A car tow costs $35 to $600 in 2026
A car tow costs $35 to $600 in 2026, and the average is near $109. The Zebra lists $109 as the national average and $4.75 per mile. ThePricer lists $95 for a standard local tow. Distance is the biggest factor. The Zebra lists $35 to $125 for under 5 miles and $275 to $600 for up to 100 miles. Hook-up, after hours, and winch fees can add more.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| The Zebra | The Zebra lists a national average of $109, $4.75 per mile, and $275 to $600 for up to 100 miles. |
| ThePricer | ThePricer lists a $75 minimum, $2 to $4 per extra mile, and $95 for a standard local tow. |
| AmeriFreight | AmeriFreight lists a $35 to $150 hook-up fee, $100 to $200 or more for a flatbed, and $25 to $75 after hours. |
Car tow price by distance and fee
| Distance or fee | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 miles | $35 to $125 | The Zebra |
| Up to 40 miles | $125 to $275 | The Zebra |
| Up to 100 miles | $275 to $600 | The Zebra |
| National average tow | $109 | The Zebra |
| Standard local tow, average | $95 | ThePricer |
| Hook-up fee | $35 to $150 | AmeriFreight |
| Flatbed tow | $100 to $200 or more | AmeriFreight |
| After hours charge | $25 to $75 | AmeriFreight |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Distance | Longer tows cost more. The Zebra lists $35 to $125 under 5 miles, $125 to $275 up to 40 miles, and $275 to $600 up to 100 miles. |
| Per mile rate | Most firms bill by the mile past a base. The Zebra lists an average of $4.75 per mile, from $2.50 to $7. |
| Hook-up fee | A base charge starts the bill. AmeriFreight lists $35 to $150, and ThePricer lists a minimum of $75. |
| Time of day | Night and weekend calls cost more. AmeriFreight lists an after hours charge of $25 to $75, and ThePricer says it can reach about $150. |
| Truck type and winching | A flatbed costs more than a standard truck. AmeriFreight lists $100 to $200 or more for a flatbed and $50 to $200 or more for winching. |
What the price includes
A tow price usually covers the hook-up, the truck, and the miles in the base. Extra miles are billed per mile. Winching, after hours calls, and storage are often extra. AmeriFreight lists storage at $20 to $50 per day. Ask for the total before the truck leaves. Ask if the price covers the whole trip. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Tows come from local towing firms, roadside clubs, and your insurance company. Local firms bill a hook-up fee and a rate per mile. AmeriFreight lists hook-up at $35 to $150, and ThePricer lists a minimum of $75. Roadside plans bill a yearly or monthly fee instead. The Zebra lists $60 to $351 a year for plans like AAA. Some plans have a cap on miles or dollars. Ask your plan what it covers before the day you need a tow, and keep its phone number in your car.
When you need this
You need a tow when your car cannot be driven safely. Common reasons are a crash, a dead battery that will not jump, a flat tire with no spare, or an engine that will not start. If you are on a busy road, move to a safe spot first. Call your roadside plan before you call a random firm.
How to judge your quote
- What is the hook-up fee, and how many miles does it include?
- What is the rate for each extra mile?
- Is there an after hours, winch, or storage fee?
- Is the truck a flatbed, and does your car need one?
- Compare the total with the range above: $35 to $600 per tow for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Check your roadside plan first. The Zebra lists insurance plans at $14 to $74 a year, and some plans cover a tow.
- Ask for the total price before you agree. Include the hook-up fee, the miles, and any extra fees.
- Tow to a nearby shop if you can. The Zebra lists $35 to $125 for under 5 miles, far below a long tow.
- Call in daytime when you can. AmeriFreight lists an after hours charge of $25 to $75.
- Pick up a stored car quickly. AmeriFreight lists storage at $20 to $50 per day, so waiting adds cost.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from The Zebra, ThePricer and AmeriFreight. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to tow a car?
The Zebra lists a national average of $109. ThePricer lists $95 for a standard local tow.
How much is towing per mile?
The Zebra lists an average of $4.75 per mile, from $2.50 to $7. ThePricer lists $2 to $4 per extra mile.
How much does a long distance tow cost?
The Zebra lists $275 to $600 for up to 100 miles. ThePricer lists $325 to $450 for 100 miles.
Does a flatbed cost more?
Yes. AmeriFreight lists $100 to $200 or more for a flatbed and $75 to $125 for a standard tow.
What does roadside help cost?
The Zebra lists insurance programs at $14 to $74 a year. It lists AAA style plans at $5 to $10 a month, or $60 to $351 a year.