How much does towing usually cost for a short local tow?

A short local tow often starts around $90 to $150 before mileage, with higher pricing in dense cities. Once you add 5 to 10 miles, after-hours surcharges, or storage, a realistic total can move into the $150 to $300 range quickly.

Is flatbed towing more expensive than a dolly tow?

Yes. Flatbed towing usually costs more because the equipment, loading time, and truck operating costs are higher. It is often the safer or required option for electric vehicles, all-wheel-drive cars, luxury vehicles, and vehicles with wheel or suspension damage.

Do tow truck companies charge more at night or on weekends?

Most operators add an after-hours surcharge for evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday calls. That fee can add roughly $45 to $100 or more depending on the market and urgency of the tow.

How much do towing storage fees cost?

Storage fees commonly run about $25 to $65 per day, and many yards also charge a release or admin fee when you pick the vehicle up. If your car sits for multiple days, storage can become one of the biggest parts of the total bill.

Why does towing an SUV, pickup, or EV cost more?

Heavier vehicles increase the tow operator's time, fuel use, and equipment load. EVs, AWD vehicles, vans, and low-clearance cars also more often require flatbed towing, which increases the estimate compared with a basic wheel-lift tow.

Free Towing Cost Calculator

A towing cost calculator estimates what a tow truck may charge based on distance, vehicle size, tow method, timing, and storage fees. Use this free tow truck cost estimator to budget for common towing situations before you call.

This tool models typical car towing cost ranges for flatbed and dolly tows, including after-hours surcharges and storage, so you can answer the question "how much does towing cost?" with a realistic estimate.

Estimate your tow truck price

Enter the towing details below to compare the base hook-up fee, mileage charges, after-hours premiums, and storage costs.

Tow location

Distance towed

miles

Storage days

days

Vehicle type

Time of day

Tow method

Your estimate updates instantly as you change the towing details. Use it as budgeting guidance rather than a formal quote from a tow operator.

Estimated towing total

National average12 milesFlatbed tow

$182.60

estimated total

Typical range: $160.69 to $204.51. Real quotes vary by exact pickup location, vehicle condition, dispatch demand, and local towing regulations.

Hook-up fee

$125.00

Mileage charges

$57.60

$4.80 per mile

After-hours surcharge

$0.00

Storage + release

$0.00

No storage selected

Budget notes

Waiting until business hours could save about $0.

Every extra storage day in National average adds about $35.00 before taxes or admin fees.

Wheel-lift / dolly tow would be about $34.20 less for this same scenario.

Recommendation

Either tow method can work

Baseline pricing for a standard passenger car.

Typical towing prices by market

Market	Hook-up	Per mile	After-hours	Storage / day
National average	$95	$4.25	$60	$35
New York City metro	$145	$6.50	$95	$65
Los Angeles metro	$130	$5.90	$85	$55
Chicago metro	$118	$5.25	$75	$48
Dallas-Fort Worth	$105	$4.70	$65	$38
Atlanta metro	$108	$4.85	$68	$40
Phoenix metro	$98	$4.35	$58	$34
Small city / rural area	$82	$3.60	$45	$28

Tow truck prices vary by provider, vehicle condition, local rules, and whether the tow is private, roadside, or impound-related.

Avoid emergency curb problems before they become expensive

My Curb Spot helps food truck operators book better event spots and manage day-to-day curb access so tickets, relocations, and tows are less likely to disrupt service.

Get Started Free Learn more about My Curb Spot