Written by
Tom Grupa
Towing Company Cost
The average cost to hire a tow truck service is$75 to $125. Most towing companies have a minimum charge of$50for the first 5 to 10 miles, then$2 to $4 per extra mile. Factors to consider in towing a car are distance, type of vehicle, and the time of day.
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| National Average Cost | $95 |
| Minimum Cost | $50 |
| Maximum Cost | $300 |
| Average Range | $75 to $125 |
Get free estimates from towing companies near you.
Average Towing Cost Per Mile
Most tow companies charge $50 to $125for a 5- to 10-mile local tow, or a$75 hook-up fee and $2 to $4 per milefor long-distance towing. The average 40-mile tow costs$125 to $250.
Before you call a tow truck company, check your car insurance policy for free tow-truck service coverage.
The key factors that determine the cost of a tow truck service are the towing distance and the vehicle size. Prices vary by region and company.
| Miles | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 | $35 – $125 |
| 10 | $65 – $125 |
| 20 | $105 – $185 |
| 50 | $165 – $300 |
| 100 | $325 – $450 |
Why Would I Need to Be Towed?
Cars need towing when something breaks that makes it impossible to drive. The vehicle may not start, or car tires have deflated.
There may also be trouble with the:
Starter
Battery
Engine
If your battery is low, jump start the car to give the battery enough power to get you to the next location. Sometimes a battery is so dead that it will not start the battery and it requires a tow truck.
What Services Do Car Towing Companies Offer?
Towing company services often provide roadside assistance. If the vehicle does not start because it ran out of gas, a tow truck company will bring gas.
Here are some other services they offer:
Refill gas
Jump-start a battery in a dead car
Unlock the car door
Transport a broken car
Pull out a stuck car
Tire change
Towing Cost Estimator
Before giving you a price, tow truck service companies will factor into towing rates:
How far they must tow the truck
How large of a car is towed
How difficult it is to get the vehicle onto the tow truck (if it’s muddy or on a steep slope)
The time of day
| Towing Service | Rates |
|---|---|
| General Tow Truck Rates | $75 – $125 |
| Flatbed Towing Rates | $95 + $3.50 per mile |
| Motorcycle Tow Rates | $75 + $1 per mile (over 10 miles) |
| Mileage Rate | $2 – $4 per additional mile |
| After Hours | $5 – $150 additional cost |
| Large or Heavy-duty Vehicle | $10 – $35 additional cost (or 20%–25% more) |
Distance
Tow truck companies usually have a minimum charge to cover their business costs such as gas. This minimum rate of about$50usually includes a towing distance of between 5 to 10 miles.
Size of Vehicle
A standard fee includes a 4-door sedan, but often trucks and large SUVs have an additional charge. Each company varies, so check with the local company for a more accurate estimate. Typically, the extra cost is$10 to $35.
Time of Day
Another factor to consider in the cost of a tow is the time of day. After-hours towing typically starts at 8 or 9 p.m. and ends between 6 to 8 a.m. Each company’s after-hours service varies.
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Some companies’ additional cost is as low as$5.
Others charge up to a$150one-time fee.
Roadside Assistance Cost
As the name suggests, roadside assistance companies help with all the needs you may have if the car is acting up. They can help with many roadside needs, such as replacing a flat tire and jump-starting a car.
Roadside assistance is also a reliable service for hiring a tow truck. These companies have relationships with local tow truck companies they can refer. Also, some credit card companies and auto manufacturers offer a free towing service for all their customers.
AAA Towing Cost
Membership with a roadside assistance company can range from$52 to $144 per yearwith nationally known companies such as AAA, AARP, and All-State Motor Club. Most of these service providers will cover the cost of towing the vehicleup to 100 miles.
Roadside Assistance Membership Clubs
Allstate offers a Roadside Advantage plan or a Platinum Elite plan. The cheaper plan maxes out its roadside assistance benefits at$150,whereas the more costly plan ends reimbursem*nt at$250.
The cost for each service can also depend on the region. When checking prices with local companies, be sure to ask about renewal fees for the future. Paying a yearly fee for roadside assistance includes discounts on car rentals, flights, hotel stays, and restaurant meals.
Towing service FAQs
Does My Car Insurance Company Cover Roadside Assistance or Towing Costs?
A car insurance company may include roadside assistance or towing costs. Each company is different, so you should check with yours and see if this service is available. Many of the large car insurance companies offer this service for an additional price, such as Progressive, USAA, Allstate, and Nationwide.
What if I need to get towed after an accident?
After a car accident, most insurance companies will cover the cost of a car tow within the insurance claim. The services a car insurance company offers after an accident varies with each company and coverage type. If you have questions about specific costs, call your car insurance agent.
How Much Does Towing Cost Per Day?
If you get towed, storage fees at impound lots range from$30 to $80 per day. Based on a city bylaw, you may get charged a quarter of the daily rate per hour for the first four hours your vehicle is impounded.
How Much Does Boat Towing Cost?
The cost to tow a boat is$200 to $500 per hour. A sea-towing membership costs$149 to $249 per yearfor unlimited towing.
How Much Does a Camper, RV, or Big Rig Cost To Tow?
The cost to tow a camper, RV, or big rig typically ranges from$4 to $7 per mile. For example, an 80-mile tow of an RV will cost between$450 to $600.
