Disclaimer: TowCars.com is a nationwide towing information and referral service. We don’t tow, dispatch, or store vehicles, and we aren’t responsible for the work, prices, or conduct of any towing company. If you send us a request, we pass it to independent providers who set their own prices and terms. See our disclosure.
TowCars.com is a towing information and referral service. We publish guides about towing costs and rights, and we offer a free way to ask independent towing and roadside providers for a quote. We don’t own tow trucks, employ drivers, dispatch vehicles or store cars. This page explains, in plain terms, what happens when you send us a request, who is responsible for what, and what you should check before you let anyone work on your vehicle.
How a quote request works
- You tell us what you need. Use the quote form to describe the vehicle, the problem, where it is and where it should go. The more detail you give, the more accurate any quote will be.
- We pass your request on. We share the details you provide with one or more independent providers who say they serve your area and the type of job you describe.
- Providers respond with their own terms. A provider may contact you with a price, an arrival estimate and any conditions. Those terms come from the provider, not from TowCars.com.
- You decide. You are free to accept, compare or decline. Sending a request doesn’t commit you to anything, and you can always call someone else, including your insurer or roadside plan.
Requesting a quote through TowCars.com is free for drivers. How we fund the site, including any payments from providers or advertisers, is described in our advertising and affiliate disclosure.
Who is responsible for the service
The provider who accepts your job is an independent business. They set the price, decide which truck and staff to send, perform the work and are responsible for it, including any damage, delay or billing dispute. TowCars.com isn’t a party to your agreement with the provider and doesn’t guarantee their availability, prices, timing or workmanship. Our terms of use explain this in full.
We say this plainly because it affects what you should do next. Since we can’t vouch for the job, you should check the provider yourself before work starts, just as you would with any business you find online.
What to verify before you say yes
- Business identity. Get the company’s legal or trade name and make sure the truck and driver that arrive match it.
- Licensing or registration. Many states and cities require tow companies to hold a licence or permit. Ask for the number and check it with the issuing agency where you can.
- Insurance. Ask whether the company carries insurance that covers your vehicle while it is being towed or stored.
- A written price. Ask for the total by text or email before the vehicle is hooked up, including the base fee, mileage, after-hours charges and any extras such as dollies or winching. Our towing terms glossary explains common line items.
- Payment methods. Confirm how you can pay. Some states have rules on this; see do tow companies have to take credit cards.
- Destination. Choose where the car goes and confirm the full address.
For more warning signs and questions to ask, read how to choose a tow company and avoid towing scams.
Check your existing coverage first
Your auto insurance, a roadside membership, your car maker or even a credit card may already cover a tow or roadside call. Check before you hire someone else, so you don’t pay for a service you already have. Our tow truck cost guide explains how these plans typically work.
If something goes wrong
Raise problems directly with the provider first, and keep the written quote, receipts, photos and any messages. If you can’t resolve it, you may be able to complain to the agency that licenses towing in your area, your state consumer protection office or your insurer. If your car was towed without your consent, our wrongful tow refund guide and tow bill checker can help. Please also tell us about your experience through our contact page; it helps us decide which providers we pass requests to.
For tow companies
If you run a towing or roadside business and want to receive requests, see list your tow company.
Frequently asked questions
No. TowCars.com is an information and referral service. We pass quote requests to independent providers, who do the work.
No. Requesting a quote is free for drivers. You only pay a provider if you choose to hire them, at the price you agree with them.
The provider who performed the service. Check their insurance before work starts, and document the car’s condition with photos.
No. You can compare, decline or use another option, such as your insurer or roadside plan.
Ready to compare quotes from independent providers? Tell us what you need.