How much should towing or roadside help cost?
Answer a few questions to see a fair price range and what most people pay. Use it to check a quote before you book.
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Gear for doing towing and roadside work yourself
Handy with tools? These picks make the job easier. Not sure DIY is worth it? Our cost guides cover when to do it yourself and when to call a pro.
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What affects the price of towing and roadside work
- Distance. Most tows are a hookup fee plus a charge per mile.
- Timing. Nights, weekends and holidays often cost more.
- Vehicle. Big trucks, all-wheel-drive cars that need a flatbed, and lowered cars can cost more.
- Situation. Cars in a ditch, a tight parking garage or off the road need winching and extra time.
- Roadside plans. Car insurance, new-car warranties and auto clubs often cover jump starts, lockouts and short tows.
The low end of the range is a newer tow operator at about $60 an hour. The high end is an experienced pro at about $100 an hour who travels to you. Many tow operators have a minimum charge of around $60. Prices are higher in big cities.
Common questions
Should I check my roadside coverage first?
Yes. Many car insurance policies, auto clubs, new-car warranties and some credit cards include towing and roadside help. A quick call can save you the whole bill.
Does my car need a flatbed?
All-wheel-drive cars, many electric cars and low sports cars are usually best moved on a flatbed. Tell the dispatcher your make and model so they send the right truck.
Towing and Roadside Help cost guides
How much should I charge for towing and roadside work?
Enter what your time is worth and your costs. You get a price list you can paste into a flyer, Facebook post or booking page.
Your price list
| Job | Time | Price |
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Get customers from RuffQuote. Homeowners use this site to check towing and roadside work prices. Get listed and show up next to their results.
Get listed freePro tools for towing and roadside work
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How the prices are worked out
Each price is your hourly rate times the typical time for that job, plus supplies and driving, plus your overhead and profit, rounded up to the nearest $5. Small jobs use a $60 minimum. If you work faster or slower than the times shown, adjust your hourly rate.
Before you post prices, check two or three local tow operators on Google or Facebook. If you're well below them, you can probably charge more.