Tow Truck Cost: Parts, Labor & Average Price

A tow bill has two parts: a hook-up or base fee that covers the first stretch of the trip, and a charge for each extra mile. The truck type, the time of day, and the condition of your vehicle all change the total. A car on a flat shoulder is the easy case. A car stuck in a ditch or damaged in a crash is not.

This page covers what towing companies charge when you pay out of pocket. Roadside assistance plans can cover some or all of a tow, covered further down. The figures carry a check date of Oct 14, 2026.

For a standard local tow, ThePricer reports $75 – $125, with a national average near $95. Many companies set a minimum charge that covers the first 5 to 10 miles. Beyond that, the price climbs with distance.

The table above shows how the total grows. A 5-mile tow lands at $35 – $125, a 40-mile tow at $125 – $250, and a 100-mile tow at $325 – $450. Short tows can look expensive per mile, because most of the bill is the hook-up fee rather than the distance.

Most towing companies quote the two parts separately. AAA reports a base fee of $84 – $150 without roadside coverage. On top of that, it reports a per-mile charge between $2.25 and $5 per mile. ThePricer describes extra mileage after the minimum at $2 to $4 per mile.

The ranges differ because the two sources describe slightly different things: one reflects typical market rates, the other the extra distance beyond a local minimum. Rural areas, big cities, and different states all price differently.

• Distance. Longer tows cost more, even if the per-mile rate falls on long hauls.
• Truck type. A standard hook-and-chain or wheel-lift truck costs less than a flatbed. Flatbeds are often used for all-wheel-drive, low-clearance, and luxury vehicles.
• Vehicle size. Trucks, vans, and large SUVs are priced higher than cars.
• Time of day. Nights, weekends, and holidays often add a surcharge.
• Location of the vehicle. A car in a ditch, on a steep hill, or in a parking garage may need winching or extra labor.
• Storage and impound fees. If your car goes to a tow yard, daily storage charges can add up quickly.
• Where the car is going. A tow to your own mechanic costs the same per mile as any other, but a destination outside the company's usual service area can raise the price.

Often. Roadside coverage from an auto club, insurer, or carmaker can reduce a tow bill to little or nothing, as long as the trip stays within the plan's limits. Most plans cap the covered distance, and some reimburse a fixed amount rather than paying the tower. Check your plan for the distance limit, the number of calls per year, and whether you pay first and get reimbursed.

AAA's basic membership covers a short tow distance, and higher tiers cover longer ones. Confirm the current limits with your club, because they differ by region and tier.

Light-duty trucks handle most passenger cars. Flatbeds carry the whole vehicle on a bed and are the safer choice for low cars, many all-wheel-drive models, and cars with damaged drivetrains. Heavy-duty towing for buses, large trucks, and rotators costs much more and is priced under separate rate sheets.

Rates differ across the country, and a published average cannot predict the quote you receive on the roadside. Your price depends on who answers the phone, where you are, and what condition the car is in.

• Ask for the full price up front. Get the hook-up fee, the per-mile rate, the total, and any extra fees before the truck is dispatched.
• Confirm the company. Look for a marked truck and a company name that matches the one you called. Be cautious about unsolicited tow trucks that arrive at an accident scene.
• Choose the destination. You can usually have the car towed to your preferred repair shop. Know the address and whether the shop is open.
• Get a receipt. The receipt should list the charges and the company's contact details.
• Photograph the car before it is loaded. This helps if there is a dispute about damage.
• Stay safe on the roadside. If you break down on a highway, stay away from traffic. Many people wait outside the vehicle and well behind the guardrail until help arrives.

If you think a tow was overcharged, contact the towing company first, then your state or local consumer protection office.

• What is the hook-up fee, and how many miles does it include?
• What is the per-mile rate after that?
• Is this a flatbed, and does that change the price?
• Do you charge extra for nights, weekends, or winching?
• Do you accept my roadside plan or insurance?