Based on 5,316 real quotes from businesses in United States.
$85
TYPICAL
$453
Yelp calculates estimated costs by gathering and analyzing real quotes provided to consumers by businesses on Yelp. Actual costs may vary.
Key takeaways
Car-towing costs depend on the type of vehicle and tow truck, as well as the distance involved
Tow truck companies generally charge both a hookup fee and per-mile fee
You may be eligible for free or low-cost towing
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:
Distance from a service station or the towing company’s hub
Distance towed
Type of vehicle
Type of tow truck (flatbed or sling-style)
Non-towing service (if the driver get your car running—by jump-starting the battery,for example—so you don’t need a tow, you may just be charged a base fee)
Service level requested—either standard tow or expedited assistance (which may bring the tow truck more quickly)
When the tow is needed (some companies charge higher prices during nights, weekends, and holidays)
Storage fees (if a car must be kept overnight because no open repair shops are open)
While there aren’t many discounts on towing service, there are a few ways to reduce costs:
Get a roadside assistance membership. These cover some or all of your towing expenses, up to a certain number of miles and tows per year. They may also handle on-the-spot problems such as lockouts, flat tire changes, jump starts, and empty gas tanks.
Check your car insurance policy. Some car insurance companies offer optional roadside assistance that covers some or all of your potential towing needs.
Check your credit card. Some credit cards provide for roadside assistance, which usually includes a small towing benefit. Before calling a tow company, call your credit card company to verify whether you have this perk and how to redeem it.
Choose a nearby repair facility. Because you pay per mile, choose the closest repair shop that’s both adequate and open.
Shop around. Towing is a competitive business. “Search for the closest 3 towing companies and call them to find the one with the lowest hookup and per-mile tow fees,” suggests Justin Cupler, a former ASE-certified technician and auto-shop manager.
Find a shop that offers free towing. Some auto repair shops have their own tow truck or a contract with a specific tow company. They may offer free towing to get you to use them for repairs. Check online or call local repair shops to find out if any offer this service.
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.
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Every year, millions of consumers request quotes on Yelp from top-rated local professionals. We combine these real-life project quotes with data from the millions of people who interact with businesses on Yelp today. We use our years of expertise to create handy local cost guides that you can trust. Get accurate estimates on projects in your area, from roofing to moving.
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