You may be able to get a free tow in Texas if your vehicle is disabled on a participating highway covered by a TxDOT Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) program. TxDOT provides free roadside assistance in several Texas service areas, including Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, and the Permian Basin. Depending on the program, assistance can include moving a disabled vehicle to safety, jump-starting a battery, changing a flat tire, providing fuel, and minor roadside repairs.
Outside these designated programs, truly free towing is less common. Your best options may be AAA, insurance roadside assistance, a manufacturer warranty, a dealership benefit, or another roadside assistance plan you already have.
Use TxDOT’s Free HERO Roadside Assistance
One of the best options for free roadside help in Texas is the Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) program operated by the Texas Department of Transportation.
HERO vehicles patrol designated highways and can assist stranded motorists. Services can include:
- Moving disabled vehicles to a safer location
- Jump-starting batteries
- Changing flat tires
- Adding gasoline or water
- Performing minor repairs
- Removing debris
- Providing traffic control
The program is designed primarily to improve highway safety and keep traffic moving rather than provide long-distance towing to a repair shop.
Check Whether You’re in a HERO Service Area
Free TxDOT roadside assistance isn’t available on every Texas road.
Current TxDOT HERO programs cover designated areas including:
- Austin
- San Antonio
- El Paso
- Permian Basin
The exact highways and service hours vary by location. For example, the Austin HERO program covers designated portions of I-35, US 183, US 290, SH 71, Loop 1 and other routes.
If you’re stranded on a highway outside a HERO service area, you’ll generally need another roadside assistance option.
Call 511 or Use TxDOT Roadside Assistance Resources
If you’re unsure whether free highway assistance is available where you are, check TxDOT’s current roadside assistance resources.
TxDOT’s DriveTexas system can help motorists find the appropriate roadside assistance contact information when they are within a covered service area.
If you’re stopped on a busy highway, prioritize your safety. Move away from traffic when possible and follow emergency instructions.
Check Your Auto Insurance
Your insurance policy may include roadside assistance even if you don’t realize it.
Call your insurer and ask whether your policy provides:
- Emergency towing
- Roadside assistance
- Battery jump-starts
- Flat-tire service
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout service
Some policies cover towing up to a specified distance or dollar amount rather than providing unlimited free towing.
Before authorizing a private tow, ask your insurer whether they can dispatch a provider directly.
Check AAA or Another Roadside Membership
If you already have AAA or another roadside assistance membership, check your towing benefits.
AAA towing benefits vary by membership level and regional club. Some plans provide short-distance towing while higher membership levels can provide substantially longer towing distances.
Don’t assume a tow is free simply because you have a membership. Check your plan’s mileage, service-call, vehicle, and eligibility restrictions first.
Check Your Vehicle Warranty
A newer vehicle may have roadside assistance included with its manufacturer’s warranty.
Depending on the manufacturer and vehicle, benefits may include towing, battery service, flat-tire assistance, fuel delivery, and lockout service.
Check your owner’s manual, warranty information, or manufacturer’s roadside assistance number before paying for a tow.
Contact the Dealership
If your vehicle is still under a dealership service plan or manufacturer roadside program, the dealership may be able to arrange assistance.
This is especially worth checking if the vehicle recently received warranty work or is covered by a maintenance or protection plan.
Ask whether towing to the dealership is covered and whether there are mileage restrictions.
Ask a Local Towing Company About Discounts
If you don’t qualify for free roadside assistance, you can still try to reduce the cost.
Call several local towing companies and explain that you’re looking for the lowest-cost option. Ask about:
- Short-distance towing
- Off-peak rates
- Discounts
- Payment arrangements
- Towing to a nearby repair shop
- Roadside service instead of a full tow
A minor roadside repair may be significantly cheaper than transporting the vehicle to another location.
Look for Local Assistance Programs
If you have a financial hardship, contact local community organizations and assistance agencies.
