Getting your car towed can cost anywhere from $75 to several hundred dollars, depending on the distance, location, and type of service you need.
In the United States, a short tow of five miles or less often costs around $75 to $150. A 10-mile tow may cost $100 to $200, while towing a car 50 miles can cost $175 to $400 or more.
Most towing companies charge a base hookup fee plus a rate for each mile. Some offer a fixed price for short trips.
If your car just broke down, you probably want to know the price before calling a tow truck. This guide explains how much to tow a car over different distances, what extra charges to expect, and how to save money without risking damage to your vehicle.
Average Cost to Tow a Car by Distance
The distance between your pickup location and the destination is one of the biggest factors affecting towing prices.
Here are estimated costs for common towing distances in the United States.
| Towing distance | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| 1–5 miles | $75–$150 |
| 10 miles | $100–$200 |
| 20 miles | $125–$250 |
| 30 miles | $150–$300 |
| 50 miles | $175–$400 |
| 75 miles | $250–$500 |
| 100 miles | $300–$650+ |
| More than 100 miles | $400–$1,000+ |
These are general planning estimates for a standard passenger vehicle and a voluntarily arranged tow, not fixed national rates or guaranteed quotes. Costs may be higher in expensive cities, remote areas, during emergencies, or when special recovery equipment is required.
The amount you pay can also change depending on whether the company includes the first few miles in its base fee.
How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Car 5 Miles?
A five-mile tow generally costs around $75 to $150.
For example, if your car stops working near your house and you need to take it to a repair shop a few miles away, the company may charge a minimum local towing fee.
Some operators include the first five miles in that price. Others charge separately for the hookup and driving distance.
Ask whether the quote includes loading, mileage, and unloading before booking.
How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Car 10 Miles?
Towing a car 10 miles typically costs about $100 to $200.
For example, suppose a company charges:
- Hookup fee: $100
- Mileage: $5 per mile
- Distance: 10 miles
Your estimated total would be $150 before any additional fees.
This is a sample calculation, not a quoted or universal rate.
A 10-mile tow is common when a driver needs to reach a preferred mechanic instead of the nearest garage.
How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Car 20 Miles?
A 20-mile tow can cost approximately $125 to $250.
This distance is common when a car breaks down outside town or when the repair shop you trust is in another part of the city.
Before arranging the tow, find out whether a closer qualified repair shop can fix the problem.
You might save money by reducing the distance.
However, choosing an unsuitable repair shop simply to save a few miles could lead to another towing bill later.
How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Car 50 Miles?
A 50-mile tow may cost around $175 to $400 or more.
The price increases because the tow truck must travel farther, use more fuel, and spend additional time transporting your vehicle.
Some companies offer lower per-mile rates for long trips, so a 50-mile tow is not always five times the price of a 10-mile tow.
If you need to move a car between cities, compare several companies before booking.
How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Car 100 Miles?
Expect to pay approximately $300 to $650 or more for a 100-mile tow.
The actual price depends on your vehicle, the towing equipment, highway conditions, and whether the truck must travel a significant distance to reach you.
For planned moves, a vehicle transportation company may be more economical than hiring a local emergency tow truck for the entire journey.
How Do Towing Companies Calculate the Price?
Most towing prices are based on a combination of a hookup fee, mileage charges, and any additional services.
A simple way to estimate the cost is:
Total towing cost = Hookup fee + Mileage charges + Additional fees
For example:
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hookup fee | $100 |
| Mileage rate | $5 per mile |
| Distance | 10 miles |
| Mileage charge | $50 |
| Estimated total | $150 |
This example assumes the company charges for all 10 miles after the hookup fee.
If the base fee includes the first five miles, the calculation would be different.
What Is a Hookup Fee?
A hookup fee is the initial charge for sending a tow truck and preparing your vehicle for transport.
For an ordinary passenger car, a common quoted range is around $50 to $125, although local minimums can be higher.
The fee may cover dispatching the truck, basic loading equipment, and securing the vehicle.
A company might call this a base rate, service fee, or minimum towing charge.
Always ask what is included.
How Much Do Tow Trucks Charge Per Mile?
A common advertised mileage range is approximately $2 to $7 per mile.
The rate can change depending on the towing company, location, and distance.
Some companies use a lower mileage rate for longer journeys. Others quote a flat price that includes a set distance.
There is no single nationwide per-mile rate.
Also, ask whether mileage starts at your vehicle’s location or whether the company charges for the truck’s travel to reach you.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Towing a Car?
Two people who need the same 10-mile tow can receive very different prices.
Here are the main reasons.
