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Pricing Guide

Cost to Tow a Car In 2026

Average towing rates, fees per mile, and what to know before you pay.

Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Guides Team Updated March 16, 2026

AAA responds to roughly 33 million roadside assistance calls every year, and towing tops the list of services requested. So how much does it cost to get your car towed? Most local tows run $75–$250 depending on distance, with companies typically charging a base hookup fee of $35–$100 plus $2.50–$7 per mile after that. The total depends on where you are, what you drive, and when you call.

Below, we break down average towing costs by distance, the factors that drive pricing up or down, and whether your insurance might cover the bill. And if you're facing a move of 500 miles or more, we'll explain why auto transport with Sherpa is often a smarter — and cheaper — alternative to a long-distance tow.

Key Takeaways

What You Need to Know

  • Cost range: Most local tows (under 20 miles) run $75–$250, while long-distance tows (100+ miles) can reach $600 or more.
  • Pricing structure: Expect a base hookup fee ($35–$100) plus a per-mile charge ($2.50–$7 per mile).
  • Insurance coverage: Many auto policies and AAA memberships cover short-distance tows (5–15 miles) at no extra cost.
  • Long-distance alternative: For moves over 500 miles, shipping your car on a carrier is typically more cost-effective than towing.

Average Car Towing Costs

Most towing companies charge a base hookup fee ($35–$100) plus a per-mile rate ($2.50–$7). Here's what to expect by distance, according to data from AAA and Forbes Advisor.

DistanceAverage Cost
5 miles or less$75–$125
10–20 miles$100–$250
100+ miles$250–$600+
5 Miles or Less
$75–$125
Short local tow or parking lot recovery
10–20 Miles
$100–$250
Typical city-to-shop or roadside tow
100+ Miles
$250–$600+
Interstate or cross-county tow

Keep in mind: Long-distance tows exceeding 500 miles can cost $1,500–$3,000 or more depending on the vehicle — at which point auto transport becomes the more cost-effective option.

Factors That Impact Towing Costs

Towing cost factors including vehicle type and distance
Several variables determine what you'll actually pay for a tow.

Type of Car

Heavier vehicles cost more to tow. SUVs, trucks, and electric vehicles all increase the price due to additional weight and equipment requirements. EVs are especially notable — most models can't be towed with wheels on the ground without risking drivetrain damage, so flatbed service is mandatory. Expect a 20–30% premium for towing an EV compared to a standard sedan.

Type of Tow

The tow method matters. A wheel-lift tow (the most common) typically starts at $50–$150, while a flatbed tow runs $75–$200+ for the base fee. Flatbed is the safest option for luxury, modified, and electric vehicles since all four wheels stay off the ground. Dolly towing is the cheapest option but isn't available for all-wheel-drive cars.

Distance Traveled

The per-mile rate ($2.50–$7) is the single biggest cost variable. A 5-mile tow might cost $100, while a 100-mile tow can easily exceed $500. This is why long-distance towing costs escalate so dramatically — and why alternatives like auto transport start making more financial sense beyond 500 miles.

Time of Day

Need a tow at 2 a.m. on a holiday? Expect to pay for it. After-hours, weekend, and holiday calls typically carry surcharges of 20–50% over standard daytime rates. A scheduled tow during business hours will almost always cost less than an emergency roadside call.

Does Insurance Cover Towing?

Standard auto insurance typically does not include towing coverage by default. However, a roadside assistance add-on — usually $5–$30 per year through your insurer — will cover tows of 5–15 miles at no additional cost. AAA membership offers more generous mileage: Classic covers 5 miles, Plus covers 100 miles, and Premier covers up to 200 miles per tow.

Some credit cards also include roadside assistance benefits worth checking. Our advice: review your policy and any memberships now, not when you're stranded on the shoulder of the highway.

Insurance card and car — does insurance cover towing costs
Check your coverage before you need it — not on the side of the road.

Long-Distance Towing: When Auto Transport Makes More Sense

Here's where the math gets hard to ignore. A traditional tow of 500+ miles typically costs $1,500–$3,000 — and unless you're using a flatbed (which costs even more), the tow itself puts wear on your vehicle's drivetrain. Auto transport ships your car on a carrier with all four wheels off the ground, usually for less than the cost of a long-distance tow.

Sherpa Auto Transport makes that process simple. Their Price Lock Promise guarantees the price you're quoted is the price you pay — no surprise fees, no last-minute increases. With a 4.9-star rating across 9,400+ reviews and over 100,000 vehicles shipped, Sherpa is the standard for reliable, door-to-door vehicle shipping.

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Car Towing Cost FAQ

Is there a hookup fee for towing services?

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Yes. Most towing companies charge a base hookup fee of $35–$100 before per-mile rates kick in. This covers the driver's time, equipment deployment, and initial vehicle loading. The hookup fee varies by provider and location, so always ask about it upfront when requesting a quote.

Does insurance cover towing costs?

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Standard auto insurance policies usually don't include towing. However, roadside assistance add-ons — typically $5–$30 per year through your insurer — cover short-distance tows of 5–15 miles. AAA memberships and some credit cards offer similar benefits. Review your coverage now so you know exactly what's included before you need it.

Is towing an electric vehicle more expensive?

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Generally, yes. Most electric vehicles require flatbed towing because traditional wheel-lift or dolly methods can damage the EV's drivetrain and regenerative braking system. Flatbed service costs more by default, and the added weight of EV battery packs increases the price further. Expect to pay 20–30% more than you would to tow a comparable gas-powered vehicle.

Are towing prices regulated?

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Towing prices are not federally regulated in the United States. Rates vary widely by state, municipality, and company. Some states do cap fees for non-consent tows — such as vehicles towed from accident scenes or private property — but consensual, customer-requested tows are priced on the open market. Always get a written quote before authorizing any tow service.

Sources used in this article

AAA — Roadside Assistance Data (2023–2024)
Forbes Advisor — Average Towing Costs (2025)
ConsumerAffairs — Towing Cost Guide (2025)
NHTSA — Vehicle Safety Data
NerdWallet — Roadside Assistance Coverage Guide (2025)
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