What to Expect When You Get Towed

Article Overview

• Learn when and why a vehicle may be towed or impounded.
• Understand your rights and responsibilities after a tow.
• Find out how to locate and retrieve your vehicle quickly.
• Know what fees, paperwork and identification may be required.
• Take steps to protect yourself from towing-related disputes and vehicle damage.

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.

What to do when your car breaks down

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:

• Call for a tow truck – If you're a AAA Member or have roadside assistance through your auto insurance, use these services to request a tow. Depending on your coverage, you may reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. AAA’s mobile app makes the process easy—just enter your vehicle details, location and destination. Be sure to check any distance limitations on your policy. If you're not covered, you'll need to call a tow truck yourself and provide details about your vehicle, location and breakdown situation.
• Vehicle assessment – When the tow truck arrives, the driver will inspect your vehicle to determine the safest and most effective way to tow it. Factors like damage, orientation and where it’s stuck will influence their approach.
• Securing the vehicle – The driver will attach your vehicle using the appropriate method. Flatbed tow trucks load the entire vehicle onto a platform, while wheel-lift or hook-and-chain tow trucks lift either the front or rear, leaving two wheels on the road.
• The tow – Once your vehicle is secured, the driver will transport with it to the agreed-upon location. If you're alone, most drivers will allow you to ride in the cab so you can stay with your car.
• Offloading the vehicle – When you reach your destination, the driver will unload your vehicle and complete any necessary paperwork.

Knowing these steps can help you stay calm and prepared if you ever find yourself in need of a tow.

How much does towing cost?

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 $84 to $150, plus a per-mile charge between $2.25 and $5.00. 

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.

Are there differences between tow trucks?

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.

What to Do If Your Car Was Involuntarily Towed or Impounded

Discovering that your vehicle has been towed can be frustrating, but acting quickly can help minimize costs and delays. First, verify that the vehicle was towed rather than stolen by contacting local law enforcement or parking enforcement. They can often tell you which towing company has your vehicle and why it was removed.

Once you've located the vehicle, ask about retrieval requirements, including fees, accepted payment methods and any documentation you'll need to bring. In most cases, you'll need a valid driver's license, proof of ownership or registration, and proof of insurance. If you believe the tow was improper, document the circumstances and ask about the process for filing an appeal or dispute.

What to Do If Your Vehicle Is Damaged During a Tow

Before leaving the impound lot or accepting the vehicle back from a tow operator, inspect it carefully for new dents, scratches, broken components or other damage. Take photos and videos from multiple angles and compare the condition to any photos you may have had before the tow.

If you discover damage, notify the towing company immediately and request instructions for filing a claim. Obtain copies of any tow records, receipts and condition reports. You may also want to contact your insurance carrier to discuss your options and determine whether coverage may apply. Keeping detailed documentation can help support your claim and speed up the resolution process.