Do You Tip Tow Truck Drivers? How Much and When to Tip Roadside Assistance
Tipping a tow truck driver is not required, but it is a thoughtful way to recognize extra effort — typically $5 to $20, depending on distance, difficulty, and service quality.
Drivers use automobile insurance to protect themselves financially in the event of an accident. But what if you do not get into a wreck, but your vehicle simply breaks down? In that case, you may need to contact a professional to have your car towed to safety.
That leads to another question most people never ask until it is too late: Do you tip tow truck drivers? The short answer is “yes,” but it can be hard to know how much to tip for different circumstances. Fortunately, this guide to roadside assistance etiquette will tell you everything you need to know long before you need to get your vehicle towed. And with InsureOne, you can rest assured that no matter what happens on the road, you and your family will be taken care of.
Tipping Tow Truck Drivers 101
Most people are familiar with the idea of tipping waitresses and rideshare drivers. However, it is not always easy to know when to tip a tow truck driver. And how much you pay, and whether you should pay at all, depend on several factors.
Wondering whether a tip is expected and why it is so important? Below, you will find answers to these complicated questions.
Is It Expected to Tip Roadside Assistance?
Tipping customs for service workers do not apply to roadside assistance. Unlike waiters and waitresses, tow truck drivers do not rely on tips as a part of their income. Therefore, they do not need you to pay them extra to receive a fair wage for their services. But you should always consider tipping for excellent service, and paying extra can make a difference for both of you.
Why Tipping Can Make a Difference
Why do so many say “yes” to the question “Do you tip tow truck drivers?” On the most basic level, tipping matters because it shows your appreciation for someone doing a hard, physically demanding job to help you in an emergency. Plus, even though the drivers do not rely on tips, receiving them can help pay for things like Christmas gifts and children’s birthdays. Finally, helping out someone when you do not have to can make you feel good, like almost nothing else.
When Not to Tip — And What to Do Instead
You should only tip if you feel you received great service; if the service is slow, the worker is rude, or you are otherwise dissatisfied, it is fine to avoid tipping. You may also avoid doing so if you do not have cash on hand. In that case, you can always apologize for not being able to give them money and offer to reward outstanding service in other ways, including naming them in an online review and/or personally praising them in a phone call to their employer.
How Much Should You Tip?
If you do receive great service, you may want to thank the technician with extra money. Wondering how much to tip the tow truck driver, though? The answer to this question will vary based on what they did for you and whether they went the extra distance (literally or metaphorically) for you.
Below, you will find more information on tipping for specific services and when you should consider paying more than the usual amount. With these answers, you will be able to show proper appreciation for tow truck drivers no matter the situation.
| Service Type | Average Tip Range | When to Tip More | Notes / Context |
| Standard Tow (short distance) | $5–$10 | After-hours or heavy traffic | Simple hookup and drop-off, under 10 miles. |
| Long-Distance Tow (10+ miles) | $10–$20 | Difficult terrain or long wait | Longer drives take time and gas—show extra appreciation. |
| Flat Tire Change | $5–$10 | Bad weather or roadside danger | A quick, hands-on fix in unsafe conditions. |
| Battery Jump or Lockout Service | $5–$10 | Late-night or emergency call | Fast service often saves you from being stranded. |
| Winching (stuck in mud, snow, ditch) | $10–$25 | Extreme weather or extra effort | Often the toughest jobs requiring physical labor and skill. |
| Luxury or Specialty Vehicle Tow | $20+ | Extra care or equipment used | Reward careful handling of high-value vehicles. |
| No-Tip Scenarios | $0 | Insurance-covered service or poor service quality | Not required if already billed in full or if service was subpar. |
Situations Where a Bigger Tip Is Polite (e.g., Weather or Long Distance)
How much to tip the tow truck driver may vary with the weather or road conditions. For example, even if they drive under 10 miles, you should consider tipping more if the technician is working after hours or navigating heavy traffic. Paying extra for late-night or emergency service also extends to flat tires and dead batteries. And you should always pay more if the technician is dealing with terrible weather, as this makes every aspect of the towing service that much more difficult.
