car towing cost calculator for smarter roadside decisions

Know the range, avoid surprises

As a returning user, I use this tool to gauge price before a hook. Costs hinge on distance, vehicle type, timing, and small line items.

• Base hook-up plus per-mile tiers.
• After-hours or holiday surcharges.
• Winch-outs, recovery time, and flatbed needs for AWD.
• Tolls, city permits, and storage.

Real-world check

Last winter on I-80, I punched numbers into the calculator and saw a steep jump after 15 miles, so I picked a nearer shop and avoided storage by meeting the truck.

To keep quotes accurate, confirm pickup and drop ZIPs, vehicle curb weight, and whether it's roadside or recovery. Screenshot the estimate, then call two providers to verify - trust, but verify.

Membership coverage can offset parts of the bill; still, I budget a buffer for edge cases and keep refining my numbers as policies shift. Rates vary by region. Weather can shift demand.