Towing Rates & Prices — What Does a Tow Cost?
Current towing prices by service type, distance, and city. Get a free quote estimate with our cost calculator — so you always know the fair rate before you call.
$75–$125
Average local tow
5-mile flatbed
$3–$5
Per mile
after hookup fee
$50–$100
Hookup / base fee
most providers
+$20–$50
After-hours surcharge
overnight & weekends
Towing Cost Calculator
Based on 4,200+ LocalTowing-verified companies. Your actual quote is binding at the call.
Service
Distance
Time of day
Base rate
$130
8 mi (first 5 free)
$12
After-hours
$0
Your estimate
$131 – $159
Median for flatbed tow, 8 mi, daytime, in major US metros.
See 3 companies in your range →Cost breakdown
By service type
Service
Base Fee
Per Mile
Avg Total
$75–$125
$3–$5
$80–$100
$55–$85
$3–$4
$60–$80
$50–$100
N/A
$50–$100
$75–$100
$3–$5
$90–$125
$100–$189
$3–$4
$200–$350+
$250–$400
$10+
$300–$600+
Towing rates by distance
How much does it cost to tow a car X miles?
Prices assume standard sedan, daytime hookup. Add $20–$50 for after-hours or weekend service.
Distance
Flatbed
Wheel-lift
Notes
5 miles
$75–$100
$60–$80
Most common local tow
10 miles
$95–$125
$75–$100
City within same area
20 miles
$120–$165
$95–$135
Suburb to city center
30 miles
$150–$200
$120–$165
Inter-city short haul
50 miles
$200–$280
$165–$230
Regional transport
100 miles
$350–$500
$280–$420
Long-distance haul
Towing rates based on 2026 averages across LocalTowing.us verified providers.
Market pricing
Average towing cost by city
New York, NY
Average: $120–$180
$95
Cheapest
$220
Highest
Los Angeles, CA
Average: $110–$160
$85
Cheapest
$200
Highest
Chicago, IL
Average: $85–$125
$75
Cheapest
$175
Highest
Houston, TX
Average: $80–$115
$65
Cheapest
$160
Highest
Phoenix, AZ
Average: $70–$110
$60
Cheapest
$150
Highest
Miami, FL
Average: $85–$130
$75
Cheapest
$190
Highest
Jacksonville, FL
Average: $75–$115
$60
Cheapest
$155
Highest
Indianapolis, IN
Average: $75–$110
$60
Cheapest
$150
Highest
Dallas, TX
Average: $80–$120
$65
Cheapest
$165
Highest
Charlotte, NC
Average: $75–$115
$60
Cheapest
$155
Highest
Prices based on 2026 surveys of registered companies. Updated monthly.
Pricing drivers
What affects the cost of a tow?
Distance
Longer distance = higher cost. Most companies charge $3–$5 per mile after the base fee.
Time of day
Overnight, weekends, and holidays add $20–$50 surcharge in most markets.
Vehicle size
Larger or heavier vehicles cost significantly more. Trucks and SUVs may be 20–40% higher.
Location difficulty
Ditches, parking garages, and off-road spots add winching fees of $50–$200+.
Towing quotes
How to get a fair towing quote
Ask for the base hook-up fee
Every tow has a flat hook-up (dispatch) fee regardless of distance — typically $50–$100. Confirm this first.
Confirm the per-mile rate
Most companies charge $3–$5 per mile after hook-up. Get the exact rate so you can calculate the total yourself.
Ask about surcharges
After-hours (nights, weekends, holidays) adds $20–$50. Winching from a ditch or off-road adds $50–$200+.
Compare 2–3 providers
Use LocalTowing.us to browse verified local towing companies and contact them directly — no middleman fees.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the average towing rate per mile?
Most towing companies charge $3–$5 per mile after a base hook-up fee. In high-cost cities like New York or Los Angeles the per-mile rate can reach $6–$8. Always confirm the per-mile rate before the tow begins.
How much does it cost to tow a car 10 miles?
A 10-mile flatbed tow typically costs $95–$125. A wheel-lift tow for the same distance runs $75–$100. After-hours or weekend tows add $20–$50 to those figures.
How much does it cost to tow a car 20 miles?
Expect $120–$165 for a flatbed tow over 20 miles, or $95–$135 for a wheel-lift. Long-distance rates are calculated as base fee + (miles × per-mile rate).
How do I get a towing quote?
Call 2–3 local towing companies and ask for the base hook-up fee, per-mile rate, and any after-hours surcharges. Use LocalTowing.us to browse verified companies in your area and contact them directly — no booking fees.
Is there a standard towing rate?
No — towing prices vary by state, city, and company. Some states regulate maximum tow rates; others do not. Use our cost calculator above for a local estimate and always get a written quote before the truck hooks up.
What is a fair price for a local tow?
A fair local tow (under 10 miles) costs $75–$125 for a flatbed or $55–$85 for a wheel-lift. If you're quoted significantly more, get a second quote before agreeing.
Does insurance cover towing?
Many auto insurance policies include roadside assistance add-ons. Check your policy or call your insurer before paying out of pocket — some plans reimburse up to $100 per tow.
How do I avoid being overcharged?
Ask for a written quote before the tow begins. Confirm the hook-up fee, per-mile rate, and any extras (storage, after-hours). Compare 2–3 companies using LocalTowing.us before committing.
Quick answer
How much should a tow truck cost?
A short local tow commonly includes a hook-up fee plus a per-mile rate, while after-hours calls, winching, storage, long-distance transport, and specialty trucks can increase the total. Treat LocalTowing.us prices as planning estimates, then confirm the current quote directly with the towing provider before dispatch.
Ready to find a fair rate?
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