Car breakdowns are worse, especially when they happen unexpectedly and at very inconvenient locations, such as on a busy highway or somewhere completely remote. Not knowing how much it will cost to tow a car makes a difficult situation even worse. It is stressful, and with the possible hidden charges or after-hours fees, it becomes even more frustrating.
The farther the car has to be towed, the more it will cost. For example, a tow of 5 miles or less costs between $35 and $125, while increasing the miles to 100 might increase the cost to $600.
The good news is that understanding towing costs doesn’t have to be a mystery. In this guide, we’ll break down the average costs for different types of towing services, so you’ll know exactly what to expect when you make a call for towing service—whether it’s a short-distance tow or a more challenging, long-distance haul. By understanding the factors that affect towing prices, you can make informed decisions and avoid any unexpected surprises.
Types of Towing Services and Their Costs:
- Quick Overview:
| Type of Towing | Average Cost | Additional Charges |
| Flatbed Towing | Starts at $95 | $3.50 per mile for longer distance |
| Wheel-Lift Towing | $75 – $125 | Additional cost per mile for longer distances |
| Motorcycle Towing | $50 – $75 | $2 – $4 per mile for longer distances |
| Heavy-Duty Towing | Starts at $1,700 | Varies based on distance and difficulty |
Flatbed Towing
Flatbed towing involves the whole vehicle being taken onto a flat platform where all wheels are lifted off the ground. It is best for high-value, low-clearance, or badly damaged vehicles since this greatly reduces further damage while in transport. The cost to tow a car for flatbed towing starts at approximately $95, with an added fee of about $3.50 per mile.
Wheel-Lift Towing
Wheel-lift towing involves a metal yoke that lifts either the front or rear of a car’s wheels, not both. It is suitable for short-distance towing and is generally cheaper than flatbed towing. The average rate ranges from $75 to $125 for short distances, with extra costs per mile for farther distances.
Motorcycle Towing
Towing a motorcycle requires equipment designed to keep the motorcycle stable and undamaged. Methods include flatbed trucks fitted with tie-downs for motorcycles or trailers fitted for motorcycle transportation. Costs start at around $50 to $75 for local distances, with an additional $2 to $4 per mile charge for longer tow.
Heavy-duty Towing
Heavy-duty towing trucks are built for oversized and heavy vehicles, including semi-trucks, buses, and RVs. With powerful engines, huge towing capacity, and special equipment that includes a boom lift or winches, these trucks are extremely important in large vehicle towing.
The cost of heavy-duty towing is more expensive compared to ordinary towing, with the price of towing a semi going upwards of $1,700 or even more, depending on the distance and difficulty of the tow.
Factors Affecting Towing Cost:
The cost of towing a car is not fixed; it depends on several factors, including the type of truck required to tow the vehicle and the distance and conditions of the tow.
Distance Affecting Towing Service
The cost of towing a car can vary greatly based on the distance, the type of vehicle being towed, and even the location where the tow takes place. Below are potential price quotes for short local and long-distance tows.
| Towing Scenario | Distance | Average Cost Range |
| Local Short-Distance Tow | 5 – 10 miles | $50 – $125 |
| Mid-Distance Tow | Up to 50 miles | $165 – $300 |
| Long-Distance Tow | Up to 100 miles | $275 – $600 |
Vehicle Type and Size
Not all vehicles are the same size, and so not all vehicles carry the same towing rate. Large vehicles, such as SUVs or trucks, may require special equipment and have a higher towing rate. This could mean an additional $10-$25 to the base rate for a tow of oversized vehicles, which may further increase with the vehicle size.
Time and Day of Service
Other added fees may apply when the towing services are performed at night, on weekends, or during holidays. Some firms can charge an extra $150 to $200 just for coming out after hours, so make sure to compare prices before making a purchase.
Terrain
Cost to tow a car or vehicle from difficult locations, such as off-road or steep areas, may involve extra charges for equipment like winches. Furthermore, towing in major cities is going to be the most expensive option. Everything costs more in the city.
Weather Condition
Adverse weather, such as snow, icing, or heavy rain, can make the process a bit more complex and costly. Not only is threatening weather hazardous for driving conditions, but it may also require special equipment or an additional workforce hired out, which raises the towing price.
Depending on the towing company and your location, there might be surcharges during extreme weather conditions.
Accidental or Emergency Cases
Accident-related tows could be more expensive because they cover many other services as well, like securing the car or hazardous conditions and disposing of unsafe materials. These types of accident tows can cost higher or even double the usual rate because there is extra handling involved in such cases.
How Insurance and Membership Plans Can Lower Towing Costs
The good news is that many insurance policies do provide roadside assistance coverage that may cover towing. In most cases, it covers only a certain number of miles. Therefore, it is important to check your policy with your insurance carrier first to confirm the specific details of your coverage.
Sometimes, third-party roadside assistance memberships allow members to access various services while on the road, including towing up to a certain distance.
Tips to Reduce the Cost to Tow a Car
Here are some ways to reduce tow truck cost practically
- Get passages from Several Towing Companies: Comparing rates can help you avoid overpayment. The first few miles are free in the base fee that some companies charge.
- Review Insurance and membership benefits: It helps you avoid unexpected costs by knowing what services are covered.
- Stay Prepared to Avoid Tows: The chances of breakdowns can be reduced if vehicle repairs are somehow done regularly, along with carrying emergency supplies.
Conclusion:
The tow truck cost varies by distance, vehicle type, and service timing; hence, prices range from affordable short-distance tows to the higher range related to emergencies or long hauls. Knowing such variables, insurance options, and membership programs will make a big difference in the cost of towing a car since it can avoid unnecessary fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to tow a car?
The average cost is about $109, but these rates vary depending on vehicle size, distance and additional services.
Does towing fall under my insurance coverage?
Some car insurance policies include roadside assistance, which comprises towing. However, this is usually an optional cover and often requires more payment, so check with your provider to confirm whether it is included in your policy.
What are the disadvantages of towing a car?
Cost to tow a car comes with a few disadvantages. Improper towing methods can cause vehicle damage, particularly to the transmission, tires, or bodywork. Towing also increases fuel consumption, and it impacts vehicle handling, making braking and turning more challenging.
How much does the most expensive towing truck cost?
The Century M100 rotator tow truck is by far the most expensive, costing about $1.4 million. This is a very complex vehicle with a capacity to lift 100 tons and a rotating boom that can turn 360 degrees; thus, it is fit for heavy-duty recovery work.
Why do tow trucks always take so long?
Several reasons can cause delays in a tow truck’s arrival time. During peak hours or bad weather, as the demand for help is high, everybody’s wait is prolonged. Traffic is one of the major hindrances for a tow truck to reach, particularly in busy areas.
How much can a tow company charge in Texas?
Towing Fees Towing fees in Texas are regulated through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. TDLR prescribes maximum allowable fees for non-consent tows-twisting without the vehicle owner’s permission, as outlined below:
- $272 -Vehicle up to 10,000 lbs
- $380- Weight over 10,000 but less than 25,000 lbs.
- $489- for those vehicles over 25,000 lbs
How much does it cost to tow in Connecticut?
Connecticut controls towing fees through the Department of Motor Vehicles. According to the latest information, the basic hook-and-tow charge is scheduled to increase to $125, and after the first two miles, the per-mile rate will rise to $5.65.
What do most tow trucking companies charge?
Towing fees vary depending on a lot of factors, such as location, vehicle type, and distance, among others. On average,
- Base Fee: Starting at about $75 to $125 to get started.
- Per Mile Charge: $2 to $4 a mile.
How much does it Cost to Tow a Car ?