The cheapest way to tow a car is usually to use roadside assistance you already have through AAA, auto insurance, or a vehicle warranty. If you don’t have coverage, comparing local towing companies and asking for an all-in price can help you find the best deal. For short-distance moves, a tow dolly or trailer rental may also be affordable if you have the right vehicle and towing equipment.
The best option depends on the towing distance, vehicle condition, location, and coverage you already have.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Tow a Car?
For most drivers, the cheapest options include:
- Using existing roadside assistance
- Checking your auto insurance coverage
- Comparing local towing companies
- Asking about flat-rate or short-distance towing
- Checking with a repair shop for towing discounts
- Renting a tow dolly or trailer when appropriate
A short tow is generally less expensive than a long-distance tow. AAA states that a typical 5-mile tow without membership can cost around $75–$150, although prices vary based on location and circumstances.
Use Roadside Assistance You Already Have
If your insurance policy, vehicle warranty, or roadside assistance plan includes towing, using that benefit may be your least expensive option.
Before paying a towing company directly, check your existing coverage. Your plan may include a certain number of roadside calls or a specific towing-mileage allowance.
AAA, for example, provides towing with its membership plans. Classic generally includes a short-distance tow, Plus provides up to 100 miles, and Premier includes one tow of up to 200 miles per membership year, subject to plan terms.
However, AAA has an annual membership cost, so it may not be the cheapest option if you only need one tow.
Check Your Auto Insurance
Some auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance as an optional benefit. If you already have this coverage, using it could cost less than hiring a towing company yourself.
Check your policy for:
- Towing mileage limits
- Number of roadside calls
- Service fees
- Deductibles
- Coverage restrictions
If you don’t already have roadside assistance, adding it after your vehicle breaks down generally won’t cover the immediate towing need.
Compare Local Towing Companies
If you need to pay for towing yourself, comparing multiple companies can help you save money.
Don’t focus only on the advertised starting price. Ask each company:
- What is the hook-up fee?
- Is there a mileage charge?
- Are there after-hours fees?
- Are winching or loading fees included?
- Is the quoted price the total price?
- Are there storage or unloading charges?
A company with a low hook-up fee may cost more overall if its mileage or additional-service charges are higher.
Whenever possible, get the total estimated price before the tow begins.
Choose the Shortest Reasonable Tow
Distance can have a significant effect on towing costs. If your vehicle needs repairs, taking it to a reputable shop five miles away may be cheaper than towing it 30 or 40 miles.
However, don’t automatically choose the closest repair shop. If that shop cannot fix the problem, you may have to pay for another tow.
A better approach is to find a qualified repair facility first and then compare towing prices to that destination.
Ask the Repair Shop About Towing
Some repair shops work with local towing companies or have preferred towing providers. If your vehicle needs repairs, ask the shop whether they can arrange towing at a competitive rate.
Make sure you know who is responsible for the towing bill and whether towing is included in the repair estimate.
Consider a Tow Dolly or Trailer Rental
For some short-distance moves, renting a tow dolly or car trailer can cost less than hiring a professional tow truck.
However, you need:
- A properly rated tow vehicle
- The correct towing equipment
- Adequate hitch capacity
- Safety chains
- Working trailer lights
- Knowledge of how to load and secure the vehicle
Not every car can safely be towed with two wheels on the ground. Transmission, drivetrain, and manufacturer requirements can affect whether a tow dolly is appropriate.
If you’re unfamiliar with towing equipment, professional towing is generally the safer choice.
Is AAA Cheaper Than Paying for a Tow?
AAA can be cheaper if you already have a membership and your tow falls within the plan’s mileage limits.
AAA Classic generally provides up to five miles of towing in one region, while Plus provides up to 100 miles and Premier includes one tow up to 200 miles, with other covered tows up to 100 miles, subject to membership terms.
Buying AAA specifically for an immediate tow may not always be the cheapest solution because membership and potential immediate-service fees can add to the cost.
If you only need one tow, compare the total AAA cost with quotes from local towing companies.
