Towing Cost: Virginia Beach, VA to Richmond, VA

The tow starts in Virginia Beach and runs 107 road miles, about 2 hours 13 minutes (2.2 hours). I-264 carries the first stretch, then I-64 does most of the work. A straight line is 93 miles. A sedan tow costs $351-$475.

Virginia Beach rates are an $85 hookup plus $3.75 a mile, and Richmond uses the same figures, so the quote does not depend on the pickup city. Mileage over 107 miles is $401 and the subtotal $486. After the 15% long-distance reduction that estimates over 100 miles include, it comes to about $413. Other vehicles:

• Flatbed (30% more, $111 hookup): $456-$618
• SUV or crossover: $404-$546
• Truck or van: $439-$594
• Motorcycle: $281-$380

AAA Plus covers 100 miles and leaves 7, about $28-$49 at the $4-$7 a mile a contracted tow company typically charges. Premier has 200 miles on one tow a year, far more than this needs. Classic, at about 5 miles, leaves 102 miles, roughly $408-$714. Limits differ from club to club.

This distance sits where carriers and tow trucks tend to cost about the same: carriers typically quote $250-$450, against $351-$475 for the tow. A carrier needs a booked pickup; a tow does not.

Both cities are in Virginia, so no state line is involved. Virginia lists a statewide limit of $210 on a passenger car's hookup and initial tow from private property, and the first 24 hours of storage are free by statute. Localities may set different limits and their own daily storage rates. That figure covers the hookup and initial tow only, so it says little about the price of 107 miles. Ask whether it applies to a tow you book, have the quote split into hookup and mileage, and agree it in writing. Complaints go to the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, Consumer Protection Section.