How Much Does a Tow Cost?
Towing costs include a hook-up fee ($50-$100) plus a per-mile charge ($2-$7/mile). A 5-mile local tow costs $75-$150 while a 50-mile tow runs $200-$450. Enter your details for an estimate.
Towing Value Calculator
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Why Knowing Your Towing Value Matters
Being stranded with a broken-down vehicle is stressful enough without worrying about a surprise tow bill. Most tow companies charge a base/hook-up fee of $50-$100 plus $2-$7 per mile depending on vehicle size and tow type. A local tow (under 10 miles) typically costs $75-$150. AAA membership ($60-$120/year) includes towing up to 100-200 miles, which can save hundreds on a single long-distance tow. Understanding towing rates helps you evaluate quotes and avoid price gouging, especially in emergency situations.
Key Factors That Affect Towing Value
Understanding what drives the price of towing helps you get the most accurate valuation.
Distance
Local (under 10 miles): $75-$150 flat rate. Medium distance (10-30 miles): $150-$300. Long distance (30-100 miles): $200-$600. Cross-state/country: $2-$4/mile for standard vehicles. Per-mile rates range from $2-$4 for standard cars to $4-$7 for heavy vehicles.
Vehicle Type
Standard car/sedan: base rate. SUV/truck: 10-25% more. Motorcycle: $50-$150 (requires specialty equipment). All-wheel drive/4WD: 20-40% more (requires flatbed). Heavy-duty truck/RV: $150-$500+ base rate. Exotic/luxury car: flatbed required, premium handling.
Tow Type
Hook-and-chain (obsolete, can damage vehicles): cheapest. Wheel-lift (standard for most tows): standard rate. Flatbed (entire vehicle loaded on trailer): 20-40% more but safest. Flatbed is required for AWD vehicles, lowered cars, and luxury/exotic vehicles.
Time & Circumstances
Business hours (7 AM-7 PM): standard rate. After hours: 25-50% surcharge. Holidays: 50-100% surcharge. Winch-out (stuck in ditch/mud): $50-$250 extra. Accident recovery: $100-$500+ extra (depending on severity). Key-locked-in-trunk or neutral gear issues: extra charges may apply.
Roadside Assistance Plans
AAA Classic: free towing up to 5 miles ($68/year). AAA Plus: up to 100 miles ($120/year). AAA Premier: up to 200 miles ($170/year). Many car insurance policies include roadside assistance ($2-$5/month add-on). Auto manufacturer roadside assistance (BMW, Mercedes, etc.): typically free for 3-5 years.
Tips for Valuing Towing
Get the most accurate estimate by following these tips when evaluating your towing.
Estimate the distance from breakdown to destination
Specify your vehicle type (car, SUV, truck, motorcycle)
Note if your vehicle is AWD/4WD (requires flatbed)
Check if you have AAA or roadside assistance before calling a tow
Towing Market Insights
Towing costs have increased 15-20% since 2020 due to fuel prices and labor costs. The rise of electric vehicles has created new challenges — EVs can't be towed on a dolly (must use flatbed) and charging infrastructure gaps increase the frequency of tows. AAA reports that EV roadside calls are increasing rapidly. Police-ordered tows (from accident scenes or illegal parking) often use higher rates and add daily storage fees ($25-$75/day) that accumulate quickly. Always retrieve your vehicle within 24-48 hours to minimize storage costs.
Get Unlimited Towing Valuations
Value items on the go with our mobile app. Available on iOS and Android.
Towing Valuation FAQ
How much does a 10-mile tow cost?
A standard 10-mile tow costs $75-$150 for a regular car. SUV/truck: $100-$200. If you need a flatbed: add 20-40%. After-hours surcharge: add 25-50%. With AAA Classic membership: free (included for up to 5 miles, $68/year). AAA Plus: free up to 100 miles.
Does AAA cover towing?
Yes. AAA Classic: free towing up to 5 miles ($68/year membership). AAA Plus: up to 100 miles ($120/year). AAA Premier: up to 200 miles ($170/year). AAA also covers lockouts, flat tires, jump starts, and fuel delivery. A single long-distance tow pays for the annual membership.
Does car insurance cover towing?
Many auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance/towing as an add-on for $2-$5/month. Coverage typically includes towing to the nearest repair shop (limited to 15-25 miles with most policies). Check your policy — you may already have coverage you don't know about.
How do I avoid getting overcharged for a tow?
Get a firm quote including hook-up fee + per-mile rate before agreeing. Ask about additional charges (winch, after-hours, storage). Compare rates — call 2-3 companies if you have time. Use AAA or insurance roadside assistance whenever possible. Avoid tow companies that arrive unsolicited at accident scenes — they often charge inflated rates.