💰 Quick Answer: A standard tow truck cost in Toronto ranges from $90 to $300+ depending on distance, vehicle type, and time of day. Most companies charge a base hook-up fee of $90–$150 plus $3–$6 per km after the first few kilometres. After-hours, heavy-duty, and accident tows cost more. For a transparent quote right now, call Towing Toronto at (647) 812-1477.
Need a tow? Get an upfront quote — no hidden fees.
Nobody plans on needing a tow truck. But when your car breaks down on the Gardiner, gets into a fender bender on the 401, or simply refuses to start on a freezing January morning, the first question that runs through your mind is: how much is this going to cost me?
The honest answer is: it depends. Tow truck costs in Toronto vary based on the type of truck, distance, time of day, and whether your vehicle needs special handling. This guide breaks down exactly what you should expect to pay in 2026, what factors drive the price up (or down), how Ontario’s towing regulations protect you, and how to avoid getting overcharged.
For a quick-reference breakdown of our specific service rates, see our Towing Cost Toronto Price Guide.
Average Tow Truck Cost in Toronto (2026)
Here is what you can realistically expect to pay for a tow in the Greater Toronto Area in 2026. These figures reflect typical market rates across licensed towing companies:
💡 How pricing typically works: Most Toronto towing companies charge a base hook-up fee (typically $90–$150) that covers the dispatch, arrival, and loading of your vehicle. After that, you pay $3–$6 per kilometre for the distance towed. Some companies offer flat rates for common routes instead. Always ask for a total price before authorizing the tow.
7 Factors That Affect Your Tow Truck Cost
Two tows in the same city can cost very different amounts. Here is why:
Distance
The single biggest cost driver. A 5 km tow to the nearest mechanic might be $100, while a 50 km tow from downtown to Barrie could exceed $400. Per-kilometre charges of $3–$6 add up fast on longer trips.
Vehicle Type and Weight
Under the TSSEA, tow rates are categorized by the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). A standard sedan (under 4,536 kg) is the cheapest to tow. Larger SUVs, trucks, RVs, and commercial vehicles require heavier equipment and cost more. RV towing and boat towing are specialized services with their own pricing.
Type of Tow Truck
A wheel-lift (hook) tow truck is the most affordable option for front- or rear-wheel-drive vehicles. A flatbed tow truck costs more but is required for all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles, electric vehicles, luxury cars, and damaged vehicles to prevent further harm.
Time of Day and Day of Week
After-hours tows (typically between 10 PM and 7 AM), weekends, and statutory holidays often carry a surcharge of $50–$100. 24-hour towing is available, but expect to pay a premium outside regular business hours.
Recovery Difficulty
A vehicle sitting in a parking lot is easy to load. A car stuck in a ditch, buried in snow, or trapped in an underground parking garage requires a winch-out or special low-clearance equipment — adding $50–$200+ to the bill.
Storage Fees
If your vehicle is towed to a storage lot instead of a shop or home, daily storage fees of $20–$75 per day kick in immediately. These add up quickly — a vehicle left for a week can accumulate $350+ in storage alone. For storage options, see vehicle storage.
Toll Roads
If the tow route uses Highway 407, the toll charges are passed on to you. A single trip on the 407 with a tow truck can add $15–$40 to the total. Ask your towing company whether they plan to use toll routes and if there is an alternative.
Need a Tow? Get an Honest Quote First.
Towing Toronto gives you the price upfront — no surprises, no hidden charges.
Real-World Towing Scenarios and What They Cost
Pricing tables are helpful, but real situations paint a clearer picture. Here is what common towing scenarios actually cost in Toronto:
Ontario’s Towing Regulations: How TSSEA Protects You
Since January 1, 2024, towing in Ontario is regulated under the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA). This provincial law replaced the old patchwork of municipal bylaws and introduced province-wide rules that protect drivers from being overcharged. The Ontario government’s towing rights page provides a full overview of your protections. Here is what the TSSEA means for your tow truck cost:
✅ Every tow operator must publish a maximum rate schedule with the province
✅ You must receive a copy of the rate schedule before consenting to the tow
✅ Operators cannot charge more than their published maximum rates
✅ You must receive an itemized invoice listing every charge
✅ Tow trucks must display their TSSEA certificate number on the vehicle
✅ Operators are prohibited from recommending body shops or repair facilities
✅ You have the right to choose your own tow truck at an accident scene
You can look up any licensed tow operator’s rates on the Ontario MTO rate schedule portal. For a full breakdown of your rights under the new rules, read our guide on Ontario towing rights.
Hidden Towing Fees and Charges to Watch Out For
Even with TSSEA regulations, some charges catch drivers off guard. Here are the most common extra fees that can inflate your final bill:
⚠️ Red Flag: If a tow truck arrives unsolicited at the scene of an accident and pressures you to sign before showing a rate schedule, that is a warning sign. Under TSSEA, you must receive the rate schedule before giving consent. Learn how to spot and avoid predatory towing in our guide on unsolicited towing services.
