towing cost

Car tows are typical in the U.S., and most car owners will find that they need at least one tow service in their lifetime. So, it always helps to know how much does a flatbed tow truck cost and everything that towing entails. Towing cost can seem high if you do not belong to a roadside assistance group. And if you don't have an emergency fund, it could be challenging to afford a tow when needed. This piece tries to shed some light on what to expect from a towing company and how much you may have to spend when you find yourself in a situation.

You should know that tow services can include more than transporting a vehicle from one place to another. So, the towing cost can vary depending on your circumstances, the services you need, your location, and the tow company.

The Average: How Much does a Tow Truck Cost?

Usually, the average cost of a tow is $109.1. While the exact rates vary from place to place, you can expect a charge of about $2.50 to $7 per mile. The towing cost goes up in case of heavy-duty vehicles.

To give you a better idea, here is how much you can expect to spend per mile.

  • 5-7 miles: $30 to $100
  • 40 miles: $100 to $250
  • 100 miles: $250 to $600

Factors that Affect How Much a Flatbed Tow Truck May Cost

Flatbed tow can cost you more than standard tow. If there is an accident, then the towing of your vehicle will generally cost more. Furthermore, the cost of getting your car towed and impounded may be even higher.

If you directly check a company's official website for pricing, you might get a clearer picture about towing near you. However, these rates are relatively standard. In case of flatbed towing, the prices often start at $50 and can quickly get as high as $100.

A few main factors that cause this variation in towing cost are listed below.

  • Distance that a tow truck must cover.
  • The size of your vehicle.
  • The difficulty level of hoisting your car on the tow truck.
  • Time of the day.
  • Requirement of additional roadside assistance.

Here are a few estimates if you are still confused about how much does a tow truck cost.

  • General Tow Truck: $75 – $125
  • Flatbed To Truck: $95 + $3.50 per mile
  • Motorcycle Towing:$75 + $1 per mile (over 10 miles)
  • Large or Heavy-duty Vehicle Towing: $10 – $35 additional cost (or 20%–25% more)
  • Mileage Rate: $2 – $4 per additional mile
  • Costs after Hours: $5 – $150 additional cost

There are several causes why you might require a tow service. And it is essential to remain calm and get to safety as soon as possible. Whether it is a popped tire, brake issues, dead battery or engine problems, it is advisable to call some backup and not worry excessively about the towing costs. The great news is that most insurance firms cover the charges within a particular range if you just had a car accident and require roadside assistance.