How much does a tow cost in San Diego?
Distance-based pricing for every tow type in San Diego County. Flat-rate, no surge, quoted before the truck rolls.
A standard local tow in San Diego costs $95-$175. The price depends on distance, vehicle type, truck required, and hookup difficulty. Every price below is flat-rate - quoted on the phone before we dispatch, same rate 24/7.
How much does towing cost by distance?
Light-duty covers most cars, SUVs, and pickups under 10,000 lb GVWR. Heavy-duty covers box trucks, RVs, and commercial vehicles.
| Distance | Wheel-lift | Flatbed | Heavy-duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 miles | $95 - $125 | $115 - $145 | $285 - $350 | Base hook fee, most common local tow |
| 5 - 10 miles | $115 - $175 | $135 - $195 | $325 - $425 | Still within base fee for most companies |
| 10 - 25 miles | $150 - $250 | $175 - $285 | $400 - $575 | Per-mile charges begin beyond base |
| 25 - 50 miles | $225 - $375 | $265 - $425 | $500 - $750 | Quoted as flat-rate total |
| 50 - 100 miles | $350 - $550 | $400 - $625 | $700 - $1,100 | Long-distance flat-rate |
| 100+ miles | $2.50 - $4.50/mi | $3.00 - $5.00/mi | $5.00 - $8.00/mi | Per-mile rate, scheduling saves 15-30% |
How much does it cost to tow a car long-distance from San Diego?
Common routes from San Diego, quoted as flat-rate totals. Scheduling in advance saves 15-30% vs. emergency dispatch.
| Route | Distance | Flat-rate range |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego → Los Angeles | 120 mi | $285 - $385 |
| San Diego → Orange County | 95 mi | $245 - $335 |
| San Diego → Palm Springs | 140 mi | $385 - $485 |
| San Diego → Las Vegas | 330 mi | $585 - $785 |
| San Diego → Phoenix | 355 mi | $685 - $885 |
| San Diego → Bay Area | 500 mi | $985 - $1,285 |
What do specialty towing and roadside services cost?
Motorcycles, EVs, accident recovery, lockouts, jump starts, and more.
| Service | Price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle tow | $105 - $165 | Low-deck flatbed with wheel chock and soft straps |
| EV tow (Tesla, Rivian, etc.) | $115 - $195 | Flatbed required - wheel-lift damages drive motor |
| Accident / collision recovery | $165 - $450 | Includes debris cleanup and fluid containment |
| Winch-out (stuck vehicle) | $125 - $275 | Depends on difficulty and terrain |
| Lockout service | $65 - $95 | Non-destructive entry, most vehicles |
| Jump start | $65 - $85 | Battery test included |
| Tire change | $75 - $95 | Using your spare; does not include tire purchase |
| Fuel delivery | $75 - $95 | 2 gallons delivered, enough to reach nearest station |
What factors affect how much a tow costs?
Vehicle size and weight
Cars and pickups under 10,000 lb are light-duty ($95-$175 base). Larger vehicles - box trucks, RVs, motorhomes - are heavy-duty ($285+ base).
Distance
Most base fees include 5-10 miles. Beyond that, additional miles run $3.50-$6.50 each. Long-distance (50+ miles) is quoted flat.
Truck type required
Flatbed costs $20-$50 more than wheel-lift. AWD, 4WD, EVs, lowered cars, and damaged vehicles require flatbed - non-negotiable.
Hookup difficulty
Driveway pickup is a 3-minute hookup. Stuck in sand at Fiesta Island is a 30-minute winch-out. Difficulty shows as a line item.
What do San Diego drivers ask about tow pricing?
How much does it cost to tow a car 10 miles in San Diego?
A standard light-duty tow for 10 miles in San Diego costs $115-$175. Flatbed tows run $135-$195 for the same distance. Most companies include 5-10 miles in the base hook fee, so a 10-mile tow is often at or near the base rate.
How much does it cost to tow a car 50 miles?
A 50-mile tow in San Diego County costs $225-$425 depending on vehicle type and truck required. Light-duty wheel-lift runs $225-$375, flatbed $265-$425. Long-distance tows like this are quoted as a flat-rate total - not mile-by-mile.
How much does it cost to tow a car 100 miles?
A 100-mile tow typically costs $350-$625 for light-duty or flatbed. At this distance, scheduling in advance (rather than emergency dispatch) can save 15-30%. We quote a flat rate before the truck rolls - no per-mile surprises.
Why does a flatbed tow cost more than wheel-lift?
Flatbed trucks cost more to operate - higher fuel consumption, more expensive equipment, and slower loading. The premium is typically $20-$50 over wheel-lift for the same distance. AWD, 4WD, EVs, lowered cars, and damaged vehicles require flatbed to avoid drivetrain damage.
Do you charge extra at night or on weekends?
No. All prices shown are the same 24/7 - nights, weekends, and holidays included. No surge pricing, no midnight multiplier. You hear the flat-rate quote before the truck dispatches.
How do I get the cheapest tow possible?
Three ways to save: (1) Use your insurance or motor club roadside coverage - most cover local tows at no cost. (2) For long-distance, schedule in advance instead of emergency dispatch - saves 15-30%. (3) If your car can safely roll, wheel-lift is cheaper than flatbed. We'll tell you honestly which truck you need.
Are these prices guaranteed?
These are typical San Diego County ranges for 2026. Your exact price depends on vehicle size, truck type required, and pickup difficulty. We give you a firm flat-rate quote on the phone before dispatching - the number you hear is the number you pay.
Need an exact quote right now?
Call us. A real dispatcher answers, quotes flat-rate, and dispatches the closest truck.