Disclaimer: TowCars.com is a nationwide towing information and referral service. We don’t tow, dispatch, or store vehicles, and we aren’t responsible for the work, prices, or conduct of any towing company. If you send us a request, we pass it to independent providers who set their own prices and terms. See our disclosure.
When your car won’t move, the hard part is often knowing what to ask for. “I need a tow” can mean a flatbed for an all-wheel-drive SUV, a motorcycle trailer, a heavy wrecker for a box truck, or no tow at all: a dead battery, a locked door or an empty tank can usually be handled where the car sits. Asking for the right service up front helps the provider send the right equipment and helps you compare prices that actually match your job.
TowCars.com is a referral service. You tell us what happened through our free quote form, and we pass your request to independent towing and roadside providers who serve your area. Those providers quote their own prices, do the work and are responsible for it. You decide whether to accept a quote. Read how we work with tow providers for the full picture.
Towing services
- Flatbed towing: the whole vehicle rides on a flat deck. Often the right call for AWD cars, EVs, low cars and accident damage.
- Motorcycle towing: bikes need wheel chocks and proper tie-down points, not a hook and chain.
- Heavy-duty towing: box trucks, RVs, buses and other vehicles too heavy for a standard tow truck.
- Long-distance towing: moving a disabled vehicle across a state or several states, and when car transport is the better choice.
Roadside assistance services
These jobs are usually done on the spot. If the fix doesn’t work, the same call can turn into a tow, so mention that you may need one.
- Jump start: a boost for a battery that has gone flat.
- Car lockout: getting you back into a car with the keys locked inside.
- Flat tire change: swapping a flat for your spare.
- Fuel delivery: enough fuel to get you to the nearest station.
How to pick the right service
Start with what the car is doing, not what you think it needs. A car that cranks slowly or clicks points to the battery. A car that starts but makes grinding noises or warning lights point to a mechanical problem that should not be driven. A car stuck in a ditch, mud or snow may need a winch-out before anything else. If you are not sure, describe the symptoms in your request and let the provider tell you what they would send.
Vehicle details matter as much as the problem. Weight, drivetrain, ground clearance and whether the car is electric all change which truck is safe to use. Our guide to vehicle weight and towing methods explains how providers decide between a wheel-lift and a flatbed, and the EV and hybrid towing guide covers why many electric cars should not be towed with wheels on the ground.
What drives the price
Prices are set by each provider, not by TowCars.com. In general, the bill depends on distance, vehicle size, the type of truck, the time of day and any extra work such as winching or dollies. Roadside calls are usually priced as a single service fee plus parts or fuel. For tows ordered by police or a property owner, many cities publish fixed rates instead. The tow truck cost guide walks through each factor, and the towing terms glossary decodes line items like hook-up, gate and administrative fees.
Before you accept any quote
- Ask for the total price, including mileage and any extras, in writing or by text.
- Confirm the company name and the truck that will arrive.
- Check whether your insurance or a roadside membership already covers the call.
- Choose the drop-off location yourself.
Our guide on how to choose a tow company and avoid scams covers the warning signs in more detail. Looking for help in a specific city? See our service areas.
Ready to compare? Tell us the vehicle, the problem and where it is, and we’ll pass your request to independent providers in your area.