It’s impossible to imagine never having to do more than a weekly car wash. You will eventually have to spend more money on your vehicle than your monthly insurance premiums and payments. Call Us Now At (800) 616-6045 to talk with an agent and receive an estimate for towing your car from anywhere in the country. Take note of Long Distance Auto Transport services nationwide with a superior how much does it cost to ship a car from California to NY experience.
Regular maintenance can reduce the chance of mechanical problems, but there will be times when your car will need to be town to a shop. This is something that almost every driver will have to deal with at some point. So how much does it cost for a vehicle to be tow?
A Guide to Towing
Our cars often break down unexpectedly. It’s crucial to know how much it will cost to repair your car safely.
Each towing operation is unique and will require different tools and methods in order to get your car there. It can be difficult to estimate the exact cost of your car without fully understanding the circumstances.
A towing company may offer the following services:
- Gas delivered to the client’s address
- Jump start a vehicle
- Tire changes
- Transporting an immobile vehicle
Steering a vehicle stuck in traffic
No matter what your situation may be, you should first check your insurance policy to see if it covers towing costs. If so, you’ll be able to have your vehicle transported without additional charges. For drivers who don’t have towing covered by their insurance, it is important to understand how these factors could impact your towing costs.
Average towing costs
Cost of towing a car depends on the distance it needs to be tow. A tow costs between $2.50 to $7.00 per mile. This is the national average.
This cost will be affected by many factors, including the vehicle you have, whether towing is needed at night, on weekends, or while on holiday, and the terrain your car must travel in.
These are the average prices for distance:
- 5 miles or less: $35-$125
- 40 miles: $125- $275
- 100 Miles: Up to $600
Keep in mind, however, that towing a car that is damaged or destroyed can often be significantly cheaper than towing after a collision. A vehicle that has been involved in a collision will require to be towed at a higher cost than regular towing.
Additional charges may apply if you need to have your car tow due to a mechanical problem. These additional fees can range from $50 to $250. This is often due to the use a winch.
What is pricing?
There are many factors that go into the pricing of a tow. But there are some things you should be aware of.
Nearly all towing services will charge you a hook up or base fee and then a mile fee. The hook-up fee can be anywhere from $35 to $100 and the per-mile cost from $2.50 – $5. Avoid any sticker shock by getting a detailed price breakdown before you choose which tow company to use. Some include the first five- to seven miles in their base fees.
It is also worth checking if your local government has set a maximum towing charge. This is especially important if you feel that the quotes you have received are too high.
What is my insurance coverage for towing costs?
This question is dependent on the insurance company you choose. Many insurance companies offer roadside service as an extra feature to their policies. These fees will likely be charged for extra. If you’re not sure if towing is covered by your policy, don’t worry. If you are unsure whether or not towing is included in your policy, contact your insurance company immediately to verify.
Make sure you check your policy’s price limit and mileage limits if you have roadside assistance coverage. You may find that your insurance company does not cover roadside assistance costs beyond a certain distance or value. This information may prove to be helpful.
How to Avoid Price Gouging
Some companies could be considered predatory and will attempt to profit from your situation by charging unreasonably high towing fees. If you’re in desperate need of help, or are in a time crunch, unsavory companies may try to take advantage of vulnerable drivers. These service providers might claim that they have no standard pricing structure, and will charge you whatever they like.
It’s a smart idea to contact a towing company before you need them. You can also ask your regular maintenance guy for a recommendation. It is a good idea to have a contact for a reliable towing company, especially if your situation is precarious.
Summary
Although calling for a tow truck can be a difficult task, it is something that every driver should do. Being educated about the topic will save you time and money in the event of an emergency. Even if you find yourself stuck on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere you will be able to contact a reliable towing company to assist you in getting to your destination.