Vehicle Towing Services – Per Mile Rates and all you Need to Know
The progressive magazine states in a 2019 published article that an average of 50,000 towing businesses operate in the U.S., which collectively generate more than $8 billion in revenue. Living in 2022, these stats have raised dramatically and become even more important for acknowledging one fact – Towing costs a fortune, especially if one has no roadside assistance support or help from their insurance.
The latest study by The American Automobile Association declared that the more technology-driven cars have become, the higher their chances of breakdowns are. The reason being, computed systems that no matter make driving easier, do come with mechanical errors that are unresolvable by humans. Estimations are, 69 million vehicles breakdown in the U.S annually which is equivalent to 1 out of 3 cars.
For these reasons many dread getting stuck in a situation where they need to call a towing service. The higher rates are one reason 1 out of 4 drivers tries to fix the issue themselves rather than calling a tow truck, resulting in hazards sometimes. While regular maintenance can reduce the percentage of such instances, every American is left with no choice but to call a towing service at least once in their lifetime.
This gives rise to one question in every driver’s mind – How much will it cost to tow my car per mile?
To resolve this confusion in your head, first, we need to overview some key attributes that will definitely affect your tow service calculations.
Understanding the Towing Costings
Before ordering a tow truck, one should have knowledge of why towing is so expensive after all? Each tow service accounts for different challenges as a towing company entails a variety of services; ranging from vehicles they tow to services they provide. This requires the assistance of heavy machinery and technical personnel to get your car to its desired destination or get it fixed.
For this reason, towing companies may charge you reasonably depending on your circumstances and factors such as:
- your location,
- size of the vehicle,
- number of vehicles stuck,
- distance to be covered,
- services (if any) required at the roadside before it can be towed,
- time of the day,
- whether it’s a special day of the year like a holiday or special event, and mainly,
- the tow company that you called.
Needless to say, all these factors come together to make a price that towing company will give you to pick your car up.
How much does Towing a Car
Per Mile Cost on Average?
Although varying in different states, an estimated rate nearly every tow company offers is $7-10 for towing a vehicle per mile. However, if your car needs some additional fix before it is hauled, like a flat tire or a jump start for a dead battery, this will raise the price. This is also the case if heavy vehicles are being towed.
- What are their minimum base fees (this is the basic cost, without any additional charges that every company takes to provide their services).
- Charge per mile (carefully calculate your destination as every mile is worth a dime!)
- Single hook-up fee (this is the charge company takes to haul a car, and it’s slightly different from the base fees).
To give you an approximate calculation, here is how much you will be spending per mile for getting towed:
- Average cost of a single hook-up is around $50-100.
- For every mile under 8, the cost is around $30-100.
- An average fee for the first 5-10 miles is $150.
- For coverage under 40 miles, it may cost between $100-280
- If you wish to cover long distances like over 100 miles, expect a rate of around $300-600.
All towing companies have a towing cost estimator on their website that shall give you a customized cost as per your situation, so take full use of it.
Factors that Impact the Towing Cost
Whether you hire a flat-bed tow truck after an accident or tow hook up for your car that broke down out of nowhere, or getting your car hitch-hiked. Every added service and each used tool will be included in the bill. The cost of just getting your automobile towed is less than getting it impounded. The towing cost generator is part of many big companies which gives an idea of what will the bill look like in each case. If a local towing service near you has one, this will give you a general idea of the total. Generally, a flat-bed towing starts from $50 and it takes no time to round up to a $100 bill.
Before giving you a final rate the towing service representative might ask you the following questions:
- How far from your current location do you need to be dropped?
- What kind of vehicle do you have or how large is it?
- Are there any factors that shall be taken into account for hoisting your car on the towing vehicle, like the surrounding soil or road conditions?
- What time of the day do you require this service?
- Does your automobile has any damages that need to be repaired on-site before it can be hooked up?
Tips:
- Be aware of “Price Gouging” that is common in the towing industry and always take an estimate from a minimum of 2 companies.
- Choosing local service providers might look cheap at first, however, a spike in service charges as soon as the company is booked is a red flag!
Does Insurance cover tow expenses?
With car tows exceeding day by day and prices touching sky limits, every driver is concerned if it can be covered by the insurance company. The great news is many insurance firms cover the basic tow service charges, however, in case of an accident only roadside assistance is covered. This is an acceptable offer as an accident can cause mental and financial strain on a person, if the basics are covered by insurance, some burden is already on your shoulder. There are a few insurance policies that also have coverage of the first 100-mile tow regardless of the fare of the towing company. To understand your insurance rights, please contact your policy representative and always confirm the current procedure in action next time you need a tow service.
Our Professionals Will Come To Rescue At Your Call To Take Care Of All Towing Needs.
- inquiry@rapidnyctowing.com
-
4256 21st St Long Island City, NY 11101
United States - (646) 650-5311
Location We Serve
- Manhattan
- Queens
- Brooklyn
