Vehicle breakdowns are unpredictable. Your towing solution shouldn’t be.
When you are stranded on the roadside, you need immediate answers, not anecdotes. This guide answers the most critical questions regarding towing services, costs, and procedures in 2025. We strip away the jargon to provide clear, actionable data to get you off the road safely.
Quick Summary: What to Know Before You Call
- Average Cost: The national average for a tow in 2025 is approximately $109, but this varies by mileage and vehicle type.
- Response Time: Urban response times average 15–30 minutes; rural areas may wait 45–60+ minutes.
- Payment: Most legitimate providers accept credit/debit cards and insurance direct-billing. Cash is rarely the only option.
Part 1: How Much Does Towing Actually Cost in 2025?
Price is the number one query for users requiring towing services. Costs have risen slightly due to insurance premiums and fuel volatility.
Standard Towing Rates
Most companies use a “Hook-Up Fee + Per Mile” model.
| Service Type | Average Base Fee (Hook-Up) | Cost Per Mile | Est. Total (10 Miles) |
| Light-Duty (Cars/Sedans) | $75 – $100 | $4.00 – $6.00 | $115 – $160 |
| Medium-Duty (Vans/SUVs) | $95 – $125 | $5.00 – $7.00 | $145 – $195 |
| Heavy-Duty (RVs/Trucks) | $175+ | $8.00+ | $255+ |
Note: “Hook-up” fees cover the driver’s labor to arrive and secure your vehicle. The mileage rate applies to the distance towed to the shop or home.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
- After-Hours/Holiday Surcharge: Expect a 15–25% markup for calls after 8 PM or on federal holidays.
- Winch-Out Fee: If your car is stuck in a ditch, mud, or snow, you will pay $50–$150 per 30 minutes of labor to retrieve it before towing begins.
- Go-Jack Fees: Required for cars with locked wheels or missing keys.
Part 2: Common Towing Scenarios (and How to Handle Them)
According to 2024 industry data, dead batteries and flat tires account for nearly 30% of all roadside assistance calls.
1. The Battery is Dead
- Do you need a tow? Not usually. Request a jump-start service first.
- Cost: $50–$80 (significantly cheaper than a tow).
- Pro Tip: If the car starts but dies immediately after removing the cables, your alternator is likely failed. You will need a tow.
2. Flat Tire Without a Spare
- Do you need a tow? Yes, unless you have a patch kit and know how to use it safely.
- Modern Vehicles: Many 2024-2025 models do not include spare tires. Check your trunk floorboard now. If there is no spare, request a “flatbed tow” to prevent rim damage.
3. Electric Vehicle (EV) Depletion
- Do you need a tow? Yes.
- Critical Warning: You cannot flat-tow an EV (wheels on the ground) as the electric motors can generate power and overheat the system.
- Requirement: Explicitly request a Flatbed Truck or a wrecker with “dollies” to lift all four wheels off the pavement.
Part 3: The Towing Process (Step-by-Step)
Reduce anxiety by knowing the operational procedure.
- The Call: Have your location (cross streets or GPS pin), vehicle make/model/color, and specific issue ready.
- Dispatch: You will receive an ETA. legitimate companies utilize digital dispatching to track driver location.
- The Hook-Up: The driver will secure the vehicle. For rear-wheel drive (RWD) cars, they must lift the rear wheels or disconnect the driveshaft.
- Transport: You can typically ride in the tow truck cab to the destination, though COVID-19 protocols have made this policy company-dependent. Ask the dispatcher beforehand.
- Drop-Off: The driver will release the vehicle at your chosen mechanic or residence. Payment is collected upon completion.
Authority Citation: The Automobile Towing Industry Report 2025 notes that the market size has reached $12.8 billion, driven largely by increased vehicle complexity and roadside assistance integration. This professionalization means higher standards for certified drivers and equipment safety.
Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
These answers target high-volume search queries regarding towing specifics.
Does my car insurance cover towing?
Maybe. Check your policy for “Roadside Assistance” coverage. If you have it, the insurer usually covers the first 15 miles or up to $100. You must pay the difference out of pocket. If you do not have this specific add-on, standard comprehensive/collision insurance does not cover mechanical breakdown towing.
What is the difference between Wheel-Lift and Flatbed towing?
- Wheel-Lift: Lifts one end of the car (front or back) while the other tires roll on the ground. Best for short distances and 2WD vehicles. Cheaper.
- Flatbed: The entire vehicle sits on the back of the truck. Required for AWD/4WD vehicles, luxury cars, EVs, and vehicles with severe damage. Safer but slightly more expensive.
Can you tow a car without a license plate?
Generally, yes. Towing companies can transport unregistered vehicles if they are being moved for repair or storage. However, the tow truck itself must be fully licensed and insured. Do not attempt to tow an unregistered car yourself with a rope or chain; this is illegal in most states.
What happens if I leave my car on the highway?
Law enforcement will “tag” the vehicle. In most states, you have 24 to 72 hours to remove it before the police impound it. Impound lots charge daily storage fees ($30–$100/day) that accrue rapidly. It is always cheaper to arrange your own private tow immediately.
Do tow truck drivers carry card readers?
Yes. In 2025, reputable towing services use mobile payment processing (Square, Toast, etc.). Be wary of any driver who demands cash-only payments; this is a red flag for predatory “bandit” towing operations.
Can I call a tow truck for an unlocked car with keys inside?
Yes. Tow drivers carry “lockout kits” (wedges and long-reach tools). They can unlock the vehicle without towing it. The average cost for a lockout service is $60–$100.
Part 5: Safety First — What to Do While You Wait
Your behavior while waiting determines your safety.
- Move Over: If the car moves, get to the right shoulder as far as possible.
- Stay Inside: If you are on a busy highway, do not stand outside the vehicle. Stay buckled in the passenger seat (away from traffic).
- Visibility: Turn on hazard lights immediately. If it is night, turn on the interior dome light so other drivers can see the silhouette of the vehicle.
Next Step
Do not wait for an emergency to find a provider. Save the number of a reputable local towing service in your phone now. Look for a company with 24/7 availability and at least 50+ verifiably positive reviews on Google Maps.
If you are currently stranded and reading this, scroll up to the “Standard Towing Rates” table to verify you are getting a fair quote, then call a provider immediately.
