In many cases, towing a car requires professional assistance. Towing a vehicle can be a complicated and expensive process, depending on the size of the car and where it needs to go. Knowing what factors affect the cost of towing an automobile in Texas can help you plan accordingly when needing your vehicle towed or transported.
Calling a tow truck company to transport your car is not usually something you plan on doing, so you are not particularly happy to have to do it. There is an issue with your car, maybe it broke down, overheated, or you got into a car accident. In this blog, we will cover what a towing service includes, the cost of it and if your vehicle can be towed if it is private property.
What Does a Towing Service Include?
Typically, the towing service includes hitching up your vehicle and transporting it from point A to point B. Depending on your needs, you can request a tow truck company for local towing (within the same city) or long-distance transportation of your car. In some cases, if you’ve been in an accident, you can request a tow truck to take your vehicle to the body shop or mechanic.
A common towing service includes:
- A tow truck and driver
- All necessary equipment for towing
- Winching, if needed
- Safe transportation of your vehicle
- Fuel cost (if long-distance)
Cost of Towing a Car: How Does It Work?
The cost of towing a vehicle in Texas varies depending on the service you need, the distance, and the size of the car. Some common factors that affect the cost of a tow job include:
- Distance – Towing a vehicle across town will be cheaper than towing it across state lines.
- Size – Towing a small sedan will be more affordable than a large truck or SUV.
- Terrain – It may cost more if the vehicle needs to be towed up hills, through water, off-road, etc.
- Time – If you need the tow job done quickly, you may need to pay an additional fee.
Towing services usually cost between $75 and $125 for a local tow and up to several hundred dollars for long-distance transport. On top of the tow truck driver’s fee, you must also pay applicable taxes or toll charges specific to the area.
If you’re stuck in a remote area and are miles and miles from a repair shop, it will be even more than that. To have your car towed five miles or less, it could be anywhere from $35 to $125. If you need it to go 40 miles, the price jumps to more like $275. The cost might also increase if you need your car towed at night, on weekends, or holidays.
Can You Tow a Vehicle if It’s on Private Property?
Absolutely, but certain legal stipulations must be adhered to. Whether it’s a car, truck, boat, trailer, campervan, or motorhome – if they are parked in an allocated spot, then they can be towed away from public and private parking lots; garages; apartment complexes, and areas with homeowners associations prohibiting the parking of particular vehicles (e.g., no RV by your home).
If you are arrested, for instance, under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), your vehicle may be confiscated and stored in a police lot. Moreover, if it is left unoccupied on public property for more than 48 hours without being operable, then its towing might be charged to you.
How Roadside Assistance Can Help You Out
It isn’t all bad news. If you add roadside assistance to your car insurance policy before you need it, you won’t need to pay for your needed tow! Financial experts always recommend roadside assistance when creating an Odessa, TX, auto insurance quote for drivers like you. Including this coverage in your policy can save you time and money in a sticky situation. Plus, you’ll certainly have a lot less stress!
If you haven’t shopped with us yet at Pronto Insurance, now is the time to do so. If you wait until your car is dead on the side of the highway to think about adding roadside assistance to your policy, you’ve already waited too long. Don’t do this to yourself! Because our policies are so inexpensive, you can afford to add extra features like this.
Be Safe on the Road With Pronto Insurance
Towing a vehicle can be expensive, and it is important to know the cost before you call for help. Depending on your needs, the distance, vehicle size, terrain, and time frame can all affect the price. Even if you are stuck on private property or have been arrested for DUI, there may still be legal stipulations to consider.
Fortunately, having roadside assistance in your car insurance policy can help you save time and money if you ever need a tow. Pronto Insurance offers affordable auto insurance quotes, so you can add features like roadside assistance to your policy before you’re in a pinch. This way, you’ll know you’re covered and can be safe on the road. Contact us today to get started!