When a Simple Thank You Goes a Long Way
One of the considerable roadside assistance tipping etiquette questions is: What should you do if you don’t have cash on hand? Thanks to debit cards and features like Apple Pay, fewer and fewer people have cash on them when an emergency strikes. In these situations, it is fine to show your tow truck driver appreciation with a heartfelt “thanks.” This means a lot to those working hard to help you out, and you can always leave them a positive review on social media when you get home.
Roadside Assistance and Insurance Coverage
Sometimes, the answer to “Do you tip tow truck drivers?” depends on whether your insurance covers it. For most drivers, roadside assistance is offered by their insurance carrier. Should the driver need car breakdown help, they can call and receive it without paying high out-of-pocket costs.
What does roadside assistance actually cover, though? Why is it worth adding to your policy, and how much does getting towed affect your premiums? Below, you will find everything you need to know.
What Roadside Assistance Usually Covers
Roadside assistance typically covers incidents such as flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and jumpstarts. Fuel delivery and winching/extraction generally are included as well. If you need robust and versatile support when you are on the road, consider taking out InsureOne roadside assistance coverage.
Does Towing Affect Your Insurance Rates?
With most carriers, simply getting towed will not increase your premiums. However, the circumstances surrounding the incident may do so. For example, if you need to be towed after getting into an accident, your rates may increase. But if you need to be towed because your car refuses to start, your rates will not increase.
Why Adding Roadside Assistance to Your Policy Makes Sense
Adding roadside assistance (vs. towing services you have to pay for out of pocket) makes sense because it offers peace of mind. This is especially important if you are one of the drivers who really needs roadside assistance.
Other Ways to Show Appreciation
Tipping customs for service workers do not apply to tow truck drivers. You may not always want to tip, and it may not always be possible. Fortunately, there are other ways to show your appreciation.
Wondering how to do so and how to stay both safe and courteous when being towed? Keep reading to learn the answers.
Safety and Courtesy Tips When You are Being Towed
Before the driver arrives, stay safe by moving your car to a secure location (if possible), locking it, and turning on emergency lights. While being towed, consider making polite small talk with the driver. This shows courtesy and helps the drive (which may be long) go by much more quickly.
Leaving Positive Feedback or Online Reviews
As an alternative (or supplement) to tipping for roadside assistance in 2026 and beyond, you can always leave positive feedback directly with the tow truck driver’s employer. Additionally, consider leaving a positive review on their website and third-party sites such as Google Reviews.
Protect Your Car and Your Peace of Mind
Do you tip tow truck drivers? Now you have the answer to this and many other questions, including how much to pay and when you should not pay anything at all. However, that leaves one more major question: Do you know who can protect your car while offering the peace of mind you deserve?
Here at InsureOne, we know how stressful it can be when your car unexpectedly breaks down. When that happens, you need more than just another carrier; you need someone who will provide the service and compassion you deserve. Once you are ready to have an insurer that will give you the sympathetic care and best-in-class customer service, get a quote online. You can also pick up the phone and give us a quick call at 800-836-2240. Finally, feel free to find an InsureOne office near you.
FAQs
Should You Tip If Your Insurance Covers Roadside Assistance?
You do not have to tip if your insurance company paid for everything. As always, though, tipping is a great way to show appreciation for superior service.
Are Tow Truck Drivers Paid Hourly or Per Job?
Some tow truck drivers are paid hourly, while others are paid per job. This is why tipping for roadside assistance in 2026 and beyond is always a good idea: You never know when the person helping you out may actually be underpaid.
How Can You Stay Safe While Waiting for a Tow?
Move safely away from the road if possible, stay inside the vehicle, and turn on your emergency lights. Lock the doors and remain aware of your surroundings until assistance arrives.
Can Roadside Assistance Be Added to Any Auto Policy?
Depending on the carrier, you can usually add this policy at any time. You can always add InsureOne roadside assistance coverage ahead of a major drive for maximum protection when you are on the road. For example, car breakdowns during holiday travel are one of the situations where roadside assistance is a lifesaver. With InsureOne’s policy, you can rest assured that help and the best customer service in the industry are always just a call away.