How much does a tow truck cost?
4 minute read Published on Aug 20, 2024 by BrokerLink Communications
Calling for roadside assistance is something we all dread, but sometimes you have to do it. When you need a tow truck, you need a tow truck. If the situation isn’t dire, you should shop around to find a tow truck company that will provide you with the best price. Towing services aren’t cheap, but when you require a tow truck, you often don't have a choice. Let’s discuss how much a tow truck is supposed to cost and how having car insurance can help.
What you need to know about the towing truck service cost
When you call a towing company, it’s often a result of unexpected and unfortunate circumstances. If your car breaks down, you’ll want to know the towing costs. Regardless, you will want a reputable towing company to help you out. A reliable tow truck company will come to you and get the job done, but there isn’t a definite way to determine the upfront costs of the service. However, some factors affect the pricing, including these aspects:
Distance
The cost to tow your vehicle will vary depending on how far the nearest repair shop is. Most towing companies charge a base fee with a set price per kilometre towed. However, certain towing companies will include a short distance in their base fee. This will play a significant role in the tow truck service cost.
Time of breakdown
Did you know that tow truck service often costs more at night? If your car breaks down in the middle of the night, towing services are usually your only option. Towing costs can also fluctuate based on whether it’s a holiday or not. Speak with a towing company to determine the price of roadside assistance before making a final decision.
Vehicle size
A towing company will charge more to tow bigger vehicles. Heavier vehicles like buses need bigger towing trucks to support their weight. In contrast, a small car tow job is fairly affordable depending on other factors affecting the price. If you are unsure about your vehicle’s exact size, send a photo to the towing company, who will determine its cost to tow.
Condition of vehicle
The condition of your vehicle can also determine the towing cost. If you end up in a car accident, you may require a specialty towing service. However, this is less likely to happen if you follow our safe driving tips. Another scenario that could affect the towing cost is having one or flat tires. In this case, you will need a flatbed tow truck. If you are in a ditch or trench, you will require more extensive towing services, such as winching machines and automatic axles.
Services required
Outside of towing, many tow truck companies offer other types of roadside assistance services. If you don’t necessarily need a tow truck, you can also count on a tow truck company to deliver the following services:
- Boosting
- Lockout services
- Gas delivery
- Tire repair
However, if your vehicle needs a flatbed tow truck to bring it to the repair shop, the costs can add up. You will have to pay for the repairs to your vehicle on top of the towing cost.
Why you may need tow truck service
Vehicles can break down for a number of reasons. In scenarios where you can’t get your car to start, you will need a tow truck company to assist you. Here are the most common reasons people need a tow truck:
Car accident
Common car accidents can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle. You should be wary after a car accident, even if the car appears drivable. Understanding the common causes of collisions is a great way to educate yourself. Having a tow truck bring your vehicle to a repair shop will ensure you don’t damage your vehicle further. When this happens, you will want to have a good liability insurance policy. Reporting a car accident to your insurance provider is essential.
Starter
When you have a faulty starter, you won’t be able to drive your vehicle anywhere. That’s where a tow truck service can help you out. When your starter goes bad, all you can do is call for roadside assistance because otherwise, you will remain stranded on the side of the road.
Battery
When your car battery dies, you will need a towing service. A tow truck will have to bring you to a repair shop. However, if it’s low, a towing company can still give you a boost to get you to your next destination. Cars often break down due to battery issues; you should be wary of this.
Engine
Even if you take care of your vehicle, the engine could still overheat. When this happens, you will need a tow truck right away. Watch out for smoke coming from your vehicle, as it’s often a sign of overheating.
Out of gas
You’d be surprised how often people run out of gas on the road. Towing companies know this all too well. If you are on the highway or far away from the nearest gas station, consider calling a towing service to bring you some gas. This will often cost less than traditional towing costs.
You may require roadside assistance for a variety of reasons. However, the cost to tow your vehicle will often vary depending on several factors. To find out the exact costs of hiring a tow truck, you will need to call a couple of tow truck companies and ask for quotes. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact price for services without context.
Contact BrokerLink for insurance coverage today
Often, your insurance company can help you pay for tow truck service. This is especially true if you were involved in a car accident and end up injured. Collision coverage and all perils coverage can come in handy here. Additionally, we offer the following types of auto insurance:
- Third party liability coverage
- Accident benefits coverage
- Direct compensation - property damage coverage
- Uninsured automobile coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Accident forgiveness coverage
Do you need help covering the costs of your stuck vehicle? You will need to make an insurance claim to avoid paying out of pocket. Contact us today to find an insurance company that will advocate for you when you have to deal with the cost of a tow truck service.