Towing: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What towing is

A tow operator hauls a disabled, wrecked or illegally parked vehicle to a shop, home or yard using a flatbed or a wheel lift truck. You need it when the car cannot be driven safely or legally, or when you want the car moved without stressing its drivetrain.

Signs you need it

  • The car will not start, will not steer or has a brake failure
  • The car has been in a collision and cannot be driven safely
  • The car is parked where it is blocking traffic or breaking local rules
  • The car is all wheel drive, or has a damaged axle, and should not be dragged on its wheels
  • The engine is overheating, smoking or has lost oil pressure and should not be driven any further

What the pro does

  • Assesses the car, the load and the route before hooking up
  • Chooses a flatbed or wheel lift that suits the vehicle's damage and drive wheels
  • Secures the car with chains, straps or wheel lift bars as the situation requires
  • Documents the car's condition before moving it
  • Delivers the car to the agreed location and gets a signed receipt

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The distance to the destination and the time it takes
  • Whether the car needs a flatbed or a wheel lift
  • Whether the car is in a ditch, under a tree or in a hard to reach spot
  • The time of day and whether the tow is after hours
  • Whether the car is wrecked and needs extra care or a special tool
  • Any fees for storage or for accessing a locked or gated area

What a written quote should spell out

  • The truck type used and the reason for it
  • The distance or zone and the time the tow will take
  • Any hookup, winch or recovery fee
  • Storage terms if the car is held at the yard
  • Whether the car is insured while it is in tow

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you use a flatbed or a wheel lift, and why?
  • Is the truck licensed and insured for towing?
  • Will you document the car's condition before you move it?
  • What fees apply after hookup, and what happens if I decline the tow?
  • Where will the car be taken, and what are the hours to pick it up?
  • Are you covered if the car is damaged during the tow?

Red flags

  • Says a car can be towed on its wheels when the drive system or steering is damaged
  • Will not show the truck or confirm the insurance
  • Demands cash on the spot for a tow the customer did not agree to
  • Holds a car until a fee is paid without a written breakdown

What you can do yourself

Do not tow a disabled car with a rope or a strap on a public road, and do not tow a car on its drive wheels unless the owner's manual allows it. You can note where the car is, take photos, and keep your insurance and roadside coverage details handy. Call a licensed tow operator for any car that needs moving.

Licenses and permits

Towing commonly requires commercial registration, insurance and sometimes a tow operator permit from the state or local government. Check with your state or local licensing agency before hiring a tow operator, and ask to see their registration.

Towing questions

Why is a flatbed sometimes required?

A flatbed keeps all four wheels off the ground, which protects the drive system and a damaged car. Ask the operator whether a flatbed is needed for your car.

What if the tow company wants more money than I expected?

Ask for the fee breakdown in writing before the hookup. Do not sign a blank form or approve the tow without knowing the total.

Can I ride in the truck?

Many operators do not allow it because of insurance and safety rules. Ask before the hookup.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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