What Towing Costs in South Carolina and Who Pays

What you'll pay for a tow in South Carolina

Towing costs in South Carolina depend on distance, the type of vehicle, and whether you call a private tow company or use roadside assistance through your insurance or auto club. A local tow within city limits typically costs between $75 and $150. A longer tow — say 50 miles on the highway — can run $200 to $400 or more. Specialty tows, like for a heavy truck or a vehicle in a ditch, cost extra.

The tow company sets its own rates, so prices vary widely between operators and regions. Rural areas often charge more because the driver travels farther. If you're towed to a repair shop that didn't call the tow, you may also owe a storage fee — usually $25 to $50 per day — if the vehicle sits in the lot.

Key Takeaways

• Basic local tows in South Carolina range from $75 to $150, while longer highway tows can cost $200 to $400 or more depending on distance and vehicle type.
• Your auto insurance policy may cover towing through roadside assistance, but you need to check your specific coverage limits and deductibles before you need a tow.
• AAA membership and some credit cards include towing coverage, which can save you money if you're already a member.
• If a police officer directs you to a specific tow company after an accident, that company cannot charge more than the rates set by your county or municipality.
• Storage fees at impound lots or repair shops add up quickly, so contact the facility immediately if your vehicle is towed to understand what you owe.

Insurance and roadside assistance coverage

Many auto insurance policies include a roadside assistance rider that covers towing at no cost to you beyond your regular premium. This coverage typically includes one free tow per year, with a mileage limit — often 5 to 100 miles depending on your policy. Check your policy documents or call your insurer to find out whether you have this coverage and what the limits are.

If you don't have roadside assistance through insurance, you can purchase it separately from companies like AAA, Better World Club, or roadside service plans offered by some credit card companies. AAA membership in South Carolina includes towing coverage, usually up to 100 miles per incident. These memberships cost money upfront but can pay for themselves after one or two tows.

When you call for a tow, tell the dispatcher immediately that you have coverage and ask whether the tow company is in your plan's network. Out-of-network tows may cost you more out of pocket, though your insurer may reimburse part of the cost later.

Police-directed tows and regulated rates

If a police officer directs you to a specific tow company after an accident or breakdown on a public road, that company must charge rates set by your county or municipality — not whatever they want. South Carolina law requires tow companies operating under police direction to follow a regulated rate schedule. These rates are typically lower than what a private tow company would charge if you called them directly.

Ask the officer or the tow driver for a copy of the rate schedule before the tow begins. If you believe you were overcharged, you can file a complaint with your county sheriff's office or the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs. Keep your receipt and any paperwork the tow company gives you.

Impound lots and storage fees

If your vehicle is towed to an impound lot — usually because it was abandoned, involved in an accident, or towed by police — you'll owe storage fees in addition to the tow charge. South Carolina law allows impound facilities to charge storage fees, but the amount varies by facility. Typical fees range from $25 to $50 per day, though some lots charge more.

Storage fees begin accruing immediately, so the longer your vehicle sits, the more you owe. Contact the impound lot as soon as you know your vehicle has been towed and ask for the exact storage rate, the total amount owed, and what documents you need to retrieve the vehicle. Some lots require proof of ownership and a valid ID. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask whether the lot offers a payment plan.

What happens if you can't pay the tow bill

If you cannot pay a tow bill, the tow company or impound lot can place a lien on your vehicle, meaning they have a legal claim to it until you pay. In South Carolina, a tow company can sell your vehicle to cover unpaid towing and storage fees, but they must follow specific legal steps first, including notifying you in writing and giving you time to pay.

If you receive a lien notice, contact the tow company or lot immediately to discuss payment options. Some facilities will negotiate a reduced amount or set up a payment plan. If you believe the charges are unfair or the lien was placed illegally, you can contact the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs or consult a lawyer.

Preventing high towing costs

The best way to avoid surprise towing costs is to set up coverage before you need it. Review your auto insurance policy now and add roadside assistance if it's not included. If you drive an older vehicle or travel long distances regularly, AAA membership or a similar service may be worth the annual cost.

Keep your insurance card and any roadside assistance membership card in your vehicle. If you break down, call your insurance company or membership service first — they can dispatch a tow company in your network and handle the billing. Never agree to a tow without asking about the cost upfront, and always ask for an itemized receipt showing the tow charge, distance, and any additional fees.

Towing for accidents and police involvement

If you're in an accident on a South Carolina highway, a police officer may call a tow truck for you. In this case, you have the right to request a specific tow company if you have roadside assistance coverage. Tell the officer immediately that you have coverage and want to call your own tow service. The officer cannot force you to use a particular company, though they may require the tow to happen quickly for safety reasons.

If the officer does direct a tow, the company must follow the regulated rate schedule for your county. Get the officer's name and badge number, the tow company's name, and a copy of the rate schedule. This information will help you verify the charges later and file a complaint if you're overcharged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a tow company charge whatever they want in South Carolina?

No — if a police officer directs the tow, the company must follow your county's regulated rate schedule. If you call a private tow company yourself, they set their own rates, so it's worth calling a few companies to compare prices before you agree to a tow.

What if I was towed but didn't call for a tow?

If your vehicle was towed by police or a property owner, contact the local police department or the property management company to find out where it was taken. You'll owe the tow charge and storage fees. Ask for an itemized bill and a copy of the rate schedule to verify the charges are correct.

Does my credit card towing coverage work everywhere?

Some credit cards include roadside assistance, but coverage limits and participating tow companies vary. Check your card's benefits guide or call the number on the back of your card to confirm you have towing coverage and what the limits are before you need a tow.

How long can a tow company hold my vehicle?

South Carolina law allows tow companies and impound lots to hold a vehicle until all towing and storage fees are paid. However, they must notify you of the lien and give you a reasonable chance to pay before they can sell the vehicle. Contact the facility immediately if your vehicle is towed.

What should I do if I think I was overcharged for a tow?

Get an itemized receipt from the tow company showing the distance, vehicle type, and all fees. If the tow was police-directed, compare the charges to your county's rate schedule. If you believe you were overcharged, file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs or your county sheriff's office.