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Towing Estimate Calculator

Estimate towing costs based on distance, vehicle type, and services needed. Compare prices with AAA membership to find the best option.

Towing Details

miles

ℹī¸ Flatbed recommended for: AWD/4WD, sports cars, EVs, damaged vehicles

💰 Estimated Towing Cost

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Enter details to calculate

📊 Quick Reference (Car, Daytime)

10 miles$85 - $150
25 miles$138 - $225
50 miles$175 - $350
100 miles$300 - $600

How Towing Costs Are Calculated

Towing companies typically charge using a two-part pricing structure: a base fee (also called hook-up fee) plus a per-mile rate. The base fee covers the cost of dispatching the truck and loading your vehicle, while the per-mile rate covers the actual transport.

Total Cost = Base Fee + (Distance × Per-Mile Rate) + Surcharges

Base Fee

$50 - $150

Hook-up & first few miles

Per Mile

$2.50 - $7.00

Varies by vehicle type

After Hours

+20% to 50%

Nights, weekends, holidays

Average Towing Costs by Distance & Vehicle Type

Distance🚗 Car🚙 SUV/Truck🚐 RV
10 miles$85-$150$105-$185$140-$270
25 miles$138-$225$175-$275$250-$375
50 miles$175-$350$225-$425$350-$550
100 miles$300-$600$375-$725$550-$900
200 miles$550-$1,100$675-$1,325$1,000-$1,600

* Daytime rates. Add 20-50% for after-hours, weekends, or holidays.

đŸŽĢ AAA Membership Tiers

Classic - $56/year

5 free miles per tow

$4/mile after limit

Plus - $100/year ⭐

100 free miles per tow

Most popular choice

Premier - $124/year

200 free miles (1x/year)

+ car rental benefit

💡 Tips to Save on Towing

  • ✓Check if your car insurance includes roadside assistance
  • ✓AAA Plus pays for itself with just one 40+ mile tow
  • ✓Get quotes from multiple companies before agreeing
  • ✓Ask if first few miles are included in base fee
  • ✓Avoid after-hours service if not urgent
  • ✓Request tow to nearest repair shop, not farthest

Frequently Asked Questions

A 30-mile tow typically costs $130-$220 for a standard car. This includes a base hook-up fee of $75-$125 plus mileage charges of $2.50-$4.00 per mile. SUVs and trucks cost about $150-$280, while RVs can cost $250-$410. After-hours service adds 20-50% to these estimates.

Tow bills are calculated using this formula: Total = Base Fee + (Distance × Per-Mile Rate) + Surcharges. The base fee ($50-$150) covers hook-up. Per-mile rates ($2.50-$7.00) depend on vehicle type. Add surcharges for after-hours service (+25%), flatbed towing (+$25-50), or special services like winching (+$50-150).

AAA charges $4-$7 per mile AFTER you exceed your membership's free mileage limit. Classic members get 5 free miles, Plus members get 100 free miles, and Premier members get 200 free miles. Within those limits, towing is completely free. For most local tows under 100 miles, AAA Plus ($100/year) provides free service.

AAA is usually cheaper if you need even ONE tow per year. A single 40-mile tow costs $175-$260 without coverage. AAA Plus costs $100/year and covers unlimited tows up to 100 miles each. AAA pays for itself with just one tow. Plus, you get other benefits like battery service, lockout help, and discounts.

You need flatbed towing for: AWD/4WD vehicles (wheel-lift can damage drivetrain), low-clearance sports cars, electric/hybrid vehicles, luxury cars, vehicles with significant damage, and long-distance tows over 50 miles. Flatbed costs $25-$50 more but protects your vehicle better.