When your vehicle breaks down or you’re involved in an accident, a tow truck is often your first call for help. But what exactly do tow trucks do, and how do you know when you need one? Our site is here to provide everything you need to know about towing services—from the types of tow trucks available to how to find the right company for your needs. Whether you’re curious about how towing works, need tips on what to do if you’re stuck on the road, or just want to learn more about roadside assistance, we’ve got you covered!
Common Reasons to Need a Towing Company
- Vehicle breakdown (engine failure, transmission issues, etc.)
- Flat tire with no spare or unable to change it
- Car ran out of gas or fuel
- Battery failure or dead battery
- Locked keys inside the vehicle
- Car involved in an accident
- Stuck in snow, mud, or off-road terrain
- Overheating engine
- Malfunctioning or damaged brakes
- Need for vehicle transportation (e.g., moving a non-operational car to a mechanic)
- Towing for long-distance relocation
- Vehicle impounded or illegally parked
- Vehicle unable to start due to an electrical issue
- Car involved in a flood or water damage
- Need for a jump-start
When to Call a Pro
While a DIY jump start can be helpful in a pinch, it’s best to call for professional help if you suspect there are underlying electrical issues or if you’re unsure about the process.
24 Hour Towing Services – When You Need to Move
Sometimes a jump start isn’t enough. If your car has been in an accident, experienced a major breakdown, or is simply stuck, you’ll likely need towing services.
Types of Tow Trucks
- Flatbed: The safest option for most vehicles, as your car is loaded onto a flat platform.
- Wheel lift: Lifts your car by its wheels, suitable for shorter distances.
- Hook and chain: An older method, less common today due to potential damage to your car.
Choosing a Towing Company
When selecting a towing company, look for one that is licensed, insured, and has a good reputation. Get quotes from a couple companies and ask about their fees and policies upfront.
Average Costs of Towing
New York City Towing Rates:
- Vehicles under 10,000 lbs: The base fee for towing these smaller vehicles is $70, excluding tolls and taxes. This is a relatively low fee compared to other locations, though it can increase with additional charges, like taxes and tolls.
- Vehicles over 10,000 lbs: Larger vehicles incur a significantly higher base towing fee at $125, reflecting the additional labor and equipment needed for towing heavier vehicles.
- Storage fees: The daily storage costs are modest at first ($15 per day for the first 3 days), but they increase slightly to $17 per day afterward, capping at 30 days. This fee structure encourages quick vehicle recovery to avoid escalating costs.
New York State Thruway Towing Rates:
- Service/Hook Up Fee: Towing services on the New York State Thruway are notably higher, with daytime fees ranging from $110-$120 and increasing to $130-$150 at night or during weekends/holidays. This suggests that towing services along the thruway involve higher operational costs, particularly during off-hours.
- Per mile fee: The $7.00 per mile charge applies in addition to the hook-up fee, which can add up quickly for long-distance tows.
New York City Department of Finance Towing Fees:
- Regular tow fee: The Department of Finance charges a much higher fee ($185) than other towing services for regular tows, likely due to administrative costs.
- Heavy duty tow fee: This fee jumps to $370 for heavy-duty vehicles, reflecting the specialized equipment and expertise needed.
- Boot fee: If a vehicle is booted, the fee is $185, which matches the regular tow fee.
Additional Charges:
- Unusual preparation charges: There are additional labor fees of $12 per 1/4 hour for any special preparations, which can be a significant cost depending on the complexity of the situation.
- Fuel surcharge and additional mileage: Both fees are situational but can increase the final cost depending on the distance and location of the tow.
Overall Analysis:
The towing costs in New York vary significantly depending on the vehicle size, location (e.g., New York City vs. the New York State Thruway), and timing. Urban areas, particularly New York City, seem to have more structured and potentially higher fees, especially with administrative involvement from the Department of Finance. The additional charges, such as mileage fees, fuel surcharges, and special preparation costs, highlight the importance of understanding the total potential costs before using towing services, especially when long distances or unusual circumstances are involved.
Prevention is Key
While towing and jump starts are helpful services, the best course of action is to avoid needing them in the first place.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep up with your car’s maintenance schedule to catch potential problems early.
- Emergency Kit: Have anemergency kit in your car, including jumper cables, jump pack, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit.
- Roadside Assistance: Consider enrolling in AAA or another roadside assistance plan for added peace of mind.
