Towing Cost Calculator
The Towing Cost Calculator estimates what a tow will cost by adding a base hookup rate for the tow type ($75 wheel-lift, $95 flatbed, $300 heavy-duty) to a per-mile charge of $2.50–$5.00, then applying vehicle, time-of-day and location multipliers. It returns a price range 15% either side of the estimate, with an itemized breakdown.
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How this tool works
Enter five inputs: distance in miles (up to 1,000), vehicle type, tow type, time of service and location type. The calculator starts with a base rate for the tow type — $75 for a standard wheel-lift truck, $95 for a flatbed, $75 for a motorcycle carrier and $300 for heavy-duty — and adds a per-mile charge of $2.50, $3.50, $3.00 or $5.00 respectively.
That subtotal is multiplied by three factors. Vehicle: sedan ×1.0, SUV ×1.1, pickup ×1.15, motorcycle ×0.9, RV ×1.5, commercial ×2.0. Time: daytime ×1.0, evening ×1.2, night/weekend ×1.3, holiday ×1.5. Location: highway ×1.0, urban ×1.1, rural ×1.2, off-road ×1.5. The result is shown as a mid-range estimate with a low figure 15% below it and a high figure 15% above it.
Limitations: the rates are fixed planning inputs set by TowingServiceHub, not quotes from a specific company. Storage, winching, impound release fees and locally regulated rates are not included, so confirm the price with the tow operator before your vehicle is hooked up.
Towing cost estimates by distance and vehicle
| Distance | Sedan · wheel-lift | SUV · wheel-lift | Pickup · wheel-lift | Sedan · flatbed | Motorcycle · carrier | RV · heavy-duty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mi | $74–$101 | $82–$111 | $86–$116 | $96–$129 | $69–$93 | $414–$561 |
| 10 mi | $85–$115 | $94–$127 | $98–$132 | $111–$150 | $80–$109 | $446–$604 |
| 25 mi | $117–$158 | $129–$174 | $134–$182 | $155–$210 | $115–$155 | $542–$733 |
| 50 mi | $170–$230 | $187–$253 | $195–$264 | $230–$311 | $172–$233 | $701–$949 |
| 100 mi | $276–$374 | $304–$411 | $318–$430 | $378–$512 | $287–$388 | $1,020–$1,380 |
Ranges are the calculator's mid-range estimate ±15%. Evening (×1.2), night/weekend (×1.3), holiday (×1.5), urban (×1.1), rural (×1.2) and off-road (×1.5) service raise these figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 10-mile tow cost?
For a sedan on a standard wheel-lift truck, in daytime on a highway, the calculator estimates $85–$115 for a 10-mile tow, with a mid-range figure of $100: the $75 base rate plus 10 miles at $2.50. Flatbed, evening, rural or holiday service raises the estimate.
Is flatbed towing more expensive than wheel-lift towing?
Yes. The calculator uses a $95 base rate and $3.50 per mile for flatbed towing, versus $75 and $2.50 for a wheel-lift truck. For a 25-mile daytime highway tow of a sedan, that works out to $155–$210 by flatbed compared with $117–$158 by wheel-lift.
Does towing cost more at night or on holidays?
Yes. The calculator multiplies the price by 1.2 for evening service, 1.3 for nights and weekends, and 1.5 on holidays. A 10-mile sedan tow with a $100 daytime mid-range estimate becomes $130 at night or on a weekend and $150 on a holiday.
How much does it cost to tow a car 100 miles?
A 100-mile daytime highway tow of a sedan estimates at $276–$374 by wheel-lift and $378–$512 by flatbed. Mileage makes up most of that cost, so check whether a roadside assistance plan covers part of the distance before you call.
Why is my actual towing quote different from the estimate?
The calculator applies fixed average rates and multipliers. Real quotes vary with local competition, city- or state-regulated rates for non-consensual tows, winching or recovery work, storage fees and access problems such as ditches or parking garages. Treat the result as a planning range and confirm with the operator.
Related guides
- How Much Does Towing Cost? The Complete 2026 Breakdown
- Tow Truck Cost Per Mile: Complete Rate Breakdown
- Towing Fees Explained: Hookup, Per-Mile, Storage & Hidden Charges
