Ever found yourself stuck at the side of the road needing a tow truck, but unsure about how much it could cost you? On average, Americans pay around $109 each time their vehicle is towed.
This blog post will provide vital insights into everything that factors into towing costs and help you prepare for such unexpected expenses. Ready to hitch a ride on this journey to understanding all about towing charges? Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Towing costs can vary depending on factors such as the distance traveled, vehicle type, time of day, and additional services required.
- On average, Americans pay around $109 each time their vehicle is towed.
- Larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs generally require more powerful tow trucks and specialized equipment, which can increase the overall towing fee.
- The time of day can affect the cost of towing your car, with rates potentially being higher during nighttime or weekends when there is higher demand for towing services.
- Some towing scenarios may require additional services like changing a flat tire or jump – starting a dead battery, which can result in extra charges.
- Common towing scenarios include flat tires (costing around $35 to $100), battery and brake issues (average cost of about $109), engine trouble (around $109 on average), and accidents ($125 to $450 or higher).
- There are three main types of tow trucks commonly used: flatbed tow trucks (ideal for larger vehicles), hook and chain tow trucks (used for cars that cannot be driven but may cause damage to the car’s frame), and wheel lift tow trucks (good for two-wheel drive cars with less risk of damage).
- Insurance coverage for towing costs varies depending on the policy. Optional towing coverage and roadside assistance coverage can help offset some or all of the expenses associated with towing your car.
Factors That Determine Towing Costs
The distance traveled, vehicle type, time of day, and additional services required are all factors that determine towing costs.
Distance traveled
The path your car needs to go can change the cost. Shorter trips will cost less money. But if your car needs to go far, it may cost more. This is often called a fee for each mile. For example, you may pay $35 to $100 just for the truck to come out.
Then, expect another charge of a few dollars per mile traveled on top of that. So if your car breaks down 20 miles from town, the price goes up fast!
Vehicle type
Different vehicle types can have an impact on the cost of towing. Larger vehicles, such as trucks or SUVs, generally require more powerful tow trucks and specialized equipment, which can increase the overall towing fee.
On the other hand, smaller cars may be easier to tow and could result in a lower cost. It’s important to keep in mind that the weight and size of your vehicle will affect how much it costs to have it towed.
So, when getting a quote from a towing company, make sure to provide accurate information about your vehicle type so they can give you an accurate estimate based on its specific requirements.
Time of day
The time of day can affect the cost of towing your car. During regular business hours, towing rates may be lower compared to nighttime or weekends when there is higher demand for towing services.
It’s important to keep in mind that some tow companies have different pricing structures for after-hours or emergency towing. So, if you need a tow during these times, expect the cost to be slightly higher than usual.
Make sure to inquire about any additional fees for off-hour towing before requesting their services.
Additional services required
Some towing scenarios may require additional services, which can increase the overall cost. For example, if you have a flat tire and need assistance changing it, the towing company might charge an extra fee for this service.
Similarly, if your car has a dead battery or brake issues and requires jump-starting or repair work on-site, these services will incur additional charges. In some cases, when your vehicle needs to be towed long distances or in difficult terrain, specialized equipment like winches or cranes may be necessary, resulting in higher costs.
It’s important to keep in mind that the specific fees for these additional services can vary depending on the towing company and location.
Common Towing Scenarios
– Flat tire? Engine trouble? Accidents? Learn about the common towing scenarios and how much they might cost you. Read on to find out more!
Flat tire
Having a flat tire can be frustrating, but knowing what to expect when it comes to towing costs can help ease some of the stress. When you have a flat tire and need to get your car towed, the cost will depend on various factors.
On average, towing fees for a flat tire can range from $35 to $100 just for hooking up your vehicle to the tow truck. However, this is just the base fee. The total cost may also include additional charges based on the distance traveled and any extra services required.
So, if you find yourself with a flat tire and in need of a tow, make sure you’re prepared for these potential costs.
Battery and brake issues
If your car experiences battery or brake issues, you may need to get it towed. The cost of towing will depend on factors like the distance traveled and the type of vehicle you have.
On average, towing a car can cost around $109. This price can vary depending on the circumstances and could be as low as $100 or over $450. Towing companies usually charge a flat fee between $35 and $100 just to hook up your vehicle to the tow truck.
So, if you find yourself with battery or brake problems, remember that getting your car towed will come with its own set of costs to consider.
Engine trouble
If your car is experiencing engine trouble, you may need to get it towed. The cost of towing for engine issues can vary depending on the distance traveled and the type of vehicle. On average, towing a car due to engine trouble could cost around $109.
However, this price can change based on factors like time of day and any additional services required. It’s important to keep in mind that towing fees are separate from any repairs that need to be done on your vehicle’s engine.
Accidents
Accidents can happen to anyone while driving, and getting your car towed after an accident is not unusual. The cost of towing a car after an accident can vary depending on several factors, including the distance traveled and the type of vehicle involved.