What Makes a Tow More Expensive?
Several factors can increase your towing bill.
Distance
Longer towing distances generally cost more because companies may charge mileage after the initial hook-up.
Time of Day
Overnight, weekend, holiday, and emergency service may cost more depending on the provider.
Vehicle Size
Large trucks, SUVs, RVs, and specialty vehicles may require larger equipment and additional labor.
Vehicle Condition
A vehicle that rolls and steers normally is usually easier to load than one with locked wheels, severe damage, or missing wheels.
Difficult Locations
Vehicles stuck in mud, snow, ditches, parking structures, or hard-to-access areas may require winching or specialized equipment.
How Can You Get a Cheaper Tow?
Before hiring a towing company:
- Compare at least two or three providers.
- Ask for the complete estimated price.
- Confirm mileage charges.
- Ask about additional fees.
- Check your insurance and roadside coverage.
- Ask your repair shop about preferred towing companies.
- Choose a nearby qualified repair facility.
- Give the tow company an accurate location.
- Explain whether the vehicle rolls and steers.
- Confirm what is included in the quoted price.
Providing accurate information can help prevent unexpected charges.
Is It Cheaper to Repair the Car Where It Is?
Sometimes you can avoid towing altogether by having the problem fixed at the roadside.
A dead battery may only require a jump-start or battery replacement. A flat tire may only require changing the tire, while some minor mechanical problems can be repaired by a mobile mechanic.
AAA also offers services such as battery assistance, flat-tire service, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and minor mechanical first aid.
If the vehicle can be safely repaired where it is, avoiding the tow may be the cheapest option.
Cheapest Towing Options Compared
| Option | Cost Type | Best For |
| Existing roadside coverage | Low or included | Covered breakdowns |
| AAA membership | Annual fee | Frequent roadside needs |
| Insurance roadside assistance | Low or included | Policyholders |
| Local towing company | Pay per service | One-time towing |
| Repair-shop towing | Varies | Vehicles needing repairs |
| Tow dolly rental | Rental + fuel | Suitable vehicles |
| Mobile mechanic | Service fee | Minor roadside problems |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to tow a car without AAA?
The cheapest option is often comparing several local towing companies and requesting an all-inclusive quote. You should also check your auto insurance or vehicle warranty for existing roadside assistance.
How much does a cheap tow usually cost?
A short tow may cost approximately $75–$150, but prices vary considerably based on location, distance, vehicle type, time, and additional services.
Is it cheaper to tow a car yourself?
It can be for certain vehicles and short-distance moves. However, equipment rental, fuel, insurance, and towing requirements can reduce the savings. Professional towing may be safer if you’re unfamiliar with towing.
Is AAA worth it for one tow?
It depends on the membership cost, applicable service fees, and towing distance. If you expect to use roadside assistance more than once, membership may provide greater value.
Can a repair shop tow my car for free?
Some repair shops offer free or discounted towing, but this isn’t universal. Always ask about towing costs before authorizing repairs.
How can I avoid unexpected towing charges?
Request the complete estimated price before service begins. Confirm hook-up fees, mileage charges, after-hours fees, winching costs, storage fees, and other potential charges.
Conclusion
The cheapest way to tow a car depends on your situation. If you already have roadside assistance, using that coverage is often the most economical choice. Without coverage, compare local towing companies and focus on the total cost, not just the advertised hook-up fee.
For minor breakdowns, a roadside repair may eliminate the need for a tow. For certain longer moves, a tow dolly or trailer can save money when used correctly.
The best approach is to compare your options, understand the fees, and confirm the total cost before the tow begins.
Need an Affordable Tow?
If you need reliable towing without an AAA membership, Towing Recovery Rebuilding Assistance Services can help with local towing and roadside assistance.
Whether you’re searching for towing near me, towing Naperville, towing service, tow trucks, tow trucks Naperville, towing service near me, or tow trucks near me, getting a direct quote from a local towing provider can help you find the right option.
Call Towing Recovery Rebuilding Assistance Services at 630-200-2731 for towing assistance.
