Towing Estimate Calculator
Quickly estimate towing costs based on distance, vehicle type, and service level before you call for help.
How Towing Estimate Calculator Works
This calculator helps you estimate towing costs by considering the key factors that affect pricing: distance, vehicle type, and service level. Most towing companies charge a base fee plus a per-mile rate, with additional charges for specific services or vehicle types.
The calculator multiplies your estimated distance by the vehicle-specific per-mile rate (cars at $3/mile, SUVs at $3.50/mile, pickups at $4/mile, and RVs at $5.50/mile), then adds the base service fee and any extras you might need.
Whether you're planning ahead or stuck roadside, this tool gives you a realistic estimate so you can budget appropriately and avoid surprises when the tow truck arrives. Keep in mind that actual costs can vary by location, time of day, and specific towing company policies.
Towing Estimate Calculator Formula Breakdown
Formula
Total towing cost = (Distance × Vehicle rate per mile) + Base service fee + Additional extrasVariables Explained
- DistanceThe number of miles your vehicle needs to be towed, measured from pickup location to destination. This is typically the most significant factor in towing costs after the base fee.
- Vehicle TypeThe type of vehicle being towed, which determines the per-mile rate. Cars are cheapest to tow, while larger vehicles like RVs cost more due to their size and weight requiring specialized equipment.
- Service TypeThe base towing service level you need. Standard towing works for most situations, flatbed towing is safer for luxury or damaged vehicles, and heavy-duty service is required for large trucks or commercial vehicles.
- Additional ServicesExtra services you might need beyond basic towing, such as after-hours service, winching to extract stuck vehicles, or roadside tire changes. These are added to your base cost.
Example Calculation
Given:
- Distance: 32.5 miles
- Vehicle Type: Car ($3/mile)
- Service Type: Standard tow ($75)
- Additional Services: None ($0)
Calculation:
Distance charge: 32.5 miles × $3.00 per mile = $97.50
Base service fee: $75.00
Additional services: $0.00
Total cost: $97.50 + $75.00 + $0.00 = $172.50Result:
$172.50Explanation
This example shows the cost to tow a standard car 32.5 miles using basic towing service with no additional services needed - a typical scenario for a breakdown on a highway or local road.
Tips for Using Towing Estimate Calculator
- 💡Check your auto insurance policy first - many include roadside assistance that covers towing up to a certain distance, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.
- 💡Get quotes from multiple towing companies when possible, as rates can vary significantly between providers, especially for long-distance tows.
- 💡Ask about after-hours charges upfront - many companies add $30-150 for evening, weekend, or holiday service calls.
Create engaging calculators in 3 simple steps
Add calculator elements
Build the custom calculator in less than 5 minutes. It's very easy with drag and drop interface
Copy embed script
When you are happy with your calculator. See the final preview and copy the embed script.
Install the calculator
Paste the script into the HTML of your website. Oh, and it works on any platform.
Eugen
Creator of Creative Widgets“After 10+ years in digital marketing, I’ve built calculators that drove thousands of new leads for clients. I realized one thing: calculators convert. They're killer for CRO and great for SEO. That's why I built Creative Widgets—an easy, no-code calculator builder. ”
It's free. Try it out. You'll like it.