Many Jacksonville residents believe tow truck services charge whatever they want, but Florida law actually regulates maximum rates for non-consensual towing. Understanding the real cost to get car out of impound and legitimate service fees can save you hundreds of dollars when you’re stuck on I-95 or dealing with parking violations in downtown Jacksonville.
The disconnect between what tow truck operators earn ($22.53/hour according to Bureau of Labor Statistics) and what you pay ($33.80-$56.33/hour) exists because your rate covers business overhead like specialized equipment, commercial insurance, 24/7 dispatch services, and compliance with Florida Department of Agriculture regulations that govern the towing industry.
Quality Indicators and Red Flags
Legitimate Jacksonville towing companies display clear pricing on their trucks and provide written estimates before service. Quality operators carry proper licensing through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, maintain clean equipment, and arrive within their quoted timeframe.
Warning signs include drivers demanding cash-only payments, refusing to show identification, or quoting prices significantly below market rates. In Riverside and Five Points areas, unlicensed operators sometimes target tourists and students with predatory pricing that balloons once your vehicle is hooked up.
Reputable companies provide itemized invoices showing base rates, mileage charges, and any additional fees. They should also carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage, protecting you from potential damages during the towing process.
U Haul Roadside Assistance Cost vs Local Services
U-Haul’s roadside assistance costs $29.95 annually but only covers U-Haul rental equipment. For personal vehicles, Jacksonville residents pay significantly more for comparable services through third-party providers.
Local towing companies typically charge $85-$150 for basic roadside assistance within city limits, including areas like Mandarin, Westside, and Arlington. This covers jump starts, tire changes, lockout service, and fuel delivery. The higher cost reflects 24/7 availability and faster response times compared to national chains.
| Service Type | U-Haul Coverage | Local Towing Cost | Response Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jump Start | U-Haul only | $75-$95 | 20-45 min |
| Tire Change | U-Haul only | $80-$110 | 25-40 min |
| Lockout | Not covered | $65-$85 | 15-35 min |
| Fuel Delivery | U-Haul only | $70-$90 + fuel | 30-50 min |
However, U-Haul customers needing personal vehicle assistance often discover their coverage doesn’t apply, leading to expensive emergency towing situations.
Tow Truck Service Cost Breakdown
Jacksonville’s subtropical climate and heavy traffic patterns affect towing costs throughout the year. Summer storms from June through September increase demand, while winter months see steady pricing due to consistent tourist traffic and snowbird population influx.
Basic towing starts at $95-$125 for the first five miles, with additional mileage charged at $3-$5 per mile. This base rate covers hooking up your vehicle, basic safety checks, and transport within Jacksonville’s city limits.
Storage fees begin after the first 24 hours, ranging from $20-$35 daily at licensed facilities. Administrative fees add another $50-$75 to your total cost, covering paperwork, dispatch services, and facility overhead.
After-hours service (nights, weekends, holidays) carries surcharges of 25-50% above standard rates. Memorial Day through Labor Day represents peak season, when rates increase 10-20% due to higher demand from beach-area incidents and increased traffic volume.
Cost to Tow a Car 20 Miles
Long-distance towing from Jacksonville to surrounding areas like Orange Park, Fernandina Beach, or St. Augustine requires different pricing structures than local service calls. The cost to tow a car 20 miles typically ranges from $185-$285, depending on vehicle size and route complexity.
Mileage rates decrease for longer distances, often dropping to $2.75-$4.25 per mile after the first ten miles. However, return travel costs for the tow truck driver factor into your total, effectively doubling the distance charge for one-way trips to remote locations.
| Distance | Base Rate | Mileage Rate | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 miles | $95-$125 | $4-$5/mile | $135-$175 |
| 20 miles | $95-$125 | $3.50-$4.75 | $185-$285 |
| 30 miles | $95-$125 | $3.25-$4.50 | $235-$385 |
| 40 miles | $95-$125 | $3-$4.25 | $285-$485 |
Specialty towing for motorcycles, RVs, or luxury vehicles adds 15-35% to standard rates due to required equipment and additional insurance coverage.
Local Permits and Regulations
Florida Statute 713.78 governs towing and storage practices, establishing maximum rates for non-consensual towing at $100 plus $7 per mile within city limits. However, consensual towing (when you call for service) operates under market rates, typically higher than statutory maximums.
Jacksonville requires towing companies to maintain licenses through both city and state authorities. The Florida Department of Agriculture oversees consumer protection, while local permits ensure compliance with zoning and business operation requirements.
