Quick Answer: AAA members pay $0 for covered tows (up to mileage limits), while non-AAA towing runs $75-150 in Chicago and $65-135 in Phoenix. AAA Basic covers 4 tows per year up to 3 miles. Non-AAA costs vary widely by distance and company.
What To Do
Check your AAA membership status - Log into the AAA app or call member services to verify coverage and available tows remaining
For AAA members - Call AAA directly at 1-800-AAA-HELP, provide your membership number and exact location
For non-AAA emergencies - Get quotes from 2-3 local tow companies before choosing, as prices vary significantly
Ask about distance charges - Both cities charge extra beyond base service areas (typically 3-5 miles)
Verify total cost upfront - Request written estimate including all fees before authorizing service
A few things worth knowing before you make that call. In Chicago, tow companies operating on city streets are regulated by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, so you have the right to demand a written estimate before the hook goes on your car. In Phoenix, regulation is lighter, which is exactly why prices swing wider and why getting two or three quotes matters more. If your car is disabled on a highway shoulder, call 911 or the non-emergency line first so they can send a traffic incident management unit. That keeps you safer and sometimes results in a free or reduced-cost move to the nearest exit ramp.
If you are a AAA member and you have already used your tows for the year, you are not completely out of options. AAA will still dispatch a truck, but you pay the going rate minus a modest member discount, usually 10-15% off the retail price. It is worth asking the agent explicitly rather than assuming you are covered.
When you call a non-AAA tow company, ask three specific questions: what is the hookup fee, what is the per-mile rate after the base distance, and are there any surcharges for your vehicle type. Oversized trucks, AWD vehicles that need a flatbed, and cars with low ground clearance all commonly trigger specialty equipment fees of $25-75 on top of the base rate.
Photo: Pexels
What It Might Cost
AAA Members:
- Basic: 4 free tows up to 3 miles per year
- Plus: 4 free tows up to 100 miles per year
- Premier: 1 free 200-mile tow, plus 3 free 100-mile tows per year
If you need a tow beyond your plan’s mileage limit, AAA charges a per-mile overage rate, typically $3-7 per mile depending on your region. That is still usually cheaper than calling cold, so always start with AAA even if you think you might be over the limit.
Non-AAA Chicago:
- Base tow (up to 5 miles): $85-150
- Each additional mile: $3-7
- After-hours surcharge: $15-35
- Storage fees: $25-45 per day
Chicago’s after-hours window is typically 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and all day Sunday for many independent operators. If your breakdown happens Friday night, factor that surcharge in before agreeing to anything.
Non-AAA Phoenix:
- Base tow (up to 5 miles): $65-135
- Each additional mile: $2-6
- Weekend/holiday surcharge: $20-40
- Storage fees: $20-40 per day
Phoenix heat creates unique complications. In summer months, some companies add a short-staff surcharge on extreme heat days when demand spikes, so wait times and prices both climb. If you are stranded in direct sun, get to shade or a nearby business immediately and then make your calls.
Hidden costs to watch for:
- Hookup fees ($25-50)
- Fuel surcharges ($5-15)
- Credit card processing fees (3-5%)
- Specialty equipment fees for AWD, low-clearance, or oversized vehicles ($25-75)
- Gate fees if your car is retrieved from a storage lot after hours ($35-75)
Photo: Pexels
Common Questions
Q: Does my car insurance cover towing so I don’t need AAA? A: Many auto policies include roadside assistance as an add-on, but coverage limits are often lower than AAA Plus or Premier, frequently capped at $50-75 per incident. Check your declarations page before you assume you’re covered, and find out whether you pay upfront and get reimbursed or whether the insurer dispatches directly, since reimbursement can take weeks.
Q: What happens if the tow company takes my car somewhere I didn’t agree to? A: You have the right to specify the destination before the tow begins. In Chicago, taking a vehicle to an unauthorized lot is a violation of city towing ordinances and you can file a complaint with BACP. In Phoenix, document everything in writing or via text message before authorizing the tow, and if the driver refuses, call the non-emergency police line.
Q: Is it worth upgrading from AAA Basic to AAA Plus just for the mileage benefit? A: If you regularly drive more than 10-15 miles from home or travel frequently, yes. The upgrade typically costs $30-50 more per year, and a single out-of-mileage tow of 20-30 miles on a non-AAA truck in Chicago could easily cost $150 or more. One incident and the upgrade pays for itself.
Stay Safe
- Never leave your vehicle unattended with the tow truck driver
- Take photos of your car before it’s loaded
- Get the driver’s name, company info, and destination address in writing
- Keep all receipts for insurance claims
- Ask where your vehicle will be stored and what the access hours are
- Verify the tow truck company is licensed and insured before service begins
Need roadside help? Visit Tow With The Flow for real answers when your car breaks down.