What does it cost to tow a car in Chicago? On average, towing a standard car in the city can run around $100 to $250 or more. Factors like the distance of the tow, your vehicle’s type, and even the time of day all play a role in the final price. Most Chicago tow companies charge a base hook-up fee plus a per-mile rate for longer distances. We’ll break down these costs so you know what to expect. For personalized help or to ensure your insurance covers towing, call Insure on the Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060.
1. Vehicle Size and Weight Affect Towing Cost
The type of vehicle you drive makes a big difference in towing prices. Larger and heavier vehicles like SUVs, pickup trucks, or vans typically cost more to tow than a small sedan. This is because heavy vehicles may require a bigger tow truck or special equipment. If you drive a large SUV on Chicago’s streets, expect that a tow could be slightly pricier than it would be for a compact car.
Even the City of Chicago’s towing fees reflect this difference – it costs about $150 to tow a standard car, but around $250 for very heavy vehicles. That’s a $100 difference just due to weight. Private tow companies follow similar logic, often adding an extra charge for oversized or particularly heavy vehicles. On the other hand, motorcycles might be on the cheaper end since they’re lighter and easier to handle.
2. Distance and Per-Mile Rates Drive the Price
How far you need your car towed is one of the most important cost factors. Towing companies usually have a hook-up fee (a flat rate to attach your car to the tow truck, which could be around $75 to $100 in Chicago) and then charge a per-mile rate for the distance. The per-mile fee often ranges from about $3 to $5 per mile. That means the longer the tow, the higher your bill.
For example, a short tow within Chicago – say a couple of miles to the nearest repair shop – might cost around $100 total. But if you need your car towed 20 or 30 miles out to a suburban mechanic, the cost can climb well above $200. Here are some rough estimates for distance-based towing costs:
- Short local tow (5 miles or less): Roughly $75–$125 total
- Moderate tow (around 20 miles): About $150–$200 or more
- Long-distance tow (50+ miles): $300 and up, depending on mileage
3. Time of Day and Week Can Affect Towing Fees
When you need a tow can impact how much it costs. Many towing services in Chicago charge extra if you call them outside of normal business hours. If your car breaks down late at night or on a Sunday, you might see an after-hours surcharge added to your bill. This could be a flat fee (for example, an extra $20–$50) for nighttime or holiday towing.
Think of it like peak vs. off-peak pricing. During regular daytime hours, there are plenty of tow trucks available, so rates stay normal. But at 3 AM or during a major holiday, tow truck drivers are in short supply – and the ones on duty may charge a premium. Chicago’s harsh winters can also play a role: needing a tow during a snowstorm at night might cost more due to high demand and tough conditions. Whenever possible, if a breakdown is not urgent, arranging a tow during the daytime could save you some money.
4. Location and Special Situations Add Costs
Where your car is and what condition it’s in will influence towing charges. If your vehicle is stuck in a ditch, snowbank, or mud (common during Chicago winters), the tow truck might need to perform extra recovery work to pull it free. Services like winching or complicated recoveries often come with additional fees, since they take more time and special equipment. Similarly, towing from a tight space like a parking garage or a busy downtown street might involve more effort, which could increase the cost.
There are also fees specific to certain situations. For instance, if your car was illegally parked and got towed by the City of Chicago, you’ll face set city fees (around $150 for the tow plus daily storage fees at the impound lot). Those are separate from a regular service call. Below are some special towing scenarios and their potential extra costs:
| Special Situation | Possible Extra Cost |
| Car stuck in mud or snow | Winching fee: ~$50–$100 extra |
| Accident with cleanup needed | Cleanup or recovery fee: $50+ |
| Illegally parked (city impound) | City tow charge: ~$150 + $25/day storage |
| Oversized vehicle or trailer | Special equipment fee: +$50 or more |
5. Insurance Coverage and Roadside Assistance Can Help
Nobody likes paying a big towing bill out of pocket. The good news is, the right insurance coverage can take care of these costs. In Illinois, auto insurance policies don’t automatically cover towing, but you can add an optional roadside assistance or towing and labor coverage to your plan. If you have this coverage, your insurer will pay for or reimburse the towing expenses (up to certain limits) when your car needs a tow.
For example, if you’re stranded on the Kennedy Expressway with a breakdown, having roadside assistance means you can call your insurer’s hotline and get a tow truck dispatched without worrying about the immediate cost. Additionally, if you’re in an accident and another driver is at fault, that driver’s liability insurance will typically cover your towing and car removal from the scene. It’s also worth considering membership programs like AAA, which provide towing service as part of their plans.
- Review your policy: Check if your auto insurance includes towing or roadside assistance. Some plans cover a certain number of miles or tows per year.
- Add coverage if needed: If you don’t have towing coverage, consider adding it. You can also join a motor club (like AAA) for roadside help.
- Keep emergency contacts handy: Save the number for your insurer’s roadside hotline or a reputable local tow service in your phone. A little preparation can save time and money during a breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does car insurance cover towing in Illinois?
A: Yes – but only if you have added roadside assistance or towing coverage to your auto policy. Standard insurance (liability or collision) won’t automatically pay for a tow. However, if another driver caused an accident, their liability insurance should cover towing your car.
Q: How much does Chicago charge if your car is towed by the city?
A: Chicago’s city tow fee is about $150 for an average passenger car. On top of that, you’ll owe around $25 per day in storage fees if your vehicle is taken to the city impound lot. Larger vehicles cost more — roughly $250 to tow and $50 per day storage.
Q: What’s the minimum auto insurance required in Illinois?
A: Illinois drivers must carry at least 25/50/20 liability coverage. This means $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 property damage minimum. It’s the legal minimum to drive, although higher coverage limits are recommended for better protection.
Q: How can I avoid high towing costs in Chicago?
A: The best way to avoid big towing bills is to be prepared. Keep up with car maintenance to prevent breakdowns and always park legally to avoid city towing fines. Also, consider adding a roadside assistance plan or towing coverage to your insurance so you’re covered if you do need a tow.
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Chicago drivers deserve affordable coverage and peace of mind on the road, and Insure on the Spot is the local expert to help make it happen with the right auto insurance protection – including options for towing and roadside assistance. Don’t let a surprise towing bill stress you out. Call 773-202-5060 or get a Free Quote Online Today to stay protected and save you money.