There are hundreds or maybe even thousands of vehicles towed every month in San Diego. And almost every car owner has needed at least one tow in their lifetime. How much will a towing company cost in San Diego? This is a question that has floated around our minds for many San Diegans. Towing fees can be costly depending on many different factors and also if you do not have roadside assistance through your insurance, membership in a roadside assistance group, or an emergency fund set up for cases of, well, auto emergencies. Many people do not realize tow services include more than transporting a vehicle from one place to another. The fees charged by tow companies can vary depending on your circumstances, where you live, and the tow company.
Why Would I Need To Be Towed?
There are several reasons that you might need to employ the services of a tow truck, and thankfully, several of them are avoidable – but many are not. If you are in an accident and your car is damaged to the point that you cannot drive it, or if your car has a problem that keeps it from starting, you’re definitely going to need a tow truck. But the most common reasons for needing a tow truck are avoidable. Have you ever left your lights on accidentally and killed your battery? Keeping a pair of jumper cables in your trunk could help you avoid making the costly call. Likewise with keeping and knowing how to change a flat tire for a new one and keeping an eye on the gas gauge.
Average Tow Costs
Some tow companies may charge $2.50 to $7.00 per mile. The higher dollar amount is usually reserved for heavy-duty vehicles. The cost adds up fast. It’s hard to give you a ballpark estimate of what you could end up paying but we strongly advise to ask your tow operator ahead of time for their prices or to give you a flat rate based on your needs and current situation.
What Services Do Tow Companies Offer?
Keys locked in the car is a common occurrence for many. Calling a tow company to help can save the day. Check out the other services that are often available from a tow company.
- Gas Delivery
- Jump Start
- Unlock Door
- Tire Change
- Transport a Vehicle
- Pull You Out If Stuck
What Impacts the Cost of a Tow?
If you check directly on a tow company’s website for pricing, you will probably be hard-pressed to find a dollar amount. I checked several and not one listed their prices. However, luckily the cost of a tow is fairly standard so I can at least give you a ballpark figure.
Often the base fee or often referred to as a hook-up fee is $50, regardless if you need your vehicle towed one mile or twenty. More mileage does often come with a higher price tag. A standard tow is usually cheaper than a flatbed tow. A tow due to a car accident can be substantially higher. The cost of having your vehicle towed and impounded can also be a lot higher.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance can seriously come in handy at a time like this. Options for roadside assistance coverage vary from policy to policy. Some car insurance carriers offer $50, $100, and $150 limits of coverage. The dollar amounts of coverage can come with a mileage limit too. For example, $50 of coverage for up to a 20-mile tow. Sometimes mileage is what the coverage is based upon instead of a dollar amount. Some insurance policies may be set up to cover a 100-mile tow regardless of the amount of the charge from the tow company.
It is important to understand your coverage at the time you purchase it so you are not confused about how much is covered and what to do at the time of a loss.
If your vehicle needed to be towed after a covered loss accident, most likely your car insurance policy will cover the cost of the tow within your claim, even without having selected roadside assistance. It is a nice coverage to have since a tow at the scene of an accident often cost a whole lot more than a standard mechanical problem tow.
If you have questions about your roadside assistance coverage, you should call your car insurance agent. Sometimes your agent may be able to file your claim for you and have a tow truck sent out to your location. It all depends on your policy. Hopefully, you will be on your way in no time with a quick call to the tow service, just make sure to keep your receipt if you hope to file a claim on your car insurance.
Keep in mind that sometimes it may be worthy to use a towing company that you find on Google rather than using your insurance for towing. For rates and flatbed towing options 24/7 in the San Diego county contact Mission Valley Towing at 858-278-1247