Impound lots must provide 24/7 access for vehicle retrieval, though many charge additional fees for after-hours release. Cash, cashier’s checks, or money orders are typically required - personal checks are rarely accepted for impound releases.
Disputing towing charges requires filing complaints with Florida’s Division of Consumer Services within 60 days. Keep all receipts, photos of signage, and documentation of the incident to support your case.
DIY vs Professional Service
Basic roadside emergencies like flat tires or dead batteries can sometimes be handled independently, potentially saving $65-$110 in service fees. However, Jacksonville’s busy highways and unpredictable weather create safety risks for DIY attempts.
Professional towing becomes necessary for mechanical failures, accidents, or situations requiring specialized equipment. The average Jacksonville resident’s income of $73,194 makes professional service cost-effective compared to potential injury, property damage, or traffic citations from improper roadside repairs.
Insurance considerations also favor professional service. Many policies require documented proof of proper towing procedures for claims processing. DIY attempts that result in additional vehicle damage may void coverage or complicate claims.
Consider professional help for any situation involving major roadways like I-10, I-295, or busy surface streets in downtown Jacksonville. The $95-$150 service cost becomes minimal compared to potential accidents or injuries in high-traffic areas.
Insurance, Warranties, and AAA Coverage
Auto insurance policies often include towing coverage for $15-$25 annually, typically providing $100-$150 per incident. This covers most local towing needs within Jacksonville, though long-distance or specialty services may exceed coverage limits.
AAA membership costs $60-$120 annually depending on service level, providing multiple service calls and extended coverage areas. However, response times in Jacksonville can exceed 90 minutes during peak demand periods, particularly during severe weather or major traffic incidents.
Many residents combine insurance towing coverage with credit card roadside benefits for comprehensive protection. Premium credit cards often provide emergency towing services at no additional cost, though availability and response times vary by provider.
Local towing companies increasingly offer service contracts for frequent users, particularly beneficial for older vehicles or commercial fleet operators. These contracts provide priority service and discounted rates in exchange for annual fees ranging from $150-$300.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a tow truck service?
Jacksonville tow truck services typically cost $95-$125 for basic local towing, plus $3-$5 per mile. Roadside assistance like jump starts or tire changes ranges from $65-$110. After-hours service adds 25-50% surcharges, while specialty vehicles incur additional fees of 15-35%. Total costs for standard towing within city limits average $135-$225, depending on distance and time of service.
How much is a tow truck fee?
Tow truck fees in Jacksonville include base service charges of $95-$125, mileage rates of $3-$5 per mile, and potential storage fees of $20-$35 daily. Administrative fees add $50-$75 to cover paperwork and dispatch services. After-hours surcharges increase total fees by 25-50%, while impound situations include additional charges for processing and facility overhead, potentially reaching $300-$500 total.
How much do towing companies charge?
Jacksonville towing companies charge hourly rates of $33.80-$56.33 based on service type and complexity. Simple roadside assistance averages $75-$95, while full towing services range from $135-$285 depending on distance. Companies also charge storage fees, administrative costs, and equipment surcharges for specialty vehicles. Total charges typically fall between $150-$400 for most common towing scenarios within the Jacksonville metropolitan area.
Is towing free with AAA?
AAA provides free towing up to specified mileage limits based on membership level - typically 3-5 miles for basic members, 100+ miles for premium members. However, Jacksonville’s sprawling geography often requires longer tows to preferred repair facilities. Members pay standard rates for distances exceeding their coverage limits. AAA also covers multiple service calls annually, making it cost-effective for frequent users despite potential wait times during peak demand periods.
How much to get your car back from being towed?
Getting your car back from impound in Jacksonville costs $100-$150 for the initial tow, plus $20-$35 daily storage fees, and $50-$75 administrative charges. Total costs range from $170-$260 for same-day retrieval, increasing by $20-$35 for each additional day. Payment must be cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Additional fees may apply for after-hours retrieval or processing violations that caused the impound situation.
Just like other essential services such as pool service or pet groomer services, towing costs reflect the specialized equipment and expertise required. Consider adding towing coverage to your insurance policy or maintaining AAA membership to reduce unexpected expenses. For pet owners who need reliable transportation, remember that emergency towing affects your ability to reach services like dog trainer appointments, making backup transportation plans essential.
Understanding the true cost to get car out of impound and budgeting for potential towing expenses helps Jacksonville residents avoid financial stress during automotive emergencies. Research reputable local companies, maintain emergency funds for unexpected towing needs, and consider preventive measures like regular vehicle maintenance to minimize breakdown risks.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.