Does car insurance cover towing?

Towing coverage is available as an optional add-on to most auto insurance policies — often called roadside assistance. It typically costs $5–$10 per year added to your premium and covers towing to the nearest repair shop. Some policies limit the tow to 15–25 miles. If you have comprehensive coverage, check your policy — towing is sometimes included. AAA membership also includes towing (up to 5, 7, or 100 miles depending on membership tier).

Is AAA worth it for towing coverage?

AAA membership costs $60–$165/year depending on the tier and provides towing, battery jump starts, lockout service, flat tire assistance, and fuel delivery. The Classic membership ($60–$75/year) covers tows up to 5 miles; Plus ($100–$115/year) covers up to 100 miles; Premier ($130–$165/year) covers up to 200 miles. For drivers with older vehicles or long commutes, AAA Plus typically pays for itself after one or two incidents.

Can I tow my own car without a tow truck?

You can tow your own car using a tow dolly or car trailer rented from U-Haul or similar companies. A tow dolly (front wheels off the ground) rents for $40–$75/day. A car carrier trailer (all four wheels off the ground) rents for $80–$130/day. You also need a vehicle with sufficient towing capacity. Note: AWD and some 4WD vehicles should not be towed with a dolly — all four wheels must be off the ground. Check your vehicle's manual before towing.

How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Car in 2026? — Per-Mile Rates and Options

Q: How much does it cost to tow a car?

Towing a car typically costs $75–$250 for a local tow of 5–10 miles. Most towing companies charge a hookup fee of $50–$100 plus $2–$7 per mile. A 10-mile tow runs $70–$170 including the hookup fee. Long-distance tows of 50–100 miles cost $300–$600 or more. Specialty vehicles (AWD, luxury, oversized) cost more than standard vehicles.

Towing a car costs $75–$250 for a local tow (5–10 miles) and $300–$700 or more for long-distance transport. Most towing companies charge a hookup/hook fee of $50–$100 plus $2–$7 per mile. The best way to avoid unexpected towing bills is roadside assistance through your auto insurer (typically $5–$10/year) or an AAA membership ($60–$165/year).

Towing Cost by Distance (2026)

Distance	Estimated Cost	Notes
0–5 miles	$75–$125	Hookup fee + minimal mileage
5–10 miles	$100–$175	Most common local breakdown scenario
10–25 miles	$150–$275	Standard regional tow
25–50 miles	$250–$450	Cross-county; may require flatbed
50–100 miles	$400–$700	Long-distance; typically flatbed required
100+ miles	$700–$2,000+	Specialty transport; cross-state

Towing Cost Breakdown

Hookup/base fee: $50–$100. Covers the truck showing up and connecting to your vehicle regardless of distance.

Per-mile rate: $2–$7 per mile. Urban markets typically charge higher rates. Rural areas may be lower but have fewer companies competing.

Vehicle type surcharges:

AWD/4WD (requires flatbed): +$25–$75 over standard
Luxury/exotic vehicles: +$50–$150 (special equipment to avoid damage)
Motorcycles: $50–$100 base, specialty companies only
After-hours/weekend premium: +25–50% at many companies

Roadside Assistance vs. AAA vs. Out of Pocket

Coverage Type	Annual Cost	Tow Coverage	Best For
Auto insurance add-on	$5–$15/year	Typically 15–25 miles	Most drivers; cheapest option
AAA Classic	$60–$75/year	Up to 5 miles	Infrequent breakdown risk
AAA Plus	$100–$115/year	Up to 100 miles	Most drivers; best value tier
AAA Premier	$130–$165/year	Up to 200 miles	Long-distance drivers; RV owners
No coverage (out of pocket)	$0/year	N/A	Risk of $150–$600+ per incident

For a driver who has one tow every 3–5 years, even adding roadside assistance to their auto policy ($5–$15/year) saves money compared to paying out of pocket at $100–$200 per incident.

What’s Included in a Standard Tow

A standard towing service includes:

Vehicle hookup and transport to the destination you specify
Basic lights/straps for securing the vehicle

Not typically included:

Storage fees (if your car sits at the lot after hours: $25–$75/day)
Fuel delivery (separate service; $30–$80)
Lockout service (separate; $50–$100)
Battery jump start (separate; $50–$75)

When you call for a tow, confirm the destination before the truck is dispatched — changing the drop-off point after pickup often incurs additional charges.

For car maintenance cost context, see Car Maintenance Costs and Car Warning Lights Guide.

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy