Should You or Shouldn't You Tip Your Tow Truck Driver?
You'd tip your waiter, your pizza delivery driver, and even your barista for excellent service. But should you do the same when it comes to your tow truck driver? Towing and recovery jobs can be tough, and a healthy tip often serves as a token of appreciation, but you're probably wondering if you're obligated in this instance to tip your tow truck driver.
You Can, But You Shouldn't Feel Pressured To
Unlike food service, where it's generally customary to leave behind a tip, tipping your tow truck driver is something that's completely left up to you to do. You don't have to and you shouldn't feel pressured or obligated to offer a tip.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't be willing to offer your tow truck driver a tip for genuinely exceptional service. If your tow truck driver has gone the distance in getting you and your vehicle out of harm's way, then you should consider offering a tip as a monetary token of appreciation. Again, it should be completely voluntary.
Ideal Tipping Amounts
How much you tip your tow truck driver is completely up to you. Nevertheless, there are a few basic recommendations as to how much you should tip:
- Tips for a straightforward tow should start at around 7 to 8 percent of the towing fee. With most tows starting at around $65, it works out to roughly $5 and up.
- Ideal tips for lockout services range from $5 to $10, depending on how difficult it was for your tow truck driver to help you get back into your vehicle.
- Ideal tips for courtesy jump-starts and tire changes range from $3 to $5.
Again, these are ideal recommendations as to how much you should tip your tow truck driver, if you choose to do so. If your tow truck driver happens to go above and beyond in delivering excellent service, feel free to add a little extra to these recommended amounts.
Alternatives to Tipping
Instead of giving a monetary tip, you can simply offer your appreciation for the tow truck driver's help without making mention of anything beyond paying for the service itself. A kind word of thanks is usually enough to brighten a driver's day.
Remember that tow truck drivers don't expect to get tips and, as one AAA representative noted in an interview, it's relatively rare for someone to tip for exceptional towing service. For many drivers, a tip is often an unexpected surprise for a job well done. Should you find yourself in need of a tow, contact a service like Exit 48-24 Hour Repair.