1. Distance to the Repair Shop
Longer distances generally cost more.
A vehicle that breaks down two miles from a local garage is usually less expensive to transport than one that needs to travel across the county.
If you’re paying out of pocket, consider the distance before selecting a destination.
2. Vehicle Size and Weight
A small sedan is generally easier to tow than a large pickup truck or heavy SUV.
Bigger vehicles may require stronger equipment, different loading methods, or a heavy-duty truck.
Tell the towing company your vehicle’s make, model, year, and drivetrain.
That information helps the operator send suitable equipment and provide a more accurate quote.
3. Type of Tow Truck
The towing equipment can affect the price.
A wheel-lift truck raises one end of the vehicle, while a flatbed carries the entire car on its platform.
Flatbeds may cost more, depending on the operator and the job.
However, the cheapest towing method is not always safe for every vehicle.
Check your owner’s manual before approving a tow.
4. Time of Day
Towing late at night, on weekends, or during holidays can cost more than a scheduled daytime service.
A company may charge an extra dispatch fee or apply an after-hours rate.
If your car is safely parked at home, you may save money by arranging a tow during regular business hours.
If you’re stranded in a dangerous location, your safety matters more than avoiding an after-hours fee.
5. Vehicle Condition
A car with four working wheels is usually easier to load than a vehicle with severe accident damage.
Extra work may be needed when:
- A wheel is missing or damaged.
- The vehicle cannot shift into neutral.
- The parking brake will not release.
- The steering system is damaged.
- The car is stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch.
These situations may require dollies, skates, winching, or specialized recovery equipment.
6. Your Location
Towing rates vary across the United States.
Busy metropolitan areas, rural highways, mountainous roads, and remote locations may have different operating costs.
Local rules can also affect certain towing services, especially vehicles removed without the owner’s permission.
7. Additional Storage or Administrative Charges
If your car is taken to a storage lot instead of a repair shop, you may need to pay extra fees.
These can include daily storage, after-hours release, and administrative charges where permitted.
Ask where the vehicle will be delivered and whether storage will be required.
Flatbed Towing vs Wheel-Lift Towing
Choosing the right truck matters because improper towing can damage your vehicle.
| Towing method | How it works | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| Flatbed | Carries the entire vehicle on a platform | Damaged vehicles, many AWD vehicles, EVs, long-distance transport |
| Wheel-lift | Raises one axle while the other wheels remain on the road | Compatible two-wheel-drive vehicles |
| Wheel-lift with dollies | Additional dollies keep certain wheels off the road | Vehicles needing extra drivetrain protection |
| Heavy-duty towing | Uses equipment designed for larger vehicles | Large trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles |
When Should You Use a Flatbed?
A flatbed is often a good choice when a vehicle cannot safely roll on its wheels during transport.
It may also be necessary when the drivetrain cannot tolerate having certain wheels rotate while the vehicle is being towed.
For example, the 2018 Kia Sportage was sold with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The correct towing method depends on the vehicle’s configuration and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not assume that every SUV or sedan can be transported using the same equipment.
Does It Cost More to Tow a Hybrid Car?
Not necessarily.
A hybrid does not automatically cost more to tow than a gasoline-powered vehicle.
The price depends on the car’s weight, drivetrain, condition, and required towing method.
However, hybrid drivetrains may have specific towing restrictions.
For example, owners of the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime should check Toyota’s instructions before allowing a tow operator to move the car.
Using the wrong towing method can lead to expensive mechanical damage.
How Much Does It Cost to Tow an Electric Car?
The price of towing an EV depends on its size, weight, and loading requirements.
Some electric vehicles require flatbed transportation or approved dollies to protect their electric drive systems.
Honda, for example, recommends a flatbed truck or appropriate dollies for emergency transportation of the 2024 Honda Prologue.
If your EV breaks down, tell the towing company the exact model before the truck arrives.
Do not assume that putting an electric vehicle in neutral makes it safe to tow with its drive wheels on the ground.
How Much Does Emergency Towing Cost?
Emergency towing is often more expensive than a scheduled tow.
If your engine fails on the highway at midnight, you may have fewer options than someone arranging a tow from their driveway.
Prices can increase because of:
- After-hours service.
- Bad weather.
- Limited truck availability.
- Heavy traffic.
- Difficult roadside access.
- Additional recovery work.
If your car is stopped in an active traffic lane or another dangerous location, contact emergency services and follow their instructions.
Do not remain in an unsafe area just to compare towing prices.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Car Out of Impound?
A vehicle that has been towed without your permission is different from a voluntary roadside tow.
Police-ordered tows and private-property impounds may be subject to local fee schedules.
