Flatbed Towing Cost in United States

Understanding Flatbed Towing Costs: Key Considerations Before Towing Your Car

What is a Flatbed Tow Truck?

Flatbed tow trucks feature a large, flat plank and a pulley driven by a hydraulic system. When a vehicle needs towing, the pulley connects to the vehicle while the plank tilts down, creating a ramp for the vehicle to roll onto. As the vehicle ascends the ramp, the plank levels out. Once flat, the tow truck driver secures the vehicle's tires to the flatbed.

Flatbed trucks provide a secure option for transporting many types of vehicles and equipment.

How Flatbed Towing Costs are determined
Type of Vehicle:	For Large or Heavy duty vehicles, expect your tow to cost 21-27% more than the average.
Type of Equipment:	If the vehicle requires special equipment because it is in a garage, a wheel is missing or the lost keys are lost, expect to pay $50-100 more.
Distance traveled:	For towing longer distances, expect to pay a base rate, plus $3-5 for each additional mile.
Time of Day:	During night hours, prepare for additional fees ranging from $5 - $150 more than the average.

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• Type of Vehicle: The vehicle you drive significantly influences the towing expense. Heavier models like trucks and SUVs often necessitate a flatbed truck due to the strain standard wheel lift tow trucks can impose.
• Type of Tow: Whether your car has a mechanical issue or involved in an accident determines the complexity of the tow. Collisions may require road cleanup, non-standard hookups, and case-specific needs, potentially resulting in accrued storage fees if the car is totaled. Conversely, breakdowns or dead batteries usually entail simpler towing transactions.
• Distance: The distance to be towed impacts the cost, considering the additional fuel required for longer journeys. Moreover, traveling long distances isn't recommended for wheel lift tow trucks. For tows up to 100 miles, using a flatbed may be advisable to safeguard your vehicle's structure.
• Time of Day: Towing costs can vary based on the time of day due to supply-anddemand dynamics. Tows during regular working hours generally incur lower expenses compared to those required in the middle of the night. Breakdowns occurring during offpeak hours, such as 3 a.m., when fewer tow truck drivers are available, often result in higher overall costs.

Towing Cost Per Mile

The national average cost of towing a car at $110, let's delve into how that expense breaks down per mile: While we’ve established that the national average cost of towing a car is $110, let’s take a look at how that breaks down per mile:

MIles	Range	Average Cost
Up to 5	$85 - $135	$110
Up to 20	$135 - $275	$155
Up to 50	$215 - $405	$310
Up to 100	$415 - $595	$505

The average towing cost per mile is approximately $4.00, spanning from $3.50 at the lower end to as high as $7 per mile at the upper end. Additionally, fees are applied according to the distance traveled. Hence, if you require a local tow, the expense will be significantly lower compared to towing your vehicle halfway across the state.

The chart below shows after 20 miles, the cost of towing will increase based on mileage.

In addition to cost per mile, other fees that you may be liable for include a fee for using a winch to free your vehicle if you’re stuck in snow, mud or ditch.

Reasons to Tow your Car with a Flatbed truck

There are countless situation that may result in your vehicle needing a towing service, but some of the most common reasons include:

• Overheating
• Damaged Wheel
• Oil / Fluid leaks
• Brake issues
• Collision damages
• Manufacturer Recall

Will insurance cover flatbed towing?

Full- Coverage auto insurance typically does not cover towing however, there are a few ways
you can still get your insurance to cover a tow.

What Roadside Assistance Covers:

While not all roadside assistance programs offer identical services, most cover these fundamental needs:

• Vehicle lockout
• Fuel delivery for empty tanks
• Battery jump start
• Tire change for flat and ruptured tires
• Winching services to free a stuck vehicle
• Towing a disabled vehicle to a repair shop

If your auto insurance plan is liability-only and lacks third-party roadside assistance membership, Towpal is the best option for out-of-pocket expenses for any towing services.

Reimbursement through an Insurance Claim:

Some insurance companies cover towing costs through reimbursement, requiring you to pay upfront for tow-related expenses and subsequently file a claim for reimbursement. It's essential to note that many companies only reimburse up to $50, a figure significantly lower than the average tow cost of $105.

In summary

• Average Towing Cost: Across the U.S., the average towing fee typically stands at $110, although this amount varies based on several factors.
• Towing Cost Variables: Your final towing bill depends on factors such as the type of vehicle you drive, the time of day, the distance traveled, and the specific type of tow truck required for the job.
• Insurance Coverage: The bright side is that Towpal can be your saving grace. If you've enrolled in your carrier's roadside assistance program, towing expenses may be covered unde your policy.
• Collision Tows: In the unfortunate event of a collision, the at-fault driver's liability insurance might cover the costs for your tow.

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