When Towing a Car, How much cost do you have to Bear?

Car tows are widespread in the United States, and most motorists will require one at some point in their driving careers. Towing costs can add up quickly unless you are part of a roadside-assistance organization. The tow cost can be prohibitive for people who lack an emergency reserve.

Many people don't realize that you may use towing services for more than just moving a vehicle from one location to another. A variety of factors can affect the price, including your specific situation, the services you require, the location in which you reside, and the towing company itself. However, you can obtain a broad idea of how much a tow will cost you from one towing firm to the next.

Why Should I Require a Towing Service?

Towing services are available for a variety of situations. There are a few that you can avoid, but many more can't. If your automobile is damaged so severely that you cannot drive it, or if the vehicle has a mechanical issue that prevents it from starting, you will require a tow truck.

However, it is possible to prevent the need for a tow truck in many cases. Inadvertently draining your battery is a common occurrence. Having a set of jumper wires in your trunk could save you the expense of calling a towing service. Learning to check the gas gauge and change a flat tire are also essential life skills (and keeping a spare tire in your trunk).

Will I Have to Pay from My Pocket?

Many variables affect how much you'll spend for a tow service, including your location, how far you need to go, and how urgently you need to get there. Generally, a tow costs between $2.50 and $7.00 per mile, according to J.D. Power's estimates, but charges vary.

Extra charges may apply if the tow truck driver has problems connecting your vehicle or if your vehicle is not on a flat area like a driveway. Regarding transportation costs, the farther your car needs to travel, the more it will cost. Even if the tow truck driver manages to get your car going without pulling it, you could be looking at a bill of $100 or more in many cases if you call for roadside help.

Average Cost of Towing

The national average for a tow is $109.1 per vehicle. Depending on where you live, you should anticipate paying anywhere from $2.50 to $7 per mile. Heavy-duty vehicles are more likely to be affected by the more significant monetary amount. The cost is quickly accrued. As an approximation, here is a price range:

• $30-$100 for 5-7 Miles
• $100-$250 for 40 Miles
• $250-$600 for 100 Miles

Are There Any Factors that Influence the Price of Towing?

If you look for prices on the website of a towing firm, you'll probably come up short. You can estimate a ballpark price because towing rates are very typical. Towing rates can range from $50 to $100 or more, depending on the tow type and the location.

No matter how far you need your car towed, the base price (also known as the "hook-up fee") is usually $50. The more mileage you get, the more you'll have to pay for it. A flatbed tow is more expensive than a conventional tow. The cost of a tow after an automobile accident might be pretty high.

What is Roadside Assistance?

There are times when roadside help can save the day. Each insurance policy has its own set of options for emergency roadside help. Limits of $50, $100, and $150 are typical for vehicle insurance policies.

Even if you have unlimited coverage, there may be a cap on how far you may drive with that money. For a tow of up to 20 miles, your insurance company might pay $50. The coverage may be dependent on mileage rather than a fixed price amount.

Several insurance policies cover a tow of 100 miles regardless of the towing company's rates. At the time of purchase, it is crucial to know precisely what your policy covers and what to do if you need a tow.

Even if you didn't choose roadside assistance, your automobile insurance would likely pay the cost of a tow if you required one following a covered loss accident. Coverage like this is a good thing, as an accident-related tow can cost far more than a typical tow.

Does your Bank CC Provide Roadside Assistance?

Cardholders may also receive free or discounted roadside assistance as a perk of their credit card membership. For instance, the Roadside Dispatch perk of Visa is available on various credit cards.

Towing up to 5 miles is included in the fixed $69.95 fee for a regular service call, and the cardholder is responsible for any additional distance.

A standard call includes tire replacement, lockout service, and fuel delivery. So, before using your credit card, make sure you know what it will cover and who to call if something goes wrong.