What does it cost to tow a car?

The national average to tow a car is around $109, according to J.D. Power. This amount typically covers an average tow, but it can greatly vary depending on circumstances such as the distance towed, the time of day, or the kind of vehicle being towed, etc.

Average towing costs per mile

The cost of towing often depends on the distance your vehicle needs to be towed. J.D. Power lists the following ranges for towing costs:

• $35 - $125 for 5 miles or less
• $125 - $275 for up to 40 miles
• $600+ for up to 100 miles

These rates are approximate. Actual costs can vary based on the particulars of the tow job, time of day, and regional tow company pricing.

National averages don’t tell the whole story when it comes to towing costs. Understanding the following six factors can help you see how your costs may differ compared to the average.

Size and weight of your car

The size of your vehicle can play a significant role in determining the cost of towing. Large, heavy vehicles such as trucks and SUVs can require more powerful and specialized tow equipment and may also be more demanding on that equipment. The challenge of transporting these vehicles typically leads to higher costs.

Time of day (or night)

Towing services can cost more during peak hours, late at night, on weekends, or on holidays. These extra fees can be caused by several factors, including:

• Company-specific policies
• Driver availability outside of regular working hours
• Demand during peak hours

Distance from the nearest towing service

Distance is a major factor affecting the price of towing services. While this refers to the distance the tow company tows your car, it also applies to the fuel and travel time it takes for them to come get your vehicle. If your breakdown location is far from the nearest towing service, it can add to the total cost, explains Tow Pal.

Distance from towing destination

The further your car needs to be towed, the more it will cost. Local tows between 10-20 miles typically come with lower rates, claims Tampa Towing. Long-distance tows come with comparatively higher costs. Additionally, many towing companies charge a base price plus a rate per-mile. This rate can change based on the company and location.

Difficulty of hookup

The difficulty of hooking your vehicle up can contribute to a higher cost of towing your vehicle, explains AA Wrecker Service. For example, if your car is in a ditch or on a steep incline, that may raise the difficulty of towing your vehicle and increase your costs. Additionally, if you need to be towed from a high-density location such as a highway in a city, the tow company may need to use specialized equipment to retrieve your vehicle.

Condition of the car

If you’re in an accident or your vehicle is in a state of disrepair, towing it can be more complicated – for example, if your car has damage to the wheels or cannot be easily put in neutral. This can increase the towing cost due to increased service time and resources needed to complete the tow.

Electric vehicles differ from traditional vehicles in many ways. One significant difference is that EVs do not have conventional transmissions. Putting an EV in neutral and towing it can cause damage to the vehicle, explains Marietta Wrecker. This is why most EV manufacturers do not recommend towing EVs using traditional methods. Instead, you should transport the vehicle using a flatbed truck or trailer — both options avoid damage to the EV.

Tow trucks can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, explains Myteeproducts. Each type comes with benefits and drawbacks.

Flatbed tow truck

Flatbed tow trucks have a flat platform where the vehicle is loaded entirely. This type of tow truck is highly versatile and poses minimal risk of damaging a vehicle compared to some other types due to the car being fully on the platform. Flatbeds are suitable for just about any tow – they are often employed when moving immobile or totaled cars, EVs, or new vehicles.

Hook and chain tow truck

Hook and chain trucks have a long hook at the back attached by a chain. The hook extends to the vehicle’s bumper while wrapping around its frame; then, the boom lifts the front of the vehicle while keeping the back on the ground. This setup can cause damage to the rear of the vehicle but is useful for pulling cars out of adverse conditions such as snow or mud. It can also handle totaled vehicles.

Wheel lift tow truck

Wheel lift trucks lift cars via a component called a yoke that fits around the underside of the front wheel tires. In this case, the yoke acts like a hook and attaches to the back of the tow truck. By lifting the car off the ground, it minimizes potential damage during transit. These trucks are used primarily for moving damaged cars quickly.

Boom tow truck

Boom trucks use a hydraulic arm, known as a boom, to lift the vehicle. The boom device primarily helps to keep the truck balanced while it tows a vehicle. Unlike hook and chain trucks, boom trucks use a belt or sling to haul a vehicle, which causes less damage. They're particularly useful for pulling cars out of ditches or other difficult-to-reach places. However, they're not recommended for vehicles with all-wheel drive.

It might. Whether or not your car insurance will cover towing depends entirely on your car insurance policy. Some comprehensive insurance policies include roadside assistance; some may cover tow costs up to a certain distance. Some insurers offer roadside assistance as a separate add-on. It is important to check your policy’s specific coverages rather than assuming coverage one way or another.

Some credit cards do offer roadside assistance as an included benefit of having that card. As with car insurance, you’ll need to research your specific credit cards’ terms and conditions to understand if towing would be covered.

Roadside assistance is a service that helps drivers with common problems they may encounter on the road by sending a service professional to you – this could include services such as towing.

Things roadside assistance may cover

Roadside assistance plan offerings can vary so it is important to be aware of what your plan covers both before you purchase it and when you try to use it. Here are some common services:

• Fuel delivery (if you run out of gas)
• Tow services to a repair location
• Flat tire replacement and installation
• Locksmithing services for lockouts
• Battery jump starts
• Extrication if your car gets stuck somewhere

How much does roadside assistance cost?

The cost of roadside assistance can vary massively with some plans going for just $20 a year and others going for up to $150 or more, explains MarketWatch. The price of the service will vary based on what it covers and may be cheaper if it is offered through your insurance provider.

How is it different vs. an auto club (like AAA, Good Sam, etc.)?

Roadside assistance through an insurance company usually applies to all cars insured under the policy and may be less expensive than alternative providers. Auto clubs, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive, but they often cover the member rather than the vehicle itself which offers more flexibility. They may even have additional benefits such as travel and rental discounts.

Having to get your car towed is typically unplanned and can be pricey. Here are some simple ways to help save you money on your next tow, according to Trustworthy Towing.

Check if you have roadside assistance

You may have roadside assistance included with your car insurance, a credit card or a membership that you don’t know about. If in fact you don’t have one, consider getting a roadside assistance plan so that if/when you do need your car towed, it’ll be free or much cheaper.

Compare estimates

Most tow companies will provide you with an estimate before you agree to use their services. If you’re not in an emergency situation and it’s safe to do so, getting multiple estimates and comparing them can help you get the best deal to get your car towed.

Consider a mobile mechanic

If your car is in a safe location but is not able to be driven (safely), some areas have mobile mechanics. These are professionals who travel to you and provide on-site vehicle repairs, typically from a truck or a van that is equipped with most of the necessary tools, explains Saul’s Autotek. If the repair is simple enough, it may be less expensive to have the mechanic come out to you. Get an estimate from them and make an informed decision on whether it’d be cheaper than getting the car towed to a shop or dealership.