Find a licensed towing company
How to find, check and hire a licensed towing company: state license rules, public-record listings and what to ask before you hire.
Towing companies handle breakdowns, accidents, lockouts, jump starts, flat tires and moving cars that won't run. Many cities license tow companies and cap what they can charge for some tows. Ask for the price before the truck hooks up, especially at an accident scene, where you are not required to use the first truck that shows up unless police direct the tow.
Where do you need a towing company?
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
What do towing companies do?
- Breakdown and accident towing
- Flatbed towing
- Jump starts and battery service
- Flat tire changes
- Lockout service
- Fuel delivery
- Motorcycle towing
- Junk car removal
How do you hire a good towing company?
- Ask for the total price before the tow: hook-up fee, per-mile rate and any storage fees.
- Check that the company is licensed where you are; many cities license tow companies.
- Ask whether they'll take the car to the shop of your choice, not only their own lot.
- For a newer, AWD or low car, ask for a flatbed.
- Get a written receipt that shows the company's name, license number and charges.
The US Census Bureau counts about 9,244 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees nationwide (County Business Patterns 2023). We list the ones we can confirm in public license records, starting with New York City.
Questions people ask
Do I have to use the tow truck that shows up at an accident?
Usually not, unless police direct the tow. Some cities run official accident-response programs with set rates. Ask the truck for its license and price, and call your insurer's roadside service if you have one.
How much does a tow cost?
Most tows are a hook-up fee plus a per-mile charge, with extra for nights, weekends, flatbeds or winching. Some cities cap rates for certain tows. Always ask for the total before the car is hooked up.
What if my car was towed from a private lot?
Find out which company towed it (signs at the lot must say so in many places), what the release fee is and the hours. Many cities limit what private-property tows can charge and require the company to accept cards.
Does my car insurance cover towing?
If you have roadside assistance on your policy, often yes, up to a set distance. Call the insurer's roadside number before calling a tow company directly.