Quick Answer: AAA Basic members get free towing up to 3 miles, then pay $4-6 per additional mile. Non-AAA towing in Chicago runs $125-200 for hookup plus $3-5 per mile. AAA Plus covers 100 miles free. For distances over 10 miles, AAA membership pays for itself immediately.
What To Do
Check your AAA membership level first
- Basic: 3 free miles
- Plus: 100 free miles
- Premier: 200 free miles
Call AAA if you’re a member
- Dial 1-800-AAA-HELP
- Use the AAA mobile app for faster service
- Average wait time: 45-90 minutes in Chicago
For non-AAA emergency towing, call these Chicago operators
- Chicago Towing: (773) 224-1100
- Millennium Towing: (312) 666-8697
- Always ask for total cost upfront before they hook up
Get exact mileage to your destination
- Use Google Maps for precise distance
- Confirm drop-off location with dispatcher
- Ask about storage fees if going to a shop
Photo: Pexels
What It Might Cost
AAA Members:
- Basic: Free up to 3 miles, then $4-6/mile
- Plus: Free up to 100 miles
- Premier: Free up to 200 miles
- Annual membership: $64-156 depending on level
Non-AAA Chicago Rates:
- Hook-up fee: $125-200
- Per mile: $3-5
- After hours (6pm-6am): Add $25-50
- Weekend surcharge: Add $25-40
Example scenarios:
- 5-mile tow: AAA Plus = $0, Non-AAA = $140-225
- 15-mile tow: AAA Plus = $0, Non-AAA = $170-275
- 30-mile tow: AAA Plus = $0, Non-AAA = $215-350
Photo: Pexels
Stay Safe
- Never agree to towing without getting the total cost in writing
- Verify the tow truck company name matches who you called
- Take photos of your car before it’s hooked up
- Remove all valuables from your vehicle before towing
- Get a receipt with the driver’s name and truck number