grass, pulled me 30 feet out of a mud puddle, then charged me 400. I got it down to 300 cash. |
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| Posted by: David210 in San Antonio, TX. | Posted: April 15th, 2015 06:04AM |
| Type of Vehicle: Toyota Corolla | Distance Towed: 11 Miles |
| Tow Company: Shark Recovery |
My radiator went out in San Antonio while on my way to work. Called around for pricing and either they didnt answer the phone or it was over $100. This company answered in the first few rings, and showed up in about 30 minutes. The guy driving the truck even dropped me off at work. Cant believe this place was so helpful. Check them out at http://sharktowingsanantonio.com |
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| Posted by: NEB101 in Jefferson, NH. | Posted: March 13th, 2015 03:03AM |
| Tow Company: Dick's Truck Sales |
Had a handicapped van, was taking sick dog to vet. Van broke down, State Trooper wouldn't wait for Roadside Assistance because of vehicle's location. Tow truck driver said the cost was a couple of hundred dollars to tow (13 miles). Not happy but had no choice because once on scene, he hooked up to the vehicle. Tow Truck driver wanted to take vehicle to his shop. We asked to tow it to ours. That night I offered to pay for the tow and was told that they hadn't finished figuring it out yet and would leave it to be collected by the shop where it was towed. Repair shop refused to collect bill because it was excessive for a late afternoon tow. Now being sued because I refused to pay that amount. |
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| Posted by: Corey in Pendagrass, GA. | Posted: March 4th, 2015 04:03AM |
| Tow Company: I 85 towing pendagrass |
Truck was on the side of rd hit a phone pole driver/owner wouldn't give a on site price towed truck 2 miles and said he's going to have surgery so he's letting his help price everything. I called him he answered and showed up. The whole tow only took about 45min. Half of that was a inexperienced drive. |
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External Resources: |
- www.harristowing.com/ratespage1.htm
- www.phoenixtowingservice.com/towing-rates-and-services.html
- www.geico.com/getaquote/auto/emergency-road-service/
- www.allstatemotorclub.com/amcc/member_services/roadsideassistance.faces
- www.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/ZipCode.woa/wa/route?stop=yes&
- www.acetowing.com/Rates.htm
- www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop.aspx
- autorepair.iatn.net/?gc=1
- www.autoeducation.com/blog/car_care/how-to-find-a-good-mechanic/
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