How much to charge for towing
Rates reviewed June 2026
Towing is priced as a hook fee plus a per-mile rate, with premiums for after-hours and recovery. A stranded driver at midnight is buying speed and relief, so a clearly stated emergency rate is fair and expected.
You should charge
$145
per tow · typical $75–$400
Why this number. Charge a hook fee plus per-mile and post your after-hours premium plainly. Nobody stuck on a shoulder is shopping three quotes, so certainty that you will come now is worth more than being the cheapest.
Typical towing prices
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Local tow (hook + few miles) | $75 – $150 |
| Per additional mile | $3 – $7 |
| Winch-out / recovery | $100 – $300 |
Free · The words, not just the number
Get the towing pricing script
A short, calm script for quoting towing in person. The goal is not to pitch. It is to ask a few good questions, say your number once without flinching, and let them talk themselves into yes.
- ✓The questions to ask before you ever name a price
- ✓How to say your number so it lands, then stay quiet
- ✓The line for when they say "that's too much" (no discounting)
- ✓A rate-increase template for clients you already have
- ✓Early access to the paid Pricing Toolkit
Instant unlock, and a copy in your inbox. No spam. The calculator stays free either way.
What changes the price
- Distance (hook fee plus per mile)
- Vehicle size and type
- After-hours timing
- Winch-out or recovery
The pricing move most people miss
Charge a hook fee plus per-mile and post your after-hours premium plainly. Nobody stuck on a shoulder is shopping three quotes, so certainty that you will come now is worth more than being the cheapest.
What to SayAI
They pushed back on your price? Get the exact reply.
Paste what a towing client says. A sales-psychology-trained AI writes the words that hold your price, in seconds. Free.
Get the reply →Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge for towing?+
Most towing is priced $75–$400 per tow, with a typical rate around $150 per tow. Where you land inside that range comes down mainly to distance (hook fee plus per mile) and vehicle size and type. Use the range as your anchor, then adjust up for experience, strong demand, and a higher cost-of-living area.
Should I charge per job or by the hour for towing?+
Most towing is priced per job, and that is the stronger model. It pays you for the result rather than the clock, and clients far prefer one fixed number they can plan around. Estimate the hours a job takes, multiply by the hourly rate you want, then add a 15-25% buffer for the jobs that run long.
How much should I charge for towing as a beginner?+
Starting out, price near the lower end of the range, roughly $75 to $150 per tow. Resist going below that to win work: a price that is too low attracts price-shoppers, signals low quality, and is hard to raise later. Once you have a few happy clients and reviews, move toward $400.
What affects how much towing costs?+
The biggest factors are distance (hook fee plus per mile); vehicle size and type; after-hours timing; winch-out or recovery. Two jobs that look alike can price very differently once these are accounted for, which is why a quick walkthrough or a few questions before quoting protects your rate.
How do I quote towing so the client says yes?+
Charge a hook fee plus per-mile and post your after-hours premium plainly. Nobody stuck on a shoulder is shopping three quotes, so certainty that you will come now is worth more than being the cheapest. Put the quote in writing with exactly what is included, state the price once without apologizing for it, and give one clear next step. A confident, well-structured quote wins jobs at a higher price than a vague one at a lower price.