Towing FAQs — your city

Most local tows in your city cost $75–$150 for the first 5 miles, plus $2–$5 per mile after that. Emergency or after-hours calls add a $25–$75 surcharge. Flatbed towing runs $100–$250. Long-distance tows (SLC to Provo or Ogden) typically run $150–$350.

Always ask for a total quote before dispatch — reputable companies in your area will give you an upfront estimate over the phone. Use the National Tow Connect directory to compare rates from verified local companies.

Emergency towing in your area typically costs $100–$250 for a local tow, depending on the company and time of day. After-hours surcharges for calls between approximately 9 PM and 6 AM add $25–$75. Canyon rescues (Parleys, Big Cottonwood) or difficult-access situations push the price higher due to equipment and safety requirements.

Always ask for a total all-in quote — including the hook-up fee, per-mile rate, and any surcharges — before the truck is dispatched.

A fair per-mile towing rate in Utah is $2–$5 per mile beyond the initial hook-up/base fee. The base fee typically covers the first 5 miles and runs $50–$100. If a company quotes you $8–$10/mile, that's above market — get a second quote. Use our directory to compare multiple SLC providers quickly.

The cheapest option is almost always using existing coverage you already have:

• Auto insurance roadside rider — typically $5–$15/year added to your policy. Covers most tows for free.
• AAA Basic membership (~$70/year) — covers towing up to 5 miles per call, unlimited calls per year.
• Credit card roadside — some Visa, Mastercard, and Amex cards include free towing.

If paying out of pocket, calling during business hours (vs. emergency dispatch) avoids after-hours surcharges. Towing to a closer shop (2 miles instead of 20) dramatically lowers the bill.

Yes, in many cases — but only if you've added roadside assistance to your policy. Major providers that offer roadside coverage in Utah include State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, USAA, Allstate, and Nationwide. The add-on typically costs $5–$15 per year and covers towing, jump-starts, flat tires, lockouts, and fuel delivery.

Call your insurer before paying a tow company out of pocket. If you have coverage, the tow may be entirely free or subject only to a small deductible.

Under normal conditions, most tow trucks in your city arrive within 30–60 minutes. During heavy snowstorms, rush hour on I-15, or high-demand periods (such as winter storms when accidents spike), wait times can stretch to 90 minutes or longer.

Tips to reduce your wait:

• Call multiple companies simultaneously and take the first available
• Use a directory like National Tow Connect that shows companies by service area
• Be precise about your location — give the nearest cross street and mile marker if on a highway

Most tow truck operators in your area will allow one passenger in the cab — but it is at the driver's discretion and varies by company policy. Always ask before assuming. Some companies limit passengers for liability reasons, and a few require you to arrange separate transportation.

If you're broken down in a dangerous location (highway shoulder, dark canyon road), the driver may allow or even encourage you to ride along for safety. When in doubt, ask when you call — before dispatch.

Your safety is the priority while waiting:

1. Turn on hazard lights immediately — even before calling.
2. Move off the road if possible — pull fully into the shoulder or a parking lot.
3. Get out and stand clear — if you're on a freeway, get behind the guardrail, not between your car and traffic.
4. Set out warning devices — flares or reflective triangles if you have them.
5. Gather your documents — insurance card, registration, ID, and note the tow company's name and ETA.
6. Stay visible but safe — keep your phone charged and stay in an area where you can easily flag down the driver.

Yes. If your vehicle is inoperable but not in a dangerous location, you can schedule a tow in advance. This is common when your car won't start at home or when a shop needs to pick up a vehicle. Scheduled tows are typically cheaper than emergency dispatches because they're not treated as urgent calls — you avoid after-hours surcharges and the driver can route efficiently. Call your chosen company, provide your address and destination, and confirm the price and time window upfront.

The answer depends on why it was towed:

• You called the tow truck: Your car goes to the destination you specified — your mechanic, home, dealer, or a storage facility of your choice.
• Towed for parking violation or accident: The vehicle goes to an authorized impound or storage lot. You'll need to pay impound fees and daily storage fees to retrieve it. Utah law requires the towing company to notify you within 24 hours and provide an itemized bill upon request.

If towed from private property without your consent, the company must accept credit/debit card payment under Utah state law.

Flatbed towing loads your entire vehicle onto a flat platform — all four wheels are completely off the ground. It's the safest method for almost any vehicle. Cost: $100–$250 in your area.

Wheel-lift towing uses a metal yoke to lift either the front or rear axle while the other pair of wheels remains on the ground. It's the cheaper option ($75–$150) and works fine for standard two-wheel-drive vehicles.

Important: If you drive an AWD, 4WD, or all-wheel-drive vehicle, always request a flatbed. Wheel-lifting an AWD vehicle with wheels on the ground can cause severe damage to the transfer case and drivetrain. The same applies to electric vehicles, low-clearance sports cars, and luxury vehicles.

Yes — but only with a flatbed truck. Wheel-lift or hook-and-chain towing of an AWD or 4WD vehicle (Subaru, Jeep, Audi Quattro, Tesla, etc.) can severely damage the transfer case and drivetrain, resulting in repairs costing $1,000–$5,000+. When you call, tell the dispatcher you have an AWD or 4WD vehicle and confirm they're sending a flatbed. Do not let them use a wheel-lift on your AWD car.

Yes, but EVs (Tesla, Rivian, Chevy Bolt, Ford F-150 Lightning, etc.) must always be towed on a flatbed. The electric motor and regenerative braking systems can be seriously damaged if wheels touch the ground while being towed. Always specify that you have an electric vehicle when calling, and explicitly confirm the company is dispatching a flatbed. Most reputable SLC towing companies are familiar with EV requirements.

Roadside assistance is a broader service category that includes towing but also covers:

• Flat tire changes
• Battery jump-starts
• Lockout service (locked keys in car)
• Fuel delivery (if you run out of gas)
• Winching (if stuck in snow or mud)

Towing is specifically when your vehicle needs to be transported to another location because it can't be driven. Many SLC companies offer both — search our directory by service type to find the right provider for your situation.

Many tow truck companies in your area advertise 24/7 emergency service — but not all companies operate around the clock. When searching for late-night or early morning help, look specifically for companies marked as 24-hour available. Most true 24/7 providers charge an after-hours surcharge (typically $25–$75) for calls between roughly 9 PM and 6 AM, and on weekends and holidays.

Browse 24/7 towing companies in your area →

Yes. Utah tow truck operators must be licensed by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) under Utah Code 72-9. Companies must maintain proper insurance, adhere to regulated rate structures, and follow state rules on notification for non-consensual tows. You have the right to ask any operator for proof of licensing. Unlicensed towing companies operating in your area can be reported to UDOT.

Look for these signals when choosing a tow company in your area:

• 4.0+ star rating with 50+ reviews on Google
• Physical address in the nationwide area
• Upfront pricing — they quote a total cost before dispatch
• Accepts credit cards — required by Utah law for non-consensual tows
• State-licensed — ask for their UDOT license number if unsure

The easiest approach: use the National Tow Connect directory, which lists pre-screened companies with verified reviews and contact info.

Several options can reduce or eliminate towing costs:

• Check your auto insurance — roadside assistance is often included or costs just $5–$15/year to add
• AAA Basic membership (~$70/year) covers unlimited tows up to 5 miles
• Credit card perks — Visa Signature, Amex, and some Mastercards include free roadside
• Schedule vs. emergency — non-urgent tows called during business hours avoid after-hours surcharges
• Tow short — tow to the nearest shop (2 miles) instead of your preferred mechanic (15 miles) to cut the per-mile cost