What Should You Charge for Towing & Roadside Recovery? 2026 Pricing Guide

What should you charge for towing & roadside recovery in 2026? Average rates range $75–$250 per service. See typical job costs, what affects pricing, and build a professional proposal.

Towing & Roadside Recovery Cost at a Glance

$75–$250 per service

Typical market range. Actual costs vary by region, job scope, and provider experience.

Common Towing & Roadside Recovery Service Prices

Service	Typical Price Range
Local tow (first 5 miles)	$75–$150
Long-distance tow (per mile)	$2–$5
Battery jump start	$50–$100
Fuel delivery	$50–$100 plus fuel cost

Prices are U.S. market averages for 2026. Local rates vary.

What Affects Towing & Roadside Recovery Pricing

Distance to tow destination — most companies charge per mile after the first 5
Time of call — after-hours and weekend calls add 25–50%
Vehicle type — motorcycles, RVs, and heavy equipment cost more
Recovery complexity — stuck in mud, ditch, or accident scene
AAA or roadside assistance coverage — may cover base tow fees

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Towing & Roadside Recovery Pricing FAQ

How much does towing a car cost?

Local tows (under 5 miles) typically run $75–$150. Long-distance tows add $2–$5/mile after the hook-up fee. Towing a 40-mile stretch might cost $150–$250 total. Luxury vehicles, low-profile cars, or all-wheel-drive vehicles require flatbeds and cost more.

Is roadside assistance worth it?

AAA membership ($60–$130/year) covers 4 roadside incidents per year including towing, jump starts, and lockouts. It pays for itself after one service call. Many auto insurance policies also offer roadside add-ons for $5–$10/month.

What should I do while waiting for a tow truck?

Turn on hazard lights, move the vehicle off the road if safe, stay in the car with your seatbelt on if on a highway shoulder, and place road flares or triangles 100–200 feet behind the vehicle. Don't stand near moving traffic.

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