Texas provides 2-1-1 as a resource for finding available community services, while the state’s Help for Texans system can help residents search for assistance programs by city or county. Eligibility and funding vary by program.
There isn’t a statewide program that guarantees a free tow to every low-income driver, so ask specifically whether your local area has emergency transportation or vehicle assistance.
What If Your Car Has Already Been Towed?
Getting a free tow after your vehicle has already been impounded is much more difficult.
Texas towing rules distinguish between consent tows, private-property tows, and other types of towing. If your vehicle was towed from private property, you may have specific rights concerning the tow and fees.
If you believe your vehicle was wrongfully towed or you were charged more than legally allowed, Texas allows vehicle owners to request a tow hearing through a Justice of the Peace Court. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation states that a tow-hearing request generally must be made within 14 days of the tow.
Can a Tow Company Waive the Fee in Texas?
A towing company may voluntarily reduce or waive a fee in some situations, but you should not assume it is required to do so.
If you are having trouble paying, contact the company immediately and ask whether it can:
- Reduce the towing charge
- Remove certain fees
- Offer a payment arrangement
- Lower storage costs
- Release the vehicle under an available payment option
If the tow was unauthorized or the company charged fees you believe are unlawful, you may have a right to challenge the charges instead.
What Is the Cheapest Alternative to a Tow?
If your vehicle has a simple problem, roadside service may be cheaper than towing.
For example, you may only need:
- A battery jump-start
- A tire change
- Emergency fuel
- A lockout service
- A minor mechanical repair
TxDOT HERO programs specifically provide several of these services free of charge within their designated coverage areas.
What Should You Do If You’re Stranded on a Texas Highway?
Your first priority should be safety.
If possible:
- Pull as far away from traffic as safely possible.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Stay alert for approaching vehicles.
- Call 911 if you’re in immediate danger.
- Check whether TxDOT HERO assistance covers your location.
- Contact your insurance or roadside assistance provider.
- Compare towing costs if you need private service.
Don’t attempt an unsafe DIY tow just because you don’t have money for a professional tow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free roadside assistance in Texas?
Yes. TxDOT operates free HERO roadside assistance programs in designated areas of Texas. Services can include disabled-vehicle relocation, jump-starts, tire changes, fuel assistance, and minor repairs.
Does Texas have free towing for low-income drivers?
There is no universal statewide program guaranteeing free towing to low-income drivers. However, local community assistance programs may be available, and Texas 2-1-1 can help identify services in your area.
Can TxDOT tow my car for free?
TxDOT HERO operators can relocate disabled vehicles to safety within their designated service areas. This should not be confused with a free long-distance tow to any repair shop or destination.
How can I get a free tow without AAA?
Check TxDOT HERO coverage first, then look at your auto insurance, vehicle warranty, manufacturer roadside assistance, dealership benefits, and local assistance programs. These options may provide free or covered towing depending on your eligibility.
Can I get a free tow if my car breaks down on I-35?
Possibly. Certain portions of I-35 in the Austin area are covered by the TxDOT HERO program. Coverage depends on your exact location and the program’s service area.
What if I can’t afford a Texas towing bill?
Ask the towing company about discounts, payment arrangements, or a lower-cost destination. If you believe the tow was improper or the charges exceeded permitted amounts, you may also have the right to request a tow hearing.
Conclusion
Getting a free tow in Texas is possible in certain circumstances, but there isn’t one statewide program that provides free towing to everyone. The best place to start is TxDOT’s free HERO roadside assistance if you’re stranded within a covered service area.
If HERO isn’t available, check your insurance, AAA, vehicle warranty, dealership benefits, and local assistance programs before paying out of pocket. If you need private towing, compare prices and ask about discounts or payment options before authorizing the service.
For dependable towing assistance, Towing Recovery Rebuilding Assistance Services can help you find a practical solution. Call 630-200-2731 for towing, towing service, tow trucks, towing near me, or towing service near me.
