When your car has broken down in an inconvenient place, you may need the services of a tow truck. Though it is rarely a pleasant experience, having to call a tow truck does not have to be intimidating or difficult. In order to make the process smoother, it is important to understand the average cost of a tow truck and what factors can affect that cost.
The average price for a tow truck can range from $50-$125, depending on the type of job and how far the vehicle needs to be towed. The closer you are to a major city, the higher the cost may be due to additional safety regulations and training requirements.
For example, in New York City, you can expect an average fee of $125. If you are located in a rural area outside of city limits, you may find that your bill could be closer to $50.
Distance is one of the key factors in determining how much it will cost for your tow. Most companies charge based on the mileage from where your car is located back to their shop or another destination of your choice. Usually, costs increase by $2-4 per mile after the initial 5 miles.
Type Of Tow Truck may also affect how much you will be charged for your tow. The most common type is a flatbed truck which carries up to two vehicles at once and costs around $100-$150.
Heavy duty tow trucks are more expensive because they require special equipment and can handle heavier loads like commercial trucks or RVs costing anywhere from $200-$400. Finally, if you need roadside assistance such as jump-starts or tire changes then this will add an additional fee onto your bill.
Additional Services, such as those mentioned above, will incur extra fees on top of your base rate for the tow truck itself. Some companies offer discounts for memberships or frequent customers so if this applies to you then that could help reduce some costs. It is also possible that your insurance company may cover some or all of these fees depending on policy so make sure to contact them first before paying out of pocket.
Conclusion: On average, a tow truck can cost anywhere from $50-$400, depending on distance, type of truck needed and any other services required. Taking into account these various factors can help ensure that you get the best service at an affordable price when needing assistance with your vehicle.