For example, Palm Beach County, Florida, published the following maximum non-consent rates for its 2027 fiscal year, running from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
| Service | Published maximum rate |
|---|---|
| Standard private-property tow, claimed within 24 hours | $154 |
| Outdoor storage, when applicable after six hours | $31 |
| Standard police-directed tow | $193 |
| Police-directed mileage | $7.50 per mile |
These rates apply under the county’s rules. Cities within the county may establish different fees, and other charges may be permitted under specific circumstances.
They are not national averages and do not apply to every tow company in Florida.
You can check the Palm Beach County official towing rate schedule for details.
Why Are Impound Fees Sometimes So High?
The towing charge may be only part of the total bill.
A storage facility can add daily fees once the applicable storage period begins. Other permitted fees may also apply.
If you believe your car was wrongly towed or the bill exceeds legal limits, contact the local agency that regulates towing companies.
Ask for an itemized invoice and keep all receipts.
Do not assume the same consumer protection rules apply in every state or city.
Does Car Insurance Cover Towing?
Sometimes. It depends on your insurance policy and why your car needs to be towed.
There are two common situations.
Towing After a Mechanical Breakdown
If your car stops working because of a mechanical problem, ordinary liability insurance generally does not pay for the tow.
You may need optional roadside assistance or towing-and-labor coverage.
For example, GEICO’s Emergency Roadside Service covers towing to a qualified repair facility within the policy’s limits.
In most states, GEICO describes a covered towing distance of up to 15 miles to the nearest qualified repair facility. Coverage and restrictions vary.
You can review your policy or contact your insurance provider before arranging service.
Towing After an Accident
If your car is damaged in an accident, towing may be covered as part of an applicable insurance claim.
Whether the bill is paid depends on your coverage, the circumstances of the accident, and the insurer’s claim decision.
The other driver’s insurer may also be responsible for reasonable towing expenses if that driver is legally responsible for the accident.
Before sending a damaged vehicle to an unfamiliar storage lot, contact your insurer when it is safe and practical to do so.
How Much Does AAA Charge to Tow a Car?
AAA provides towing benefits as part of its roadside assistance membership plans.
The towing distance included depends on the membership level and regional AAA club.
A typical benefit structure is:
| AAA membership | Common included towing distance |
|---|---|
| Classic | About 5–7 miles, depending on the club |
| Plus | Up to 100 miles |
| Premier | Up to 100 miles, with a qualifying 200-mile tow |
AAA membership terms, service-call limits, destinations, and other restrictions vary.
Miles beyond the covered limit may result in additional charges.
For example, some regional AAA plans include five miles under Classic membership, while others include seven.
Joining AAA after your car has already broken down may not provide immediate service without an additional fee or waiting period.
Check the rules of your regional club before purchasing a membership for an existing breakdown.
You can review the AAA roadside assistance information for one regional example.
Is It Cheaper to Tow a Car or Have It Shipped?
For a short breakdown, a local tow truck is usually the practical choice.
For a planned move of several hundred miles, it is worth comparing other transportation methods.
Local Tow Truck
Best when your car has broken down and needs to reach a nearby garage.
The vehicle is collected directly, usually by a truck dispatched for that job.
Auto Transport Company
Best when moving a vehicle a long distance, such as relocating to another state or transporting a purchased car.
Car shipping companies may combine vehicles on a carrier, which can reduce the cost per vehicle compared with dedicating one tow truck to a long trip.
However, pickup and delivery times may be less flexible.
Rental Car Trailer or Tow Dolly
If you’re moving with a rental truck, you may be able to rent a car trailer or tow dolly.
The price depends on the route, rental duration, equipment, and vehicles involved.
Before choosing this option, confirm the towing vehicle’s rated capacity, the weight of the car being transported, and the manufacturer’s towing instructions.
Not every car can safely be pulled on a dolly.
How to Save Money When Towing Your Car
A little preparation can prevent an expensive towing bill.
1. Check Your Existing Roadside Coverage
Before paying a towing company directly, check whether you already have roadside assistance through:
- Your car insurance.
- An auto club membership.
- A vehicle manufacturer’s roadside assistance program.
- A credit card or another membership benefit.
Check the terms before assuming a tow is covered.
2. Compare Quotes When It Is Safe
If your vehicle is in a safe location, contact two or three local towing companies.
Give each company the same pickup location, destination, and vehicle details.
Ask for the total price, not just the mileage rate.
3. Request an Itemized Estimate
Ask about the hookup charge, mileage, equipment, and any additional fees.
A clear quote should explain what you are paying for.
