Cost for a Tow, how to save money on Tows

So I have only had to be towed once and I was fortunate to only cost about $241 for about 13 miles. Definitely was saved in that scenero but what are the average costs for being towed? I am thinking about 200 or 250 just to be hooked up, and then what is the cost per mile or so forth? I once had to be pulled out for getting my truck stuck for $375 and it took about an hour for that.

Lets say my engine throws a rod or something and I want to rent a penske and piggy back my truck to home or where I want it fixed because I know it is going to be a big job and I am far from home and don't want to be ripped off by a dealership. Or say I had a stepdeck, but have to pay a short tow with my truck and trailer and have it loaded on my stepdeck and I rent a truck and tow it all home? May have to deflate the tires to keep it from being over height what 10 feet for east coast if it is 13ft 6 legal.

Or is there a good deal insurance plan out here for towing you guys have that can save your bacon?
Where are decent places to get deals on Tows?
The reason I got a decent deal that one time was because the repair shop I called had some account with America's Best Towing and I got a reduced rate.