If you’ve ever been stuck on the side of the road in Alberta, you’ve probably wondered one important thing: How much does AMA charge per km towing? It’s a fair question, especially when you’re trying to decide whether an AMA membership is worth it or if a local towing company like KTC Towing might be the better choice. In this article, we’ll break it all down in simple terms so you can make the right call when it matters most.
Understanding AMA Towing Charges
AMA (Alberta Motor Association) is a well-known roadside assistance provider. With different membership levels, they offer towing coverage that can save you money—but only if you understand what’s included and what’s not.
- Basic AMA Membership: Covers around 5 km of towing for free. After that, you’ll be charged.
- Per-Kilometre Rate: Beyond the free distance, AMA typically charges about $2.00 per km (GST included).
That means if you need to be towed 30 km, you’ll pay for 25 km out of pocket—roughly $50 in towing fees.
How Much Does AMA Charge Per Km Towing? (Examples)
Let’s look at a few practical scenarios so you can see how the costs add up:
- Short Tow (5 km or less): Covered completely under basic membership.
- Medium Tow (30 km): First 5 km covered, the remaining 25 km × $2.00 = $50.
- Long Tow (100 km): First 5 km covered, 95 km × $2.00 = $190.
These examples show how quickly costs rise once you exceed the free coverage distance.
Upgrading to AMA Plus or Premier Membership
If you’re someone who travels long distances or drives an RV, AMA offers upgraded memberships:
- AMA Plus Membership: Free towing up to 160 km per call, up to 5 times a year.
- Premier Membership: One tow up to 320 km per year, plus several more at 160 km.
For frequent travelers, these plans can save you hundreds of dollars on long-distance tows. But remember—the annual fees are higher, so you’ll want to weigh that cost against how often you actually need a tow.
AMA vs. Local Towing Services Like KTC Towing
Here’s where the comparison gets interesting. While AMA memberships can offer extended coverage, they aren’t always the most practical solution—especially if you don’t need towing often.
At KTC Towing Calgary, we believe in transparent, upfront pricing:
- Local tow (0–10 km): Flat rates around $80–$120
- Long-distance tow: $3–$5 per km after the base range
- Emergency surcharge: $20–$40 (after hours or urgent response)
With KTC Towing, you don’t need to pay yearly membership fees just to be “covered.” You only pay when you need us, and you know exactly what it’s going to cost before we hook up your vehicle.
Which Option is Right for You?
Here’s a simple way to decide:
- Choose AMA Basic if…
You only need occasional short-distance tows and don’t mind paying a small per-km fee. - Choose AMA Plus or Premier if…
You regularly travel long distances or own an RV that might need towing. - Choose KTC Towing if…
You want fast, local service in Calgary with no hidden fees, no annual costs, and pay-as-you-go transparency.
Tips to Avoid High Towing Costs
No matter which option you choose, here are a few tips to keep towing costs under control:
- Know your coverage in advance – Don’t wait until you’re stranded to find out what’s included.
- Keep local towing numbers handy – Having KTC Towing’s number saved can save you time and stress.
- Consider your driving habits – Long trips call for memberships, while city drivers may save with local towing.
- Ask for an upfront quote – Always ask what the tow will cost before agreeing.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does AMA charge per km towing? The short answer: about $2.00 per km after the first 5 km, unless you upgrade to a Plus or Premier plan. While AMA membership can be valuable for frequent travelers, it’s not always the cheapest option for everyone.
That’s where KTC Towing Calgary comes in. We provide affordable, transparent, and reliable towing services in NE, NW, SE, and SW Calgary—no memberships, no hidden fees, just honest pricing and 24/7 availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does AMA charge per km towing?
AMA typically charges around $2.00 per km (GST included) after the first 5 km that are free with a basic membership.
2. How many free km of towing does AMA cover?
With a Basic Membership, you get about 5 km of towing included. With Plus Membership, you can get up to 160 km free, and Premier Membership covers up to 320 km once a year, plus 160 km for additional tows.
3. Is AMA towing worth it?
It depends on your driving habits. If you often drive long distances or own an RV, an AMA Plus or Premier membership can save you a lot of money. If you mostly drive locally in Calgary, paying per tow with a service like KTC Towing may be more cost-effective.
4. Does AMA cover towing for non-members?
No, AMA towing is a member-only benefit. Non-members can’t call AMA for a tow. Instead, you would need a local towing company like KTC Towing, which offers 24/7 towing with no membership required.
5. How much does KTC Towing charge per km in Calgary?
At KTC Towing, local tows usually range from $80–$120 flat. For long-distance towing, the rate is generally $3–$5 per km after the base range, with clear pricing and no hidden fees.
6. Is towing covered by car insurance?
Sometimes—many insurance providers include roadside assistance as an add-on. It’s worth checking your policy. If not covered, you can always rely on KTC Towing for affordable, transparent towing in Calgary.