How Much Does a Flatbed Tow Cost in 2025?

In most of the United States, a standard light‑duty flatbed tow typically costs $95–$150 for the hookup plus $3–$7 per mile, putting a 10‑mile tow around $150–$225 and a 50‑mile tow around $275–$475; in high‑cost metros or after‑hours, expect $150–$250 to hook up and $5–$10 per mile. Prices vary by region, time of day, vehicle weight, and situation (accident, winching, or private-property tow), and roadside assistance coverage can significantly reduce or eliminate out‑of‑pocket costs.

What Determines the Price of a Flatbed Tow

The final bill for a flatbed tow is driven by several practical factors beyond just distance. Understanding the main cost drivers helps explain why quotes can vary widely between providers and cities.

• Region and market: Dense, high-cost metros (e.g., New York, San Francisco) charge more than rural areas due to labor, insurance, and traffic time.
• Time of day and urgency: Nights, weekends, holidays, and rush-hour calls often carry surcharges or higher minimums.
• Distance and routing: Per‑mile rates usually drop for longer trips, but tolls and detours add to the bill.
• Vehicle weight/class: Light-duty cars/SUVs cost less than medium-duty vans/box trucks; heavy-duty or oversize loads are priced higher and may require different equipment.
• Condition and access: Winching, locked wheels, no‑key situations, off‑pavement recovery, low garage clearance, or accident scenes add time and fees.
• Billing model: Some carriers bill “loaded miles” only; others bill portal‑to‑portal (from and back to their yard). Clarify before dispatch.
• Coverage: Roadside assistance (insurance add‑on, AAA-type membership, OEM warranties) can cover or cap costs.

Taken together, these variables explain why two tows of the same distance can be priced quite differently depending on when, where, and how the recovery is performed.

Typical Line-Item Charges You Might See

Tow invoices are often itemized so you can see the base cost and any add-ons tied to time, equipment, or special handling. Here’s what commonly appears on bills as of 2025.

• Hookup/base fee (light-duty flatbed): $95–$150 standard; $150–$250 in high-cost metros or after-hours.
• Per‑mile rate (light-duty flatbed): $3–$7/mile typical; $5–$10/mile in high-cost/after-hours scenarios; longer runs may see a lower per‑mile rate.
• Medium-duty flatbed (e.g., large vans/box trucks): $150–$250 hookup; $5–$9/mile.
• Heavy-duty or specialized transport: $300–$600+ hookup; $10–$20+/mile depending on size, permits, and equipment.
• Winching/recovery (ditch, snow, mud, tight spaces): $50–$150+ depending on complexity/time.
• Dollies/go‑jacks/extra equipment: $25–$75+ per use.
• Labor/wait time on scene: Often $60–$120 per hour (or $1–$2/minute) after a grace period.
• After‑hours/holiday surcharge: Commonly 10–25% or a flat $25–$95.
• Storage (if towed to a yard): $25–$75 per day; higher in major metros.
• Gate fee/after‑hours release: $50–$100 when retrieving a vehicle from storage outside normal hours.
• Fuel surcharge/tolls: Pass‑through charges; fuel surcharges may be a small percent or flat fee.

Always ask for an all‑in quote before dispatch—confirm what the base fee includes, how miles are counted, any surcharges, and whether additional time/equipment is likely.

Example Price Scenarios

The following scenarios illustrate how common factors affect total cost. Actual prices vary by provider and location, but these examples reflect 2025 market norms for light‑duty flatbed service.

1. City, daytime, 5 miles, easy pickup: $110 hookup + 5 × $5/mile = $135 total (no extras).
2. Suburban, daytime, 25 miles, minor winch: $125 hookup + 25 × $4.50 = $237.50 + $75 winch = about $312.50.
3. Intercity, 75 miles, off‑peak: $135 hookup + 75 × $4 = $435 total (longer distance lowers per‑mile rate).
4. After‑hours, accident scene, 15 miles, storage overnight: $160 hookup + 15 × $6 = $250 + $95 incident/after‑hours surcharge + $60 storage = about $405.

These examples show how time of day, distance, and recovery needs can swing the final bill from under $150 to $400+ even for passenger vehicles.

