Most car owners eventually need a towing service at some point; therefore it is essential that you understand how much a tow will cost in order to prevent yourself from getting scammed by scammers.

Membership programs such as AAA or auto insurance policies may offer towing services; otherwise, rates vary by company and situation – such as hook-up fees and per-mile charges.

Type of Vehicle

Transporting your vehicle can be an uncomfortable, but inevitable experience. Therefore, it’s essential that you know how much it will cost before needing one – otherwise unscrupulous service providers might try and take advantage of you and charge exorbitant prices for their towing services.

The type of vehicle being towed is one of the main determinants of its costs; smaller cars can often be pulled by using a wheel lift truck while larger ones will likely need a flatbed trailer. Weight also plays an integral part in towing costs as does any special equipment required to move them.

Local towing services typically charge both an initial hook-up fee and per mile rate for transporting your vehicle to its final destination. Some may include up to several miles in their base fee to eliminate extra fees; but this varies from company to company. Having roadside assistance coverage through either your insurance or credit card could cover this expense as well.

Time of Day

Time of day when you need a tow affects its cost; most towing companies charge a base or hook-up rate and then add per mile charges afterward. Some also add fees for additional services such as unlocking locked cars or winching.

Many tow truck companies charge different rates for nights, weekends, and holidays than during other times; be prepared to pay more when calling them during these periods. Also keep in mind that if your vehicle needs to remain at their facility until you can retrieve it from storage there could be additional storage and fueling fees applied as well as further administrative charges for storage fees and refueling fees.

Roadside assistance coverage in your auto insurance policy or joining AAA can save on towing costs, while keeping jumper cables and learning how to change a flat tire yourself could help avoid having to spend money for towing services. Whitney Vandiver writes for NerdWallet.

Distance

Most towing companies charge a base fee that covers the costs associated with dispatching a truck and hooking up your car, before charging per mile thereafter. They may also add an extra fee if using a flatbed truck instead of one with one side raised up (sling-style truck).

Long distance towing services involve transporting an operable or inoperable vehicle from one place to the next, such as your home to a repair shop or when moving cities. Long-distance towing can be more expensive than local towing as it typically takes more time and resources for getting it from A to B.

Reliable towing service providers will always be upfront about their pricing structure and charges in order to avoid unexpected expenses during an already difficult situation. Before hiring them, be sure to inquire about their reputation, years in industry experience and services offered – in particular whether your insurance covers roadside assistance.

Special Situations

When your car breaks down in an isolated area, if may require towing services to transport it. These situations can be extremely stressful so make sure you choose a company who will offer their assistance without overcharging for their services.

When choosing a towing service, inquire about their base and per-mile fees. Most companies charge an initial hook-up fee before charging an hourly or daily per mile rate that can range anywhere from $35 to $100; some tow services even cover up to several miles as part of their base fee, thus lowering overall bill totals.

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Your type of vehicle also plays an integral part in towing costs. Heavier models like trucks and SUVs put additional strain on traditional wheel lift tow trucks, leading to higher charges. Furthermore, getting stuck in snow or mud may necessitate additional equipment like winches – though such services may be costly upfront, the long-term benefit could prove worthwhile for your safety and the condition of your car.