Should You Tip the Tow Truck Driver?

It’s unfortunate when your car breaks down and you need assistance. Now, you need to call a tow truck company. It can be stressful for anyone, especially if your car won’t start or if you’ve been in a car accident. While waiting for your tow truck driver to arrive, you might wonder if you should tip them for their help.

This guide outlines everything you should consider before tipping the tow truck driver. If you’ve ever called a tow truck, you know how expensive it can be. But many auto insurance companies cover towing.

Do most people tip tow truck drivers?

Tow truck operators are some of the most underappreciated workers on the road. They’re out in all types of weather, saving stranded motorists from unfortunate situations. And they make it look easy.

When your car breaks down and you need to call a tow truck, it isn’t always obvious whether you should tip the tow truck driver for their service. They don’t generally expect to receive tips, but they appreciate it.

You may be hoping for a rule of thumb on tipping, but unfortunately, there isn’t one. Around 50% of people tip for towing service. Whether it’s right for you depends on your personal preference and circumstances. You might consider tipping to acknowledge their professionalism or if the driver goes above and beyond the call of duty.

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Should you tip roadside assistance?

Tipping is a regular part of service for many industries in the U.S., from food servers to hairstylists. If you’re wondering whether you should tip a tow truck operator, the general consensus is yes—even for small services.

Towing companies can get very busy, and the dispatchers and service representatives are frequently on the go. It’s not uncommon for them to be understaffed and underpaid, so every little bit helps. You can tip if you believe you received outstanding service or want to show your gratitude for getting you out of a tough spot.

How much should you tip the tow truck driver?

If you want to tip the tow truck driver, giving $5 to $20 is appropriate. But you can tip less or more, depending on the circumstances. For example, you might offer $5 for a simple jump start, lock-out service, or other smaller job. But $20 might be more appropriate if the weather was poor or you received exceptional service.

You might give a higher tip amount if:

• The road service is during bad weather

• The operator arrives quickly

• They were polite and updated you regularly

• They check under the hood to potentially save you the towing cost

• You need service in the middle of the night or along a busy road

• You want extra service, like a ride home

When in doubt, default on the side of generosity. But if you can’t afford to tip, let them know you appreciate their service in another way. For example, you might offer to leave a positive online review.

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What does it cost to tow a car?

You can expect to pay between $2.50 and $7.00 per mile for a tow, with the national average cost being $109 total, according to J.D. Power. But there’s no set amount, and many factors determine the price. For example, it can depend on how far away the repair shop is, the degree of inconvenience, and the danger or risk involved.

However, some insurance policies cover the cost of calling a tow truck. You may be able to have your car towed or a flat tire changed without additional fees. If your policy doesn’t include towing and you don’t have roadside assistance service from AAA or another company, your cost might vary depending on:

• Type of car you own

• Time of day

• If it’s a weekend or holiday

• Terrain that your vehicle must travel through

• Condition of your vehicle

• Types of automotive services you need

You might pay more for a tow of 40 miles than if you simply need a few gallons of gas delivered because you ran out.

Things to Consider When Deciding Whether to Tip

When deciding whether to tip, consider these questions:

• How well did the operator do their job?

• Were they on time?

• Did they work quickly and efficiently?

• Did they go out of their way to help you?

• Did they handle your car with care?

If you think that the driver did an excellent job, it’s a nice gesture to offer a tip. On the other hand, if you aren’t happy with how you were treated, you can skip the tip and focus on the next steps to get your car going again.

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How Tipping Can Make Your Experience Better

The tow truck operator is likely one of the first people you’ll interact with on what could be a long day of bad luck. If they are professional and courteous, they will make your experience better than if they were rude and unprofessional.

Tipping is a great way to express appreciation and encourage the driver to go the extra mile. Tow truck drivers are some of the most helpful and undervalued people in our society. You might even make someone’s day with a tip just to say “thank you.”

How Much to Tip for Other Services

How much should you tip for other services like restaurants, hotels, and furniture delivery? The answer can vary depending on how much a particular service costs and how often you use that business. Gratuity etiquette varies from service person to service person, so here’s a guideline to help you know when and how much to tip.

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Tipping the Tow Truck Driver Is a Personal Choice

It’s never fun when your car breaks down on the side of the road. If your tow truck driver is kind, punctual, and professional, it’s always nice to offer them a little something extra if you have the means.

Towing companies don’t typically leave out a tip jar for their drivers. Even so, most tow truck drivers will appreciate receiving a tip because their work can sometimes be dangerous or take them away from home in the middle of the night. Most tow truck drivers will appreciate the gesture.

Frequently Asked Questions