How much does Towing cost?

If your car breaks down on the side of the road or at home, or if you get into an accident and your vehicle isn’t operable, you must get it to a repair shop ASAP. But how? That’s when you really need a towing service. 

Towing service providers will send a tow truck to pick up your disabled vehicle and safely transport it to an auto repair shop. Since you never know in advance how close the nearest towing company and repair shop are, tow truck costs are hard to predict and can span a wide range. 

This guide will help you understand how much you’re likely to pay if you need your vehicle towed, and what variables (and additional costs) to expect.

The nationwide average towing service cost is $129. However, the typical cost of a tow can range anywhere from $85–453. 

These prices usually include both a base fee or hookup fee, which is the cost for the tow truck to come to your location and connect or load your vehicle. The hookup fee is typically $35–100. Then, you’ll also pay a per-mile fee, which is generally $2.50–5 for each mile towed. 

You’ll probably pay on the higher end of these price ranges if your car is loaded onto a flatbed rather than a sling-style tow (which lifts the front of your vehicle and leaves the rear wheels on the ground). A flatbed truck might be needed if you have an all-wheel or 4-wheel-drive vehicle, or it has a transmission or drivetrain problem.

Some companies’ local towing rates include a few miles of towing distance in the hookup fee—generally 10 miles or less. 

If you’re in a car accident or your vehicle is stuck in a ditch, mud, snow, or other hazard that requires winch service in addition to a tow, expect to pay an additional $100. Winch service uses a metal cable and electric reel to pull your vehicle out. 

It’s common for many people to have some or all of these towing rates covered, either by a roadside assistance membership such as AAA, their car insurance company, or certain credit cards.

Towing fees can vary widely. Here are some of the issues that affect them:

While there aren’t many discounts on towing service, there are a few ways to reduce costs: 

What is the cheapest way to tow a car?
The least expensive method is to use a standard sling-style tow truck service that leaves the 2 back wheels on the road. But some vehicles require a flatbed truck, which sometimes comes at an additional cost. The tow company will alert you if this is the case with your vehicle. Before calling a towing operation, find out if your roadside-assistance membership, auto-insurance policy, or credit-card company will cover some or all of the cost.

Can I tow my car myself?
Yes, if you have a pickup truck with a tow hitch, you can rent a car dolly or car trailer and tow your own vehicle. But unless you’re going a long distance, this will likely cost as much as, if not more than, a professional tow. Never attempt to tow your vehicle with a rope, strap, or chain. These could come off and cause an accident—and are illegal in some areas.

Do I have to accompany my vehicle when it’s towed?
This varies by local law and the tow company’s regulations. In some cases, as long as the keys are with the vehicle, the tow truck will still transport the vehicle even if you’re not with it. 

Find a towing company near you.