Nobody plans to need a tow truck. It usually happens at the worst time, on a cold night, on the highway shoulder, or in a parking lot with a dead battery. Knowing how tow pricing works ahead of time makes it much easier to get help quickly without overpaying.
How tow companies charge
Most towing companies price a tow in two parts:
- A hookup fee for coming out and attaching your vehicle. This commonly runs somewhere around $75 to $125 for a regular car, though it varies by area.
- A per-mile rate for the distance towed, often around $3 to $5 a mile. Some companies include the first few miles in the hookup fee.
So a 10-mile tow for a car during business hours might land roughly between $105 and $175. Our Tow Truck Cost Estimator lets you try different distances and situations.
What makes a tow cost more
- Time of day. Nights, weekends and holidays often add a surcharge.
- Vehicle size. Pickups, large SUVs and vans may cost more. Heavy-duty trucks and RVs need bigger equipment and can cost several times as much.
- Winch-outs. Pulling a car out of a ditch or snowbank is usually a separate charge.
- Long distances. The per-mile charge adds up quickly on long tows.
- Storage. If your car sits in a tow lot, daily storage fees can start right away.
Questions to ask before the truck heads out
- What is the total price to tow my car to this address?
- Is there a separate hookup fee, mileage charge or after-hours fee?
- Do you take card payments?
- About how long until the truck gets here?
A reputable company should be able to give you a clear price over the phone once you tell them where you are, what you drive and where it’s going.
Check your coverage first
Before paying out of pocket, check whether you already have roadside help. Many auto insurance policies, roadside clubs, newer-car warranties and some credit cards include towing up to a certain distance. A quick call can save you the whole bill.
Have this ready when you call
- Your exact location: highway, direction of travel, nearest exit or mile marker
- Your vehicle’s year, make, model and color
- What’s wrong: won’t start, flat tire, accident, stuck
- Where you want the car towed
Staying safe while you wait
If you’re on the side of a highway, turn on your hazard lights and stay buckled in your vehicle if it’s safe to do so, especially in heavy traffic. In winter, keep a blanket, phone charger and some water in the car, and make sure your tailpipe isn’t blocked by snow if you run the engine for heat.
A little preparation turns a stressful roadside breakdown into a manageable one, and helps you spot a fair price when you hear it.
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