If you can’t afford a tow, don’t panic. You may already have roadside assistance through AAA, auto insurance, a credit card, your vehicle manufacturer, a warranty, or another membership. You can also ask local towing companies about shorter-distance towing, payment options, or taking your vehicle to a nearby repair shop.
The most important thing is to avoid leaving your vehicle somewhere unsafe or attempting an improper towing method just to save money.
Check for Existing Roadside Assistance
Before paying for a tow, check whether you already have coverage through:
- AAA
- Auto insurance
- Vehicle manufacturer programs
- Credit cards
- Dealership service plans
- Extended warranties
- Employer or fleet benefits
AAA, for example, provides roadside assistance with towing benefits that vary by membership level and region. Check your plan before paying a private towing company.
Call Your Insurance Company
Roadside assistance may be included with your auto insurance policy. Call your insurer and ask:
- Is roadside assistance included?
- Is towing covered for my situation?
- How many miles are covered?
- Do I need to use a specific towing company?
- Are there deductibles or service limits?
If towing is covered, your insurer may arrange the service directly, potentially reducing your upfront cost.
Check Your Credit Card Benefits
Some credit cards provide roadside assistance as a cardholder benefit. Coverage varies, so call the number on the back of your card and ask about emergency towing, mileage limits, service fees, and out-of-pocket costs.
This can be a useful alternative if you don’t have AAA or insurance-based roadside assistance.
Ask the Tow Company for the Cheapest Option
If you need to pay for the tow yourself, compare prices instead of accepting the first quote.
Ask the towing company:
- What is the lowest-cost towing option?
- Can you provide a shorter tow?
- Can the vehicle go to a nearby repair shop?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- Are there different rates based on service hours?
A short tow to a nearby qualified mechanic is often less expensive than taking the vehicle across town.
Always ask for the total estimated price, including hookup fees, mileage, storage, after-hours charges, and other applicable costs.
Ask Your Repair Shop for Help
If your vehicle needs repairs, contact the repair shop before arranging transportation. Some mechanics work with local towing companies and may be able to arrange a tow for customers.
Even when a shop doesn’t offer free towing, it may recommend a reasonably priced local provider or negotiate transportation as part of the repair.
Ask a Friend or Family Member
If your vehicle is in a safe location, a friend or family member may be able to help move it using appropriate equipment.
However, don’t improvise with ropes, chains, or unsuitable vehicles. The towing vehicle and equipment must be capable of safely handling the disabled vehicle.
Some vehicles cannot be safely flat-towed because doing so can damage the drivetrain or transmission. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s towing requirements.
Determine Whether You Actually Need a Tow
Some breakdowns can be resolved without towing. Common examples include:
- Dead battery
- Flat tire
- Empty fuel tank
- Vehicle lockout
- Loose battery connection
Roadside assistance providers may offer jump-starts, fuel delivery, tire changes, lockout assistance, and minor roadside help. If the problem can be fixed where the vehicle is stranded, you may avoid the cost of a tow entirely.
Ask About Payment Arrangements
Some independent towing companies accept credit or debit cards and may offer payment arrangements, although policies differ.
If you cannot afford the entire bill, explain your situation before the truck is dispatched. Ask whether the company offers financing, partial payments, or other payment options.
Never assume you can pay later without confirming the arrangement first.
Look for Local Emergency Assistance
Depending on your circumstances, local organizations may provide emergency transportation or vehicle assistance.
Potential resources include:
- Community assistance organizations
- Churches and charitable groups
- Local social service agencies
- Community action agencies
- Workforce assistance programs
- Local government offices
Programs vary by location and eligibility, so assistance isn’t guaranteed. Still, they may be worth contacting if you have no other options.
Ask About AAA Reimbursement
If you are an eligible AAA member and had to use another towing provider because AAA service wasn’t available, you may qualify for reimbursement depending on your regional AAA club and circumstances.
Reimbursement rules, deadlines, and maximum amounts vary. When possible, contact AAA before arranging outside service and keep an itemized paid receipt.
What Should I Do If My Car Is Stranded and I Have No Money?
First, get yourself and your passengers to a safe location if possible. Then check for roadside assistance through AAA, insurance, your credit card, your vehicle manufacturer, a warranty, or another membership.
If you have no coverage, call several local towing companies and explain that you’re looking for the least expensive option. Ask about a short-distance tow, payment arrangements, or transportation to a nearby repair shop.
If the vehicle is blocking traffic or creating a safety hazard, contact the appropriate local authorities rather than leaving it in a dangerous location.
Can I Get a Free Tow Without AAA?
Sometimes, but there is no universal free-towing program. You may have towing coverage through insurance, a warranty, a dealership program, a manufacturer benefit, or another roadside assistance service.
Some charitable or community organizations may also help qualifying individuals. Always confirm the total cost and terms before authorizing a towing service.
Is It Cheaper to Tow a Car to a Mechanic or Home?
A tow to a nearby mechanic is often cheaper than transporting the vehicle a long distance to your home. The final price depends on mileage, hookup fees, vehicle type, destination, location, and time of day.
Ask the towing company to quote both destinations before making your decision. A repair shop may also have a relationship with a local towing provider.
Should I Tow My Car Myself to Save Money?
DIY towing can sometimes reduce costs, but improper towing can cause serious damage or create a safety hazard.
Before attempting to tow a vehicle, verify:
- Towing vehicle capacity
- Disabled vehicle weight
- Proper towing equipment
- Manufacturer requirements
- Local towing laws
- Whether the vehicle can be flat-towed
Some vehicles require a tow dolly or flatbed. If you’re unsure, professional towing is generally the safer option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to tow a car?
The cheapest option is often roadside assistance you already have through AAA, insurance, a warranty, or another membership. If you need a private tow, compare prices and request the shortest practical distance to a nearby repair facility.
Can a towing company let you pay later?
Some towing companies offer payment arrangements, but this varies. Ask about payment options before authorizing the tow and get the agreement in writing when possible.
Does car insurance pay for towing?
Some insurance policies include roadside assistance and towing, while others don’t. Contact your insurer to confirm coverage, mileage limits, deductibles, and eligible situations.
Can AAA tow my car if I can’t afford a tow?
If you’re an eligible AAA member and the tow is covered by your membership, AAA may provide towing according to your plan’s terms. Mileage limits and service benefits vary by membership level and region.
What if I can’t afford to get my car out of the tow yard?
Contact the tow yard immediately and ask about the total balance, storage fees, payment options, and vehicle-release requirements. Storage charges can continue accumulating, making the situation more expensive if you wait.
Should I leave my broken-down car where it is?
Only if the location is legal and safe. Vehicles left on roads, shoulders, restricted areas, or private property may be removed or incur additional charges. If you’re in an unsafe location, prioritize your safety and that of your passengers.
Conclusion
If you can’t afford a tow, don’t assume you have to pay the entire bill yourself. Check AAA, insurance, credit card benefits, warranties, dealership programs, and other roadside assistance options first.
If you don’t have coverage, compare local towing companies and ask about a short tow to a nearby repair shop or available payment arrangements. Most importantly, don’t use unsafe equipment or improper towing methods simply to save money.
When you need reliable towing help, Towing Recovery Rebuilding Assistance Services can help you find a practical solution. Call 630-200-2731 for towing assistance and ask about available options for your situation.
