If you’ve never used a towing company, you may not know what to expect when the situation arises when you have to make the call. Unfortunately, millions of people every year have to deal with car breakdowns or accidents which require a tow – this is a risk car owners understand may happen, and usually happen at the most inconvenient timing. This blog post will go over the average cost of towing and what goes into determining that cost. Knowing the average cost of employing a professional towing service is the smart way to be prepared if you ever need to use it.
When a Car Needs to be Towed
Your car can be damaged and stuck on the side of the road, but it may not be a serious situation. It’s important to stay calm, make sure you are safe, then call a professional towing company if necessary. Here are some common reasons why you might need to call a tow truck company:
- Flat Tire – It is common for drivers to have a spare tire in their car, but most don’t feel confident changing a flat, especially on the side of the road. They could also worry about not being able to secure the tire to the vehicle correctly, or properly use a jack to lift the vehicle.
- Battery or Brake Issues – If you’re having trouble starting your car, you might need to call for help if you don’t have or know how to use jumper cables. They are also your first call if there are any signs of break issues so they can bring you to your nearest or preferred mechanic.
- Road Accident – The most stressful reason would be if your vehicle was in an accident and can’t move on its own. Slightly or completely damaged, a towing professional can make sure other motorists are not in danger because of parts falling off your vehicle, and will make sure you and your vehicle are brought to your preferred mechanic safely.
Average Tow Cost
Tow companies charge anywhere from $3 to $7 per mile. Most towing companies have a minimum fee or hook-up fee ($50 to $200) just to show up then charge for mileage. Towing professionals also consider:
- Your Location
- Depending on the number of towing companies in your area the cost of towing services may vary. It’s also taken into consideration if you need towing services in a rural or remote area where the company needs to venture out of their normal area of service to get to.
- Size of Tow Truck Needed
- If you have a small vehicle, flatbed towing or wheel lift towing services may be used, while Light and Medium Duty Towing Services may be needed for an RV or box truck. These prices may be lower in comparison to Heavy Duty Towing Services which need a more specialized tow truck and are harder to come by.
- Time of day and time of year
- Running into issues on the road is usually less expensive when they happen within typical working hours as there are more tow trucks on the road. You will also find towing services to be more expensive during harsh weather such as winter storms.
Know a reliable tow truck company in your area so you know who to call for immediate assistance and don’t need to worry about the quality of service or pricing.