Towing Cost: Parts, Labor & Average Price

Most tow companies price a tow in two parts: a hookup or minimum fee that covers the first few miles, and a per-mile charge after that. Short tows look expensive per mile because the base fee is spread over very few miles. Longer tows cost more in total, but the per-mile rate often falls.

The price you are quoted also depends on the vehicle, the time of day, and what has to happen at the scene. Figures below carry a check date of Oct 13, 2026.

A 5-mile tow without roadside coverage is listed at $75 – $150 by AAA. A 40-mile tow runs $125 – $250, and a 100-mile tow runs $325 – $450. A separate guide lists a 100-mile tow for a standard car at $360 – $540.

The two 100-mile figures overlap but differ. They come from different sources that make different assumptions about the vehicle, hookup fee, and rate schedule. Treat distance numbers as a planning range and ask the company for a quote in writing.

Per-mile rates are listed at $2 – $4/mile for extra mileage after the minimum, $2 – $5/mile in one tow company guide, and $2 – $7/mile in another source for a car. Heavy-duty vehicles, RVs, and flatbed work cost more per mile.

The spread is wide because rates depend on the market and the type of truck. A rural tow can mean a long drive for the operator before the meter even starts, and a metro area has more competition. Ask whether the per-mile rate counts loaded miles only or includes the drive to you.

The hookup fee is the base charge. ThePricer describes an initial 5-to-10-mile tow at $50 – $125, another source lists a base hook-up fee of $75 – $150, and a third lists $50 – $100 for a standard passenger car.

A quote for a short tow often looks like the hookup fee and nothing else. Ask what miles are included, because a company that includes five to ten miles can come out cheaper than one with a lower hookup fee and no included miles.

You can build a rough estimate before you call. Start with the hookup fee. Subtract any included miles from your trip distance, multiply what is left by the per-mile rate, and add any surcharges. Then compare that with a quote from two or three local companies.

• Hookup fee in your area
• Miles included in the hookup fee
• Per-mile rate for the miles beyond that
• Vehicle type, since AWD vehicles, EVs, and many sports cars often need a flatbed
• Time of day, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Special recovery, such as a vehicle stuck in a ditch or needing a winch

Surcharges can change the total more than the mileage does. After-hours, weekend, or holiday service adds $50 – $100, according to 777 Towing. Winching, recovery from a ditch, storage fees, and flatbed requirements can be extra. Ask for an itemized quote before the driver hooks up, and ask what payment methods the company accepts.

Roadside plans can reduce or erase the out-of-pocket cost of a tow. AAA regional clubs vary in price and coverage. One regional club lists Classic at $64.99/yr and Plus at $99.99/yr, per ThePricer. Towing mileage differs by plan level, so check the plan's covered distance.

Insurance policies and some vehicle warranties also include roadside help, usually with limits on distance and number of calls. Check your policy or warranty paperwork for the terms, since coverage varies by provider. Compare the annual price of a plan with how often you would use it.

• Distance towed
• Hookup fee and included miles
• Per-mile rate in your market
• Flatbed or wheel-lift truck
• Vehicle weight and drivetrain
• Time of day
• Recovery work such as winching
• Storage or impound fees if the vehicle is taken to a lot

Guides describe different tows. Some quote a short local tow, others a longer trip, and some include flatbed or after-hours charges.

Two company guides list local tows at $100 – $200 and $75 – $125. Both describe local tows but use different fee schedules. A tow quoted at a scene when you are stranded may be higher than either, so call ahead when you can.

• Ask for the total price, not only the hookup fee.
• Ask whether the quote is flat or metered.
• Confirm what payment methods the company takes before it arrives.
• Ask where the car is going and whether storage fees apply.
• Use a company your insurer, roadside plan, or the shop recommends if you can.
• Take photos of the vehicle and note the time and the driver's name.

If your car is towed without your consent, such as from private property or after an accident, fees are often set by local rules. Contact the local authority or a licensed attorney for the rules in your area.