On average, towing fees for accidents can range from $125 to $450 or even higher. It’s important to note that these costs may not be covered by your insurance, so it’s crucial to check your policy beforehand.
Additionally, recovering personal belongings from a towed vehicle may also incur additional charges. Overall, if you find yourself in an unfortunate situation involving an accident and need your car towed, expect there to be added expenses beyond just the initial towing fee.
Types of Tow Trucks
There are three main types of tow trucks commonly used: flatbed tow trucks, hook and chain tow trucks, and wheel lift tow trucks.
Flatbed tow truck
A flatbed tow truck is a type of vehicle used to transport cars and other vehicles. It has a flat platform on the back that can be raised or tilted, allowing the damaged or non-functional vehicle to be loaded onto it.
This type of tow truck is often preferred for towing larger vehicles, like trucks or SUVs, as well as luxury or vintage cars that require extra care during transportation. The cost of using a flatbed tow truck can vary depending on factors such as distance traveled and additional services required.
The average cost of towing a car with a flatbed tow truck is approximately $109 according to trusted third-party J.D. Power.
Hook and chain tow truck
A hook and chain tow truck is a type of vehicle used for towing cars. It has a large metal hook attached to chains that are used to secure the car being towed. This type of tow truck is commonly used for cars that cannot be driven because it lifts the car by its front or rear axle.
However, it’s important to note that this method can cause damage to the car’s frame or suspension. The cost of using a hook and chain tow truck can vary depending on the distance traveled and additional services required.
Wheel lift tow truck
A wheel lift tow truck is a type of tow truck that uses a hydraulic system to lift the front or rear wheels of a vehicle off the ground. It is commonly used for towing cars with two-wheel drive and vehicles that are lightweight.
Unlike other types of tow trucks, such as flatbeds or hook and chain trucks, wheel lift tow trucks only secure the lifted wheels while leaving the other wheels in contact with the road.
This means that there is less risk of damage to your car during towing. The cost of using a wheel lift tow truck will depend on factors like distance traveled and additional services required, but it typically falls within the average range mentioned earlier.
Insurance Coverage for Towing Costs
Insurance coverage for towing costs varies depending on the policy. Optional towing coverage can be added to a car insurance policy, providing reimbursement for towing expenses. Roadside assistance coverage may also cover some or all of the costs associated with towing.
Learn more about how insurance can help offset the expenses of towing your car in unforeseen situations.
Optional towing coverage
If you’re worried about the costs of towing your car, there is an option called optional towing coverage that you can consider. This type of coverage can be added to your insurance policy and helps cover the expenses associated with getting your car towed.
It can provide peace of mind knowing that if you ever need a tow, you won’t have to worry about paying for it out of pocket. The cost of optional towing coverage will vary depending on your insurance provider and the level of coverage you choose.
However, having this coverage can save you money in the long run and make unexpected breakdowns or accidents less stressful.
Reimbursement through insurance claims
If you have car insurance, you might be able to get reimbursed for towing costs through your insurance claims. Some car insurance policies offer optional towing coverage, which means the insurance company will cover the cost of towing your car if it breaks down or is involved in an accident.
You can also check if your policy includes roadside assistance coverage, as this often includes reimbursement for tow truck services. It’s important to know that there may be limits on the amount of reimbursement and specific conditions you need to meet, so it’s a good idea to review your policy or contact your insurance provider for more information.
Roadside assistance coverage
If you have roadside assistance coverage, it can help you when your car breaks down and needs to be towed. This type of coverage is an optional service offered by insurance companies or auto clubs.
With roadside assistance coverage, you can call a special number for help if your vehicle needs towing or other emergency services. The cost of towing may be covered up to a certain limit, depending on the terms of your policy.
It’s important to check what is included in your roadside assistance coverage so that you know what services are provided and any limitations or restrictions that may apply.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the costs of towing your car is important to avoid any surprises. Factors such as distance traveled, vehicle type, and additional services required can influence towing fees.
It’s good to be prepared and know that costs can vary based on these factors.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to tow a car?
The cost of towing a car can vary depending on factors such as the distance, type of vehicle, and any additional services required. It’s best to contact a towing company for an accurate quote.
2. Can I choose the destination for my towed car?
Yes, in most cases, you can choose where your car will be towed to. However, there may be limitations or additional fees associated with long-distance or out-of-town destinations.
3. Will insurance cover the cost of towing my car?
It depends on your insurance policy. Some insurance policies include coverage for emergency roadside assistance, which may cover part or all of the towing costs. Check with your insurance provider for details.
4. What other fees should I expect when getting my car towed?
In addition to the base towing fee, there may be additional charges for services such as storage if your car needs to be kept at a facility before being picked up by you or taken to a repair shop. Be sure to ask about any extra fees when calling a towing company.
Hi, my name’s David. I started this pricing blog as a side project to help people figure out the best prices on common services. Whether you’re trying to figure out how much it costs to get scanning done at Staples or the expense to bleach short hair, more than likely I’ve blogged about it. Shoot me an email if you have any questions: david@mightyprice.com.
