How Much Does a Tow Truck Cost in Edmonton? Rates & Fees Explained
💲 Quick Answer — Edmonton Towing Rates (2026)
The average tow truck cost in Edmonton ranges from $85–$125 for a local tow (up to 10 km). Flatbed towing runs $120–$160, and long-distance towing costs $3–$4.50 per km beyond the base rate. Roadside services like battery boosts and tire changes are cheaper at $50–$85.
Edmonton Towing provides upfront pricing with no hidden fees — call for a free quote before we dispatch.
Whether your car broke down on the Henday, you need a vehicle transported across the city, or you’re comparing prices after an accident — the first question is always the same: how much is this going to cost me?
The truth is, tow truck cost in Edmonton varies widely depending on the type of tow, the distance, your vehicle size, and the time of day. Some drivers pay $85. Others get surprised by a $400 bill. The difference usually comes down to understanding how towing is priced — and choosing the right company.
This guide breaks down real towing rates for every common scenario in Edmonton, explains the fee structures companies use, and shows you exactly how to avoid paying more than you should.
Edmonton Towing Rates at a Glance (2026)
Here’s what you can expect to pay for the most common towing and roadside assistance services in Edmonton. These are typical market rates — not all companies charge the same.
💡 Price-Saving Tip
Many roadside problems don’t need a tow at all. A dead battery costs $50–$85 to boost vs. $85+ to tow to a garage. A flat tire costs $55–$85 to change on-site vs. $85+ to tow. Always describe your problem clