Nobody budgets for a tow. There is no line on the household spreadsheet labeled the day the transmission quit on I-575. So when it happens, the first question after is everyone okay is usually: how much is this going to cost me?
Fair question. Here is the honest breakdown, with our real price ranges and the things that make a tow cost more or less.
Short answer: In Canton and Cherokee County, most local car tows cost an $85 to $125 hook-up fee plus $3 to $5 per mile, so a 10-mile tow usually lands between about $115 and $175. Heavy-duty, long-distance and difficult recoveries cost more and are quoted by phone.
What You Are Actually Paying For
A tow bill usually has two main parts. Once you know them, the price stops feeling like a magic trick.
- Hook-up fee: covers sending the truck and operator and safely securing your vehicle. Ours is $85 to $125 for cars, SUVs and light trucks.
- Mileage: the distance from pickup to drop-off. Ours is $3 to $5 per mile.
- Extras, only when needed: a winch-out if the car is stuck, special equipment, or heavy-duty handling.
If something extra is needed, we tell you before we do it. No surprise line items added at the curb.
Typical Towing Prices in Canton, GA
Here are our typical price ranges for Canton and the rest of Cherokee County:
| Service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Local car tow (hook-up fee) | $85 to $125 |
| Mileage | $3 to $5 per mile |
| Example: 10-mile car tow | About $115 to $175 |
| Jump start, lockout or tire change | $65 to $95 |
| Fuel delivery | $65 to $95 plus fuel |
| Winch-out | From $125 |
| Heavy-duty or semi-truck towing | Quoted by phone |
| Long-distance towing | Quoted by phone |
Prices are estimates. We confirm your exact price on the phone before we dispatch. See all of our towing and roadside prices.
Six Things That Change the Price
- Distance: the biggest factor. A car that quits two miles from your mechanic costs less than one that quits 40 miles away. Cars never seem to consider this.
- Vehicle size and weight: a pickup with a trailer or a box truck needs bigger equipment than a sedan.
- Where the vehicle is: a ditch, a muddy yard or a tight parking garage can add a winch-out or extra time.
- Condition: locked wheels, collision damage or an all-wheel-drive car that must ride on a flatbed can change the setup.
- Time of day: some companies charge more for nights and holidays, so ask before you agree.
- Where it is going: your mechanic, a dealer across the county or your driveway. Same rules, different mileage.
Can You Skip the Tow Altogether?
Sometimes, yes, and it is cheaper. A dead battery, a flat with a usable spare, an empty tank or keys locked inside can usually be fixed on the spot for $65 to $95.
Tell the dispatcher exactly what happened. A good company sends roadside help instead of a tow truck when that is all you need.
Questions to Ask Before You Agree to a Tow
- What is the total price, including hook-up and mileage, to the address I choose?
- Is there any extra charge for nights, weekends or winching?
- Will you tow to my mechanic, or only to your yard?
- Can I pay by card, and will I get an itemized receipt?
- Are you licensed, and are you insured or bonded?
If the answers are vague, keep dialing. Vague on the phone rarely turns into clear on the invoice.
What If Your Car Was Towed Without Your Permission?
That is a different situation, called nonconsensual towing, like a tow from a private parking lot. In Georgia, companies that do it need a permit from the Georgia Department of Public Safety and cannot charge more than the state’s maximum rates, and local governments can set lower limits. See the DPS maximum rate tariff for nonconsensual towing.
The prices on this page are for tows you request yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tow cost per mile in Georgia?
It varies by company. Our rate in Canton and Cherokee County is $3 to $5 per mile on top of an $85 to $125 hook-up fee.
How much is a 10-mile tow?
With our rates, a local 10-mile car tow usually costs about $115 to $175, depending on the vehicle and location. We confirm the exact price before we dispatch.
Does car insurance pay for towing?
Many policies offer towing or roadside coverage as an add-on, and some credit cards and new-car warranties include it. Check your policy and keep your itemized receipt in case you need to file for reimbursement.
Is a jump start cheaper than a tow?
Yes. Our jump starts usually cost $65 to $95, while a tow starts at $85 to $125 plus mileage. If the car will not start after the jump, then a tow makes sense.
Will I know the price before the truck comes?
Yes. We quote the full price on the phone before we dispatch, day or night, so there are no surprises when we arrive.
Need Help in Canton, GA?
Time Strike Towing & Roadside provides 24/7 car towing across Canton and the surrounding Cherokee County area, 24 hours a day. We give you an honest quote before we dispatch.
Related services: Roadside Assistance and Heavy-Duty Towing. See all towing and roadside services or our service areas.