A standard local tow in Minnesota typically costs $80–$155 — most companies charge a $75–$125 hookup fee plus $3–$7 per loaded mile. Heavy-duty and commercial recovery starts around $200–$600 for the hookup plus $4–$8 per mile. Night and weekend calls add roughly 45%, flatbed adds about 30%, and large or luxury vehicles add 15–25%.
What a standard tow costs
Most light-duty tows — a sedan, SUV, or pickup moved a short distance — are priced as a flat hookup (base) fee that covers dispatch, hooking up, and securing the vehicle, plus a per-mile rate for loaded miles. In the Twin Cities those numbers land like this in 2026:
| Charge | What it covers | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Hookup / base fee | Dispatch, hook-up, securing the vehicle | $75–$125 |
| Per loaded mile | Distance from pickup to drop-off | $3–$7 |
| Standard local tow (≤10 mi) | All-in for a short metro tow | $80–$155 |
So a typical 8-mile tow across the north metro — say a breakdown on I-694 dropped at a Roseville shop — usually totals somewhere around $110–$160 during normal daytime hours.
What changes the price
Two identical-looking tows can land at very different prices. The biggest factors:
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| After-hours (8 p.m.–6 a.m., weekends, holidays) | + ~45% |
| Flatbed vs. wheel-lift | + ~30% |
| SUV, truck, or luxury vehicle | + 15–25% |
| Winching / recovery (stuck, off-road, ditch) | added per situation |
| Storage / impound (per day) | added if not promptly claimed |
Winter is where surcharges stack: a 2 a.m. ditch recovery during a snow emergency can combine the after-hours rate and a winch-out fee. If your car is stuck rather than simply disabled, ask whether recovery is quoted separately. Our winter ditch guide covers what to expect.
Heavy-duty & recovery pricing
Commercial and heavy-duty work — semis, box trucks, buses, RVs, and equipment — is a different pricing world because it requires heavy wreckers, rotators, and certified operators.
| Charge | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Heavy-duty hookup | $200–$600 |
| Per mile | $4–$8 |
| Recovery / winching / rotator | quoted per scene |
See our dedicated heavy-duty towing cost guide for a fuller breakdown, or the heavy-duty towing service page for what we handle.
Who pays after an accident?
After a collision, the tow is usually covered through an insurance claim, or by roadside assistance from AAA, your insurer, or your vehicle's manufacturer. Fault determinations can shift the cost between insurers afterward, but the tow operator is generally paid at the time of service and reimbursed through the claim. We break down the details in who pays for a tow after an accident in Minnesota.
How to avoid overpaying
- Ask for the hookup fee and per-mile rate up front — a reputable operator will give both before rolling.
- Confirm whether recovery is separate if your vehicle is stuck, not just disabled.
- Know your coverage — many drivers already have towing through insurance or a manufacturer app and pay out of pocket needlessly.
- Get the drop-off location right the first time — a second tow because the shop was closed doubles the bill.
- Understand your rights if a vehicle is towed from private property — see Minnesota towing laws.
Need a tow or a recovery quote right now?
Tell dispatch your location and vehicle — we'll quote before we roll.
Call (651) 465-8009Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to tow a car in Minnesota?
A standard local tow runs $80–$155 — typically a $75–$125 hookup plus $3–$7 per loaded mile. Distance, vehicle size, time of day, and recovery difficulty change the total.
Do towing companies charge more at night or on weekends?
Yes — after-hours service (roughly 8 p.m.–6 a.m., weekends, holidays) commonly adds about 45% to the base cost.
Is flatbed towing more expensive?
Flatbed typically costs about 30% more, but it prevents drivetrain wear and is recommended for AWD, lowered, and luxury vehicles.
Who pays for a tow after a car accident?
Usually your insurance claim or roadside-assistance plan covers it. See who pays after an accident in MN.
About these figures
Ranges reflect typical 2026 Twin Cities market pricing for light-duty and heavy-duty towing and are provided for general guidance — your quote depends on distance, vehicle, time, and recovery difficulty. Call for an exact price before service.