Make no mistake about it; when it comes to paying for an emergency tow out of pocket, it’s not going to be cheap, however it is your best option. A lot of people find it more cost effective to utilize motor club memberships. The problem with this is that motor clubs aren’t good for emergency situations. Free Game – Why Your Emergency Roadside Service Is Terrible In An Actual Emergency. Insurance companies are notorious for offering roadside assistance as a service; which they actually outsource. Signing up for this service can cost you a few extra dollars on your insurance premium or between $59- $99 yearly with a private motor club service like 3A. Luxury car dealers such as Mercedes and BMW are even offering roadside assistance as part of your new car purchase. But again, wherever you get it from, Your Emergency Roadside Service IS Terrible In An Actual Emergency.

A towing company when called directly, is significantly more capable of servicing you than a motor club. It’s just going to cost more.

So…How Much Should I Pay For Towing?

Tow truck drivers place their lives on the line by placing themselves in harm’s way to put your safety and the safety of your vehicle first. So there is no one answer as to what the price should be. The price depends on a lot of different variables. Here are just a couple factors companies consider when they are called directly for a tow:

  • Type Of Vehicle
  • Location Of Vehicle
  • Distance Vehicle Needs To Be Towed. (Will State Lines Be Crossed)
  • Local Cost Of Living
  • Current Fuel Costs

As the customer, none of this is your concern. Your primary concern should be your safety, the safety of your vehicle and paying the driver.
Don’t be surprised by the cost, just know that your experience will be much faster than a motor club and some of that money may be able to be reimbursed through your insurance company.

With all of that considered, here is general guide that will help you determine if you’re getting a good deal from your tow man when paying out of pocket for emergency roadside services:

Washington DC Metropolitan Area

Towing

If your towing destination is within a 10 mile radius (yes even 1, 3 or 5 miles) expect to pay $175 to $225.

A Good Deal : $125 -$175 This includes hookup your car plus the avg. price of gas in your area/mile. Ex. if regular gas is 5.00 per gallon it would be $125 hookup and $5 per mile your vehicle is being towed. This price exclude any other unforeseen towing fees such as special equipment and/or tolls.

Jump Start: $50-$75
Lock Out: $50-$75
Tire Change: $75- $100