Use this towing estimate calculator to effortlessly find the estimated towing cost per mile on the basis of distance, vehicle type, and local rates to provide a reasonably accurate estimate.
| Distance | Estimated Cost Range | Example Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| 100 miles | $275 – $600 | ~$450 |
| 50 miles | $165 – $300 | ~$300 |
| 20 miles | $105 – $185 | ~$135 |
Towing Estimate Calculator
| Distance (miles) | Vehicle Type | Base Fee | Per-Mile Rate | Additional Fees | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Sedan | $75 | $3.50 | $0 | $110 |
| 15 | Compact Car | $70 | $3.25 | $0 | $85.75 |
| 20 | SUV | $85 | $4.00 | $25 (after hours) | $145 |
| 25 | Pickup Truck | $90 | $4.50 | $0 | $112.50 |
| 30 | Medium-Duty Truck | $100 | $5.00 | $50 (difficult terrain) | $200 |
| 40 | Luxury Car | $100 | $4.75 | $30 (after hours) | $230 |
| 50 | Pickup Truck | $90 | $4.50 | $0 | $315 |
| 60 | Semi-Truck | $150 | $7.00 | $100 (special equipment) | $950 |
| 75 | Heavy-Duty Truck | $200 | $8.00 | $150 (after hours) | $1,350 |
| 100 | Semi-Truck | $150 | $7.00 | $100 (special equipment) | $950 |
| 120 | Box Truck | $180 | $6.50 | $75 (difficult terrain) | $1,200 |
| 150 | RV | $250 | $10.00 | $200 (after hours) | $2,000 |
| 200 | Oversized Vehicle | $300 | $12.00 | $250 (permit fees) | $2,850 |
Towing Cost Per Mile Formula
The formula for calculating towing cost per mile involves several components:
Total Cost = Base Fee + (Distance in Miles × Per-Mile Rate) + Additional Fees- Base Fee: A flat rate charged for the service call
- Per-Mile Rate: The charge for each mile of towing
- Additional Fees: May include after-hours service, difficult terrain, or special equipment needs
If a towing company charges a $75 base fee, $3.50 per mile, and you need to be towed 30 miles, the calculation would be:
$75 + (30 × $3.50) = $75 + $105 = $180How do you calculate towing rate?
Calculating the towing rate involves considering several factors:
- Distance: The primary variable in most towing calculations
- Vehicle Type: Larger or heavier vehicles often incur higher rates
- Time of Day: After-hours services may cost more
- Location: Urban areas typically have higher rates than rural ones
- Equipment Required: Specialized towing equipment can increase costs
To calculate, start with your base rate, then add your per-mile charge multiplied by the distance. For example:
If your base rate is $50, you charge $4 per mile, and the tow is 15 miles, your calculation would be:
$50 + (15 × $4) = $50 + $60 = $110How much do most towing companies charge per mile?
Towing rates vary widely depending on location and circumstances, but most companies charge between $2.50 to $7 per mile. Urban areas and specialized towing services tend to be on the higher end of this range.
For example, in a mid-sized city, a standard tow for a sedan might be charged at $4 per mile. So, for a 10-mile tow:
$75 (base fee) + (10 × $4) = $75 + $40 = $115How to calculate towing miles?
Calculating towing miles is straightforward but essential for accurate cost estimation:
Determine the Starting Point: Usually where the vehicle is located
Identify the Destination: Typically a repair shop or the vehicle owner’s preferred location
Use a Mapping Tool: Google Maps or similar services can provide precise mileage
Consider Route Restrictions: Some roads may not be suitable for tow trucks
For example, if you’re towing from a highway location to a downtown garage, you might find the direct route is 18 miles. If there are low bridges or weight restrictions, the actual towing route might be 22 miles. Always use the actual route mileage for calculations.
How much does it cost to tow a car 100 miles?
Towing a car for 100 miles typically costs between $275 and $600. This wide range is influenced by:
- Base Fee: Most towing companies charge a base fee for hooking up the vehicle. This fee can range from $75 to $125.
- Per-Mile Rate: After the base fee, companies charge a per-mile rate that generally ranges from $2.50 to $7.00 per mile. For long distances like 100 miles, the average per-mile cost might be closer to $2.75 to $4.50, depending on the company and location.
For example, if we consider an average scenario:
- Base fee: $100
- Per-mile cost: $3.50
- Total cost calculation:
Total Cost = Base Fee + (Per-Mile Rate × Distance)Total Cost = 100 + (3.50 × 100) = 100 + 350 = 450A typical cost for towing a car 100 miles would be around $450.
How much does it cost to tow a car 50 miles?
For a distance of 50 miles, the towing cost generally falls between $165 and $300.
Base Fee: Similar to longer distances, the base fee remains around $75 to $125.
Per-Mile Rate: The per-mile charge for this distance usually ranges from $2.50 to $5.00.
Using an example calculation:
- Base fee: $100
- Per-mile cost: $4.00
- Total cost calculation:
Total Cost = Base Fee + (Per-Mile Rate × Distance)Total Cost = 100 + (4.00 × 50) = 100 + 200 = 300You can expect to pay about $300 for towing a car over 50 miles.
How much does it cost to tow a car 20 miles?
Towing a vehicle for 20 miles typically costs between $105 and $185.
Base Fee: The base fee is consistent at about $75 to $125.
Per-Mile Rate: For shorter distances like this, the per-mile rate is usually lower, around $2.50 to $4.00.
For example:
- Base fee: $75
- Per-mile cost: $3.00
- Total cost calculation:
Total Cost = Base Fee + (Per-Mile Rate × Distance)Total Cost = 75 + (3.00 × 20) = 75 + 60 = 135The estimated cost for towing a car over 20 miles would be approximately $135.
How much is truck towing mileage?
Towing truck rates can range from $4 to $10 per mile for standard trucks, with even higher rates for semi-trucks or oversized vehicles.
Truck towing rates are typically higher due to the larger vehicles and specialized equipment required.
For instance, towing a medium-duty truck 30 miles might be calculated as:
$100 (base fee) + (30 × $6) = $100 + $180 = $280Always specify the exact type and size of truck when requesting quotes, as rates can vary significantly based on these factors.
Related Tools:
