8 Clever Ways to Get Your Car Towed for Free (or Almost Free) in the US

A broken-down car is stressful enough without the shocking cost of a tow truck. The average tow can cost anywhere from $75 to over $250, depending on distance and your location. But what if you could get that tow for free or at a deeply discounted rate?

The secret is that you may already be paying for roadside assistance through services you already use. From your car insurance to your credit card, here are eight legal and smart ways to get your vehicle towed without breaking the bank.

1. Contact Your Auto Insurance Provider

This is often the most reliable and affordable method. Many auto insurance policies include roadside assistance as an optional add-on for just a few dollars more per month.

• How it Works: This add-on typically covers tows to the nearest qualified repair facility.

• What to Do: Don’t wait for an emergency! Review your policy documents or call your insurer directly to see if you’re already covered. If not, ask about adding it.

• Cost: Usually a small annual fee.

Pro Tip: Adding towing to your insurance is almost always cheaper than a single out-of-pocket tow. It’s a no-brainer for peace of mind.

2. Check Your Car’s Warranty

If your vehicle is relatively new, you might already have complimentary roadside assistance.

• How it Works: Most new cars sold in the U.S. come with a factory roadside assistance plan for the first few years or a certain number of miles.

• What to Do: Check your owner’s manual, your glove box paperwork, or call a local dealership. The number to call is often printed on a sticker in your glove compartment or on your sun visor.

Examples of Manufacturer Roadside Assistance Plans:

• Comprehensive Coverage (5+ Years): Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Genesis, Lincoln

• Standard Coverage (3-4 Years): Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Volkswagen, and most European luxury brands.

For a full list, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains resources on vehicle safety and owner responsibilities.

3. Utilize Your Credit Card Benefits

Many credit card companies offer roadside assistance as a hidden perk. This can be a “pay-per-use” service, but it’s often at a pre-negotiated, competitive rate.

• How it Works: You call a dedicated dispatch number, and the service is billed to your card at a set fee.

• What to Do: Log in to your online account and find your “Guide to Benefits” document, or call the number on the back of your card to inquire.

Important: Check your card’s benefit terms for tow distance limits (often 5-10 miles). You pay for any overage.

4. Leverage Membership Clubs and Organizations

If you’re a member of an auto club or other organization, free towing is likely your core benefit.

• AAA (American Automobile Association): The most well-known option. Different membership levels (Classic, Plus, Premier) offer different amounts of free towing (often 5, 100, or 200 miles). Learn more about AAA memberships.

• AARP: Offers a roadside assistance program through Allstate, available to members. See AARP Auto Insurance Programs.

• Other Motor Clubs: Organizations like the National General Motor Club offer similar plans.

5. Check with Your Cell Phone Provider

Some major mobile carriers have partnerships that offer roadside assistance as a value-added service.

• How it Works: It’s often a low-cost subscription added to your monthly bill or a pay-per-use service.

• What to Do: Check your carrier’s app or website under “perks” or “member benefits.”

• Carriers Known to Offer This:

  • Verizon: Offered through Verizon Up rewards.

  • T-Mobile: Often a perk through T-Mobile Tuesdays or partnerships.

6. Use a Modern On-Demand Towing App

For a transparent, pay-as-you-go option, apps can be a great solution. While not free, they offer upfront pricing and can be cheaper than calling a random tow company.

• Honk: A popular app that connects you with nearby tow trucks and shows you the price before you confirm. Get the Honk App.

• Urgent.ly: Another leading on-demand roadside assistance platform often integrated with insurance and telematics apps.

7. Contact a Local Automotive Repair Shop

Sometimes, the goodwill of a local mechanic can work in your favor.

• How it Works: If your car needs significant repairs, a shop might agree to waive the tow fee, knowing they will make money on the repair job.

• What to Do: Call a reputable local shop and ask if they offer “free towing with repair.” Be sure to get a repair estimate in writing first.

8. In an Emergency on the Highway: Call Non-Emergency Police

If your car is stranded on a highway and is a traffic hazard, you can call the non-emergency line for your state’s Department of Transportation or highway patrol.

• Important: They will not tow your car to your home or a mechanic of your choice. They will move it to the nearest safe location (like a rest area or the next exit) to clear the road. From there, you can arrange a tow using one of the methods above. This prevents you from being charged a premium “impound” fee.

Quick-Action Checklist for a Breakdown

Don’t panic. Go through this list:

1. ☐ Get to Safety: Pull over to the right shoulder, turn on your hazard lights, and stay out of traffic.

2. ☐ Check Your Wallet: Look for an insurance card, AAA membership, or a credit card with roadside benefits.

3. ☐ Check Your Glove Box: Look for a roadside assistance booklet from your car’s manufacturer.

4. ☐ Make the Call: Contact the most cost-effective service you have access to.

By knowing your options ahead of time, you can turn a stressful and expensive situation into a manageable one. A few minutes of preparation can save you hundreds of dollars.