Coverage That Can Reduce or Eliminate Your Cost

Many drivers avoid large tow bills by using roadside assistance. The fine print matters: limits, miles included, and destination rules vary by provider.

• Auto insurance roadside add‑on: Often $10–$25/year; may cover a set mileage (e.g., 10–20 miles) or tow to the nearest qualified shop.
• Membership programs (e.g., AAA-type): Tiered plans typically include several service calls per year; base tiers may include a short tow (e.g., 3–7 miles), mid tiers up to ~100 miles, and premium tiers one long tow (e.g., ~200 miles). Annual dues vary by region (roughly $60–$180+).
• OEM/warranty roadside: New vehicles and many EVs include 3–5 years of coverage with flatbed transport when required; limits vary.
• Credit card benefits: Some cards offer pay‑per‑use dispatch at preset rates or limited roadside benefits; terms vary widely and change often—check your card’s guide to benefits before you need it.

If you have any of these, call the program first; they’ll dispatch a contracted carrier and handle billing within your plan’s limits.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

Clear information reduces surprises and helps dispatch the right truck quickly. Have the following details ready when you call.

• Exact pickup and drop‑off addresses (including any gate/garage instructions).
• Year/make/model, drive type (AWD/4WD/RWD), and any modifications (lowered, oversized tires).
• Vehicle condition: rolls/steers/brakes, key availability, tire status, curb/ditch/off‑road position.
• Clearance constraints: low garage ceilings, narrow alleys, tight turns.
• Situation context: accident scene, police release needed, private property/impound.
• Timing: immediate vs scheduled, and your preferred delivery destination.
• Billing: request an all‑in price with base fee, mileage count method, surcharges, and any storage or gate fees.

Getting a written or texted quote with these specifics helps ensure the final invoice matches expectations.

Consumer Rights and Practical Tips

Towing is regulated at the state and local level, and your rights differ between “consent” tows (you request service) and “non‑consent” tows (accident/impound/private property). These pointers can help protect your wallet.

• Know the tow type: Consent tows are generally negotiable; non‑consent tows may be subject to posted rate caps and specific release rules.
• Ask for an itemized invoice: It should list base fee, miles, equipment, time, storage, and any surcharges.
• Confirm storage deadlines: Daily fees add up quickly; retrieve the vehicle or move it to your shop promptly.
• Document condition: Photos at pickup and drop‑off help with any damage disputes.
• Payment and proof: Pay by card if possible and keep receipts; some jurisdictions require tow operators to accept cards.
• Check local caps: Many cities/states cap private-property or non‑consent tow fees—contact local consumer affairs or transportation regulators if you suspect overcharging.

A few quick checks up front—especially on storage rates and what’s included—can prevent hundreds in unexpected charges.

Bottom Line

Expect a typical light‑duty flatbed tow to run $95–$150 for hookup plus $3–$7 per mile in most areas, with higher pricing after hours or in expensive metros. Provide detailed information to get an all‑in quote, and tap roadside assistance from your insurer, automaker, or membership program to minimize out‑of‑pocket costs. If the tow isn’t by your choice, ask for an itemized bill and review your local regulations on fees and storage.

Does AAA do flatbed towing?

Tow truck assistance
If you need a tow, primary AAA members get 4 service calls each membership year anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Depending on your vehicle, a flatbed or wheel-lift/hook-and-chain truck will safely tow it to your chosen location. If you are alone, you can usually ride in the cab of the tow truck.

How much do towing companies charge per day?

The towing company charge per day is the storage fee at an impound lot, which can range from $30 to $80 per day. Depending on where your car is impounded, you can get charged a quarter of the daily rate for the first four hours of your vehicle getting impounded.

How much is flat bed towing?

Comparative Analysis

Provider	Price Range
Grimm’s Automovation Towing	$75 – $100
Heavy Duty Towing	$90 – $120
123 Towing	$80 – $110

Apr 11, 2024

How do you calculate towing cost?

How do you calculate towing rate? Towing rates are calculated using a base fee plus a per-mile charge. Most companies charge $50-125 for the first 5-10 miles, then $2-4 per additional mile. Vehicle type, service level, and extras like winching or after-hours service add to the base cost.