4. Choose the Right Repair Shop
Towing to the nearest suitable mechanic may save money.
However, make sure the shop can actually repair your vehicle before sending it there.
Otherwise, you could end up paying for a second tow.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Storage
When possible, arrange for the vehicle to go directly to a repair shop that can receive it.
A storage lot may add charges that make the entire process more expensive.
6. Schedule Non-Emergency Towing
If your car is safely parked and the situation is not urgent, ask whether a daytime appointment costs less.
This may help you avoid after-hours fees.
7. Watch for Towing Scams
Be careful when an unknown tow truck arrives at an accident scene without being requested.
The Texas Department of Insurance warns that some dishonest operators direct damaged cars to repair shops that later charge excessive storage fees.
Make sure the truck is the one you or the police requested, and confirm the destination.
You can read the Texas Department of Insurance’s towing scam advice.
What to Ask Before Hiring a Tow Truck
Before agreeing to a tow, ask these questions:
- What is the total estimated cost to tow my car to the address I provide?
- Does that price include the hookup fee and all mileage charges?
- Are there any after-hours, fuel, toll, or equipment fees?
- Do I need a flatbed or another special towing method?
- Where will you take my car?
- Will I pay any storage or release fees?
- Can you provide a written estimate and itemized receipt?
If a company cannot explain its pricing, consider another provider when you have a safe and practical choice.
What Should You Do If Your Car Breaks Down?
A breakdown is stressful, especially when you’re far from home.
Start with safety.
If possible, move the car out of traffic and stop in a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights and follow local roadside safety guidance.
If the vehicle is creating an immediate danger or someone is injured, call emergency services.
Once you’re safe, check whether the problem requires towing.
A dead battery, flat tire, or empty fuel tank may sometimes be handled through roadside assistance without transporting the car.
If the vehicle needs to be towed:
- Find your exact pickup location.
- Choose a repair shop or safe destination.
- Check your roadside assistance coverage.
- Tell the operator your vehicle’s year, make, model, and drivetrain.
- Request the total price.
- Confirm which truck and driver are being dispatched.
- Keep the receipt and any related paperwork.
Taking a few minutes to confirm the service can help avoid unnecessary costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to tow a car one mile?
A one-mile tow may still cost around $75 to $150 because many companies charge a minimum service or hookup fee. The distance is short, but dispatching and loading the vehicle still require time and equipment.
How much is a tow truck for 10 miles?
A 10-mile tow commonly costs about $100 to $200 for a standard passenger car. Your price may be higher if you need a flatbed, emergency recovery, or after-hours service.
Is a 100-mile tow expensive?
Yes. A 100-mile tow may cost $300 to $650 or more. For planned transportation, compare a tow truck quote with prices from auto transport companies.
Do tow truck companies charge by the hour or mile?
Many charge a base fee plus mileage. Some use fixed local rates, while recovery work or heavy-duty towing may be charged by time. Ask which pricing method applies before authorizing service.
Can you negotiate the price of a tow?
For a voluntary tow, you can ask for a quote, compare companies, and negotiate where the provider allows it. Police-directed and non-consent towing may follow different local regulations and fee schedules.
Does towing a car damage the transmission?
It can if the wrong towing method is used. Some automatic, all-wheel-drive, hybrid, and electric vehicles have restrictions on which wheels may remain on the ground. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use suitable towing equipment.
Can a car be towed without the keys?
In many cases, yes. A professional operator may use a flatbed, skates, dollies, or other equipment to load a locked or disabled vehicle. Special handling may cost more. You may need to prove ownership or authorization.
Is towing covered by a car warranty?
Not always. Some manufacturer roadside assistance programs include towing for eligible vehicles, but coverage varies by manufacturer, vehicle age, warranty terms, and the reason for the breakdown.
Do you have to tip a tow truck driver?
Tipping is generally optional in the United States. It is not a standard required towing fee. You can tip for particularly helpful service if you choose, but it should not be treated as a mandatory charge.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does it cost to tow a car?
For a regular passenger vehicle in the United States, a short local tow often costs around $75 to $150. A 10-mile tow may cost $100 to $200, while moving a car 50 or 100 miles can cost several hundred dollars.
The final price depends on more than distance. The hookup fee, vehicle size, towing method, location, and extra services can all change the bill.
Before booking, check whether you have roadside assistance coverage, confirm the correct equipment for your car, and request a complete estimate.
If your car is safely parked, comparing quotes can save money. If you’re stuck on a busy highway or in another dangerous location, get professional help first.
The best towing service is one that moves your vehicle safely, explains its charges clearly, and takes your car where you agreed it should go.