What a towing service does and when to call one

A towing service moves a disabled or damaged vehicle from one location to another using a tow truck. You call one when your car breaks down on the road, gets stuck, is in an accident, or needs to be moved to a repair shop or impound lot. The tow truck arrives, secures your vehicle, and transports it to wherever you've directed — usually a mechanic, your home, or a police-designated lot.

Most towing happens in one of two situations: you call a tow company directly after a breakdown, or police or roadside information programs call one for you after an accident or emergency. The cost and how long you wait depend on which situation you're in, where you are, and whether you have roadside coverage through insurance or a membership program.

Key Takeaways

  • Towing costs range widely by location and distance — a short local tow might be $75 to $150, while a long-distance tow can run $500 or more, and these prices vary significantly by region and company.
  • Your auto insurance may include roadside information that covers towing, so check your policy before paying out of pocket.
  • AAA membership and some credit cards include towing coverage, which can save you money if you use towing services regularly.
  • After an accident, police or first responders typically arrange the tow, and the vehicle goes to a police impound or designated lot rather than directly to a repair shop.
  • Tow companies can damage your vehicle if they use the wrong equipment or method, so ask what type of tow truck they're sending and whether they have insurance.

Types of tow trucks and how they move your vehicle

Different tow trucks handle different situations. A flatbed tow truck has a flat platform that tilts down; your car is driven or winched onto it and secured. This is the safest method for luxury cars, low-clearance vehicles, or cars with transmission damage, because all four wheels are off the ground. A wheel-lift tow truck has a metal yoke that grabs the front or rear axle and lifts it, leaving the other two wheels on the ground. This is faster and cheaper but can stress the vehicle's suspension and is not safe for all cars.

A hook-and-chain tow uses chains wrapped around the frame or axle. It is the cheapest method but can scratch or damage the undercarriage, and most reputable companies no longer use it. When you call a tow company, ask which type they're sending. If your car has all-wheel drive, low clearance, or is already damaged, request a flatbed. If the company cannot or will not tell you, consider calling another one.

How much towing costs and what affects the price

Towing costs vary by region, distance, and time of day. A short local tow — typically defined as 5 to 10 miles — might cost $75 to $150 in a rural area or $150 to $250 in a city. Long-distance tows are usually charged per mile after the first few miles, ranging from $2 to $5 per mile depending on location. A 50-mile tow could cost $200 to $400. Towing at night, on weekends, or on holidays often costs more, sometimes 50 percent higher than daytime rates.

Additional charges may explore if your car needs to be winched out of a ditch, if the tow truck has to wait for you, or if the destination is far from the tow company's base. Some companies charge a flat rate; others charge by the mile. Before the tow truck arrives, ask for a quote in writing or get a range so you know what to expect. If you think the price is too high, you can call another company, though this delays your tow.

Insurance coverage and roadside information programs

Many auto insurance policies include roadside information coverage that pays for towing. Check your policy documents or call your insurer to see if towing is included and what the limit is — some policies cover up to $100 of towing costs, others cover the full amount. If you have this coverage, you typically call your insurance company's roadside information number, and they dispatch a tow truck and handle payment directly.

AAA membership includes towing as part of the membership fee. Basic AAA membership covers up to 7 miles of towing; higher tiers cover 100 miles or more. If you are a AAA member, call AAA roadside information and they will send a tow truck at no additional cost. Some credit cards, particularly premium travel cards, also include roadside information or towing coverage. Check your card's benefits guide or call the number on the back to see what is included.

If you do not have insurance coverage or a membership, you pay the tow company directly. Some companies accept credit cards, but not all, so ask when you call. If you cannot pay when ready, some companies will bill you later, though this is less common.

What happens after an accident or police call

If you are in an accident, police or first responders will typically arrange the tow. The vehicle is usually taken to a police impound lot, a city or county storage facility, or a tow yard designated by the police department — not to a repair shop of your choice. You do not choose the tow company in this situation; the police do.

Once the vehicle is at the impound or storage lot, you will need to retrieve it or arrange for it to be moved to a repair shop. Impound lots charge daily storage fees, which can add up quickly. If the accident involved another driver, their insurance may eventually pay for the tow and storage, but you may have to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later. Contact the police department or the impound lot to find out where your vehicle is, what the storage fees are, and what documents you need to retrieve it.

Questions to ask before the tow truck arrives

When you call a tow company, ask these questions: What type of tow truck are they sending? What is the total cost, including any additional fees? Do they accept credit cards or require cash? How long until they arrive? Are they insured, and what is their insurance coverage? If your car is damaged or has special needs, mention this when you call so they send the right equipment.

If the tow company cannot answer these questions or seems evasive, call another company. Reputable tow companies are straightforward about their methods and pricing. If you are towing a luxury car, a vehicle with transmission problems, or a car with low clearance, specifically request a flatbed and confirm they have one available before they dispatch.

What to do if your vehicle is damaged during the tow

Tow companies are responsible for damage they cause during the towing process. If your vehicle arrives at the destination with new scratches, dents, or mechanical problems that were not there before, document the damage with photos and get a written estimate from a mechanic. Report the damage to the tow company in writing and request compensation.

Most tow companies carry liability insurance that covers damage caused by their negligence. If the company refuses to pay or disputes the claim, you can file a complaint with your state's attorney general or consumer protection office, or pursue the claim in small claims court. This is another reason to ask about insurance coverage when you call — companies with good insurance are usually more willing to stand behind their work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose where my car is towed after an accident?

Not when ready. Police or first responders choose the initial destination, which is usually an impound lot or police-designated facility. Once your vehicle is there, you can arrange to have it moved to a repair shop or your home, though you will pay for that second tow yourself unless insurance covers it.

What if I cannot afford the tow right now?

Some tow companies will bill you later or accept payment plans, though this is not standard. Ask when you call. If your vehicle is at an impound lot, storage fees accumulate daily, so the longer you wait, the more you owe. Check whether your insurance covers towing before paying out of pocket.

Is a flatbed tow always better than a wheel-lift?

Flatbed is safer for most vehicles, especially luxury cars, all-wheel-drive cars, or cars with existing damage. For a straightforward breakdown of a standard car over a short distance, a wheel-lift is fine and costs less. Ask the tow company what they recommend based on your vehicle's condition.

Do I have to use the tow company the police call?

No. Police dispatch a tow company to move your vehicle from the accident scene, but you can request a different company. However, the initial tow to the impound or police lot will still happen with their choice. Once the vehicle is at the lot, you can arrange your own tow to a repair shop.

What should I keep in my car in case I need a tow?

Keep your insurance card and roadside information number in your glove box. If you are a AAA member, keep that card accessible. Have your phone charged or a car charger available so you can call for help. If you break down on a highway, stay in your car with hazard lights on and call from there rather than walking to find help.