Stranded with a car that won’t budge? Don’t panic! While calling a tow truck can be stressful, understanding the average costs and key factors that influence them can alleviate some of the worry. Whether you’re dealing with a flat tire, an empty battery, or an accident, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the towing process with confidence. We’ll break down typical prices, explore additional costs to consider, and even delve into heavy-duty towing for larger vehicles. So, before you reach for your phone, let’s demystify the world of towing costs and ensure you get the best service for your buck.
Key Highlights
- Towing costs vary depending on factors like distance, vehicle type, and time of day. Expect $50-$75 for hook-up and $3-$5 per mile for standard towing.
- Additional fees can apply for night-time/weekend tows, heavy-duty vehicles, flatbed trucks, accident situations, and difficult locations.
- For long distance towing, consider the total distance, vehicle size, and terrain. Expect $1,290 for a 1,845-mile tow for a small sedan.
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How Much Does It Cost To Tow A Car?
No matter how well-prepared you are, problems might happen from time to time, leaving you with no choice but to reach out to reputable towing service providers. It’s important to keep in mind that every towing operation is different. As a result, the price will also differ. Towing may be covered if you are lucky enough to have auto insurance that includes roadside assistance.
Use our shipping cost estimator to find out how much will it cost to tow a car or vehicle.
What Are Average Towing Prices?
The exact cost will depend on several factors including region of the country, state, and distance. Not all tow trucks cross state lines as additional permits may be required. Tow trucking operations usually charge $50-$75 for loading, plus $3-$5 per mile thereafter. Of course, this reflects direct tow trucks and not our pricing. If you’re quoted more than $7 per mile, we recommend getting another from a reputable car transport company, like AutoStar Transport Express.
If you’ve been in an accident if your car is stuck in mud or snow, or if you drive a heavy vehicle, your cost can be greater.
Additional Towing Cost
There are additional ways that using a towing service can increase the cost of your bill. These consist of:
- If you need towing outside of normal working hours, such as at night, on the weekend, or a holiday, you may pay more.
- The cost of towing larger, heavier, or oversized cars can increase by up to 25%.
- Your premium may be greater if you’ve been in an accident and your vehicle needs to be towed by a flatbed truck because it’s broken.
- You should prepare to pay more if a tow service dispatches a tow truck during adverse weather, such as flooding or snowfall.
- If your automobile needs to be unlocked before it can be started, you might have to pay up to $250 extra.
- You will pay more if the truck has gone further to reach you or if the terrain is unsafe because you are in a difficult-to-reach location, such as on a mountain road.
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What Is the Cost per Mile for Heavy-Duty Towing?
The cost varies from state to state and is also based on the service you require. Because it requires a larger tow truck, stronger equipment, a specific license, and more gasoline, a heavy-duty towing price, for example, would be greater than your standard towing fee. Still, some features are universal.
Normally, a 5 or 10-mile towing is the most common service. This is thought to have a short range. And in 2022, towing companies in the U.S. will charge anything from $50 to 125 for this service.
If you require anything longer-distance than that, be ready to pay around $75 for a hook-up and an additional $3–$5 per mile of towing to your destination. We provide heavy-duty towing services all across the country.
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How Much to Tow a Car a Long Distance?
When estimating long distance towing, many factors must be taken into consideration. These include the total distance, the type, and size of the vehicle, as well as the time of year and type of terrain encountered. Our long-distance towing rates are cost-effective relative to traditional local towing services.
| From | To | Distance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, NY | Austin, TX | 1,845 miles | $1,195 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | Washington DC | 1,036 miles | $595 |
| Los Angeles, CA | Tulsa, OK | 1,432 miles | $895 |
| Miami, FL | New York City, NY | 1,280 miles | $995 |
| New York, NY | San Francisco, CA | 2,906 miles | $1,195 |
| Rome, GA | San Antonio, TX | 980 miles | $795 |
| Sacramento, CA | Seattle, WA | 753 miles | $695 |
| San Diego, CA | Dallas, TX | 1,358 miles | $795 |
Estimated prices are based on small sedans. They are subject to change according to season, market fluctuations, and transport type.
For more information about average tow costs, please visit our car shipping cost page. Use our towing estimate calculator to find out the car towing cost for your vehicle. You can chat online or call 888-802-8250
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Cost Determining Elements for Towing
The type of vehicle, whether you can be towed by a standard wheel lift or need a flatbed tow truck, the time of day your pull takes place, the distance traveled, and whether or not you’ve been in an accident are all factors that affect how much towing a car costs.
- Type of Vehicle: The cost of your tow will be strongly affected by the kind of vehicle you drive. Heavier models like trucks and SUVs typically need a flatbed truck that offers high protection due to the load that ordinary wheel lift tow trucks can put on a car.
- Type Tow: Have you been in an accident or does your vehicle have no gas? Depending on the level of the damage, accidents may need glass cleanup on the road, an unusual hookup, and other special circumstances. Storage costs will also start to rise if the car is declared a total loss. However, it is usually a much easier process if you require a tow due to a breakdown or a dead battery.
- Distance: Distance also affects price since wheel lift tow trucks shouldn’t be used for long-distance driving because extra gas is needed to cover the extra mileage. To safeguard the structure of your car, it can be wise to use a flatbed for towing up to 100 miles.
- Date and Time: A tow necessary during working hours is typically less expensive than a tow required in the middle of the night, keeping basic supply and demand factors in mind. Your overall costs will probably increase if you break down at three in the morning when fewer tow truck drivers are available.
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Conclusion
While unexpected car troubles can be frustrating, understanding towing costs and preparing beforehand can minimize stress and help you make informed decisions. Remember, the best way to avoid high towing fees is to prioritize regular car maintenance and preventative measures. However, if you find yourself needing a tow, be sure to get quotes from reputable companies, inquire about additional fees, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. By empowering yourself with knowledge, you can approach towing situations with confidence and get back on the road as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. For a personalized quote and reliable towing service, contact AutoStar Transport Express today!
AutoStar Transport Express: The Best Auto Towing Company
To transport your car to its desired location, each towing operation will present its own set of difficulties that call for the latest collection of tools and techniques. As a result, it can be difficult to provide an exact estimate without first examining the current condition.
AutoStar Transport Express is committed to providing its customers with the best car transport services & fast car shipping, as well as safe pickup and delivery of your car with reasonable rates. Whatever your towing needs are, we are here to serve you as easily as possible. Get a car towing service quote or give us a call at 888-802-8250.
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Towing Prices: FAQ
How much does it cost to tow a camper, RV, or semi-truck?
A camper, RV, or semi typically costs $4 to $7 each mile to tow. An 80-mile RV tow, for instance, will cost between $450 and $600.
How can I request a flatbed tow truck right now?
Calling our customer service at 888-802-8250 and providing some information about your car and where you are will enable you to get in touch with us the quickest. The closest tow truck driver will be instantly connected with and dispatched to your location by our dispatchers.
Why do I need to use a flatbed tow truck?
The most trustworthy, secure, and practical way to carry any car is on a flatbed. Your vehicles are protected from damage and wear and tear thanks to it. It works well to pull a luxury car over long distances.
How much does it cost to get a car out of a tow yard?
You will have to pay a fine to get your car back if it was towed because you were parking illegally or for a similar reason. $50 to several thousand dollars are possible as a range. Your starting point, the reason you were towed, and how long your car was left on the property will all factor towards the final price.
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