6 Ways to Save Money on Towing in Toronto
Check your insurance coverage. Many Ontario auto insurance policies include roadside assistance or towing coverage. Some cover the first $50–$150 of a tow. Check your policy or ask your insurer before paying out of pocket. Towing Toronto offers direct insurance billing to simplify claims.
Get multiple quotes. If the situation is not an emergency, call 2–3 towing companies and compare prices. Ask for the total cost including any surcharges — not just the base fee.
Tow to the nearest shop, not the farthest. Distance is the biggest cost multiplier. Ask the tow company to take you to the closest reputable repair shop rather than one across town.
Consider roadside assistance instead. If your issue is a flat tire, dead battery, or empty gas tank, you might not need a tow at all. Roadside assistance from Towing Toronto can often solve the problem on the spot for less than the cost of a tow.
Avoid storage lots. Request a tow directly to a repair shop, your home, or your dealership. Every day your car sits in a storage lot costs $20–$75. Picking up your vehicle promptly saves hundreds.
Read the rate schedule. Under TSSEA, every tow company must give you their maximum rate schedule before you sign. Take 30 seconds to review it — it could save you $100+.
For more strategies, read our full guide on how to save money on tows.
Tow Truck Costs Across the GTA
Towing rates are generally consistent across the GTA, but some regions have slightly higher or lower averages depending on demand and distance to repair facilities. Here is a rough comparison:
Why Drivers Choose Towing Toronto
Towing Toronto is a fully licensed towing company serving the entire GTA, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We handle everything from standard roadside breakdowns and accident towing to specialty services like EV towing, motorcycle towing, and RV towing. Our rates are transparent, our drivers are TSSEA-certified, and we provide direct insurance billing so you do not have to chase reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tow Truck Costs
How much does a tow truck cost in Toronto?
A standard tow in Toronto typically costs between $90 and $300 depending on distance. Most companies charge a base hook-up fee of $90 to $150 plus $3 to $6 per kilometre after the first few km. After-hours, flatbed, or heavy-duty tows cost more.
What is the average cost for a tow truck per kilometre?
In the GTA, per-kilometre towing charges typically range from $3 to $6 per km. This applies after the base hook-up fee, which covers the initial dispatch and loading. Longer distances reduce the per-km effective rate because the base fee is spread over more kilometres.
Is flatbed towing more expensive than regular towing?
Yes. Flatbed towing typically costs $25 to $75 more than a standard wheel-lift tow for the same distance. However, flatbeds are required for AWD vehicles, electric vehicles, luxury cars, and any vehicle with significant damage to prevent further harm during transport.
Does insurance cover towing costs in Ontario?
Many Ontario auto insurance policies include some towing coverage, typically $50 to $150 per incident. If you have CAA or another roadside assistance plan, towing may be fully covered up to a certain distance. After an accident, towing charges are generally included in your collision claim.
How much does it cost to tow a car after an accident in Toronto?
Accident towing from the collision scene to a Collision Reporting Centre in Toronto has a regulated flat rate of $310.44 plus tax. This fee is paid at the CRC. Any additional tow from the CRC to a body shop or home is a separate charge at normal towing rates.
Are towing rates regulated in Ontario?
Yes. Since January 2024, all tow operators in Ontario must register a maximum rate schedule with the province under TSSEA. They cannot charge more than their published rates, and they must show you the schedule before you consent to the tow.
Why do towing charges vary so much between companies?
Each tow operator sets their own rates (up to a maximum). Factors include the company’s operating costs, fleet size, equipment quality, insurance premiums, and demand. Companies with newer flatbed fleets or 24/7 availability may charge slightly more than basic operators.
Can I choose my own tow truck at an accident scene?
Yes. Under Ontario law, you have the right to use the tow truck at the scene or call your own. Never feel pressured into using a tow truck that arrives unsolicited. You can always call Towing Toronto at (647) 812-1477 and request your own truck.
How much does it cost to tow an electric vehicle (EV)?
EVs require flatbed towing to protect the battery and drivetrain, which typically costs $150 to $350 for a local tow. Some tow trucks carry EV-specific jack pads and equipment. Towing Toronto offers dedicated EV towing for Tesla, Rivian, and other electric vehicles.
What is the cheapest way to get a tow in Toronto?
The cheapest option is to use roadside assistance coverage through your insurance or CAA. If paying out of pocket, call 2–3 companies for quotes, tow to the nearest shop (not across town), avoid storage lots, and check if your issue can be fixed roadside instead. Read our full guide on saving money on tows.
Transparent Towing Rates. No Hidden Fees.
Call Towing Toronto for an upfront quote — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Recent Comments