Even reliable vehicles can break down unexpectedly. Imagine cruising on a Sunday drive when your car suddenly makes strange noises, and smoke starts pouring from the engine. For safety, you pull over, only to realize you're stranded with no help in sight. Unsure what to do, you check under the hood but don’t know what to look for. To avoid being stuck for hours, you call a tow truck. This guide will walk you through the process so you know exactly what to expect when you need roadside assistance.
Once you're sure your vehicle can’t or shouldn’t be driven, it’s time to arrange a tow. Here’s what to expect:
Knowing these steps can help you stay calm and prepared if you ever find yourself in need of a tow.
The cost of towing services varies based on factors such as vehicle type, towing distance and whether you have coverage through AAA or your insurance provider. With roadside assistance coverage, you may have minimal or no out-of-pocket expenses, though some plans might charge a nominal per-mile fee. Without such coverage, expect to pay a base fee ranging from $50 to $150, plus a per-mile charge between $2.50 and $7.00.
Additional factors influencing the total cost include vehicle size, towing distance, time of day and potential storage fees if the tow company must hold your vehicle. Some towing companies offer flat rates for local tows within a specific county, eliminating per-mile charges due to consistent distances. If you're paying out of pocket, it's advisable to contact multiple providers to compare pricing options. Be aware that certain companies may not cross county lines for pickups, requiring you to hire a local provider from the county where your vehicle is located.
You may wonder how your car will be towed since there are many different types of tow trucks. There are two common tow trucks that will most likely respond to your call: wheel-lift and flatbed. Knowing which is best for your situation could help you navigate the conversation you have with the towing company dispatcher. Here are the two most common:
Wheel-Lift: These tow trucks lift either the front or rear wheels off the ground, using a hydraulic lift or hook and chains. Ideal for lighter vehicles, tight spaces and short-distance tows.
Flatbed: Considered the safest option, flatbed tow trucks keep the entire vehicle off the road using winches and a hydraulic bed. Best for larger, multiple or wrecked vehicles, though they may struggle in tight spaces.
If you ever experience a roadside breakdown, understanding the towing process can help you stay prepared and avoid unexpected costs. To reduce out-of-pocket expenses, consider a AAA Membership. Classic, Plus and Premier members receive roadside assistance, including up to four tows per year, as part of their benefits.
Never worry
AAA is more than just a tow. From flat tires and lockouts to dead batteries and more, every AAA Membership includes AAA Roadside Assistance 24/7, so you can have peace of mind.
‡Offer valid through 4/30/2025. Offer valid for Classic/Basic Memberships only. Pricing valid at member join only. Offer excludes Motorcycle coverage. Payment of full AAA Membership dues is required upon renewal. Offers, terms, conditions and restrictions apply and are subject to change without notice. Not combinable with any other offer. Offer not valid in FL, GA, MI or PR. A member can add one eligible family member for free for up to one year. Additional Associates are half price. Associate memberships are available to the Primary member’s spouse, one other adult living in the household, and their children living at the same residence or away at school. Associate members must have the same type of membership as their Primary member, with the exception of Motorcycle. Associate membership expires on the renewal date of Primary member.
Upon activation and with proper identification, AAA will provide regular AAA services and full privileges for the new member. Roadside benefits begin three days after payment of dues. Some restrictions apply. Roadside assistance is provided by independent facilities contracted by AAA. Coverage in taxis, limousines and other ride-sharing conveyances is excluded. Visit AAA.com/MemberHandbook for details about member benefits, including any limitations or restrictions. Offers, terms, conditions and policies are subject to change without notice. Savings partners subject to change. Source: 2023 AAA U.S. Market Track national surveys. Includes service vehicles owned by clubs and service vehicles owned by third parties under contract with AAA to provide services to AAA members. Taxes, fees & options excluded. Terms apply. Partners and offers are subject to change and restrictions apply. For a complete list of offers, visit us online at AAA.com/Save or your local AAA office.