2020 Towing Service Cost
Towing Company Cost
The average cost to hire a tow truck service is $75 to $125. Most towing companies have a minimum charge of $50 for the first 5 to 10 miles, then $2 to $4 per mile after. Factors to consider in towing a car are distance, type of vehicle, and the time of day.
| National Average Cost | $95 |
| Minimum Cost | $50 |
| Maximum Cost | $300 |
| Average Range | $75 to $125 |
Table of Contents
- Towing Company Cost
- Average Towing Cost Per Mile
- Why Would I Need to Be Towed?
- What Services Do Towing Companies Offer?
- Distance
- Size of Vehicle
- Time of Day
- AAA Towing Cost
- Membership Clubs
- Does Car Insurance Cover Towing?
- How Much Does Towing Cost Per Day?
Average Towing Cost Per Mile
Most tow companies charge between $50 to $125 for a five or ten-mile local tow, or a $75 hook-up fee and $2 to $4 per mile for long-distance towing. The average 40-mile tow will range from $125 to $250. Before you call a tow truck company, check your car insurance policy. It may include a tow truck service, in which case your cost to tow a car could be free!
There are a few key factors that determine the cost of a tow truck service—mostly how far it needs to be towed and how big the vehicle is. Prices can vary by region and company. In some areas there are legal limits on towing fees but here are the average prices.
| Miles | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 | $35 to $125 |
| 10 | $65 to $125 |
| 20 | $105 to $185 |
| 50 | $165 to $300 |
| 100 | $325 to $450 |
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Why Would I Need to Be Towed?
Cars are towed because they are unable to get from one place to another reliably and may be stuck on the side of the road. Most often, there is something broken within the car that causes it to be undrivable. The vehicle may not start, or you may have one or more car tires that are deflated. Also, you could have trouble with your:
- Starter
- Battery
- Engine
If your battery is low, getting your car jumpstarted will give the battery enough power to get you to your 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?
Tow truck drivers offer a surprising amount of services. Not only do they tow your car, but they often provide roadside assistance. If your vehicle does not start because you ran out of gas, a tow truck company will bring gas to you. Here are some other services they offer:
- Refill gas
- Jumpstart a battery in a dead car
- Unlock the car door
- Transport a broken car
- Pull out a stuck car
- Tire change
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Towing Cost Estimator
Before giving you a price, tow truck service companies will factor into your towing rates:
- How far they must tow the truck,
- How large of a car you have to tow,
- How difficult it is to get the vehicle onto the tow truck (if it’s muddy or on a steep slope), and
- 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 $50 usually includes a towing distance of between 5–10 miles. Each company has a different minimum mileage amount included, so be sure to ask when you speak with your local company.
Size of Vehicle
The size of your car to be towed may also affect the price. A standard fee includes a 4-door sedan, but often trucks and large SUVs have an additional charge. Each company varies, so check with your local company for a more accurate estimate. Typically, the extra cost is between $10–$35.
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 6–8 a.m. Each company’s after-hours service varies. Some companies’ additional cost is as low as $5. Others charge up to a $150 one-time fee.
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Roadside Assistance Cost
As the name suggests, roadside assistance companies help with all the needs you may have if your car is acting up. They can help with many roadside needs, such as replacing a flat tire and jumpstarting a car. Roadside assistance is also a reliable service if you need a tow truck. These companies have relationships with local tow truck companies and will refer you to the one nearest you. 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–$144 per year with nationally known companies such as AAA, AARP, and All-State Motor Club. Most of these service providers will cover the cost of towing your vehicle up to 100 miles. There are many roadside assistance companies that you can join. Each company has various programs and expenses, but they all offer services such as: towing, gas refills, jumpstarts, and flat tire repair services.
Roadside Assistance Membership Clubs
For example, 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 reimbursement at $250. The cost for each service can also depend on your region. When you check prices with your local companies, be sure to ask about renewal fees for the future. Paying a yearly fee for roadside assistance can also benefit you in other ways—membership can include getting discounts on car rentals, flights, hotels stays, and restaurant meals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does My Car Insurance Company Cover Roadside Assistance or Towing Costs?
Your 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 ranges from $200 to $500 per hour. Additional options include a sea towing membership which costs $149 to $249 per year for 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.
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References
References
- Ace Towing – acetowing.com
- AE Recovery and Towing – phoenixroadsideservice.com
- Fort Worth Towing – fwtow.com/prices
- Queen City Towing – http://qctowing.com/helpful-towing-info/towing-rates-in-charlotte-nc/
- Norcross Tow N Go – https://www.norcrosstowngo.com/towing-service-cost.html
- Honk For Help – https://www.honkforhelp.com/services/towing/
- Allstate- https://www.allstate.com/roadside-assistance/membership-plans.aspx
- AARP – https://www.aarproadside.com/aarp/compare-plans
- AAA – https://www.alabama.aaa.com/membership/why-join-aaa.html?area=vanity_joinaaa&zip=35824&devicecd=PC
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/roadside-assistance-program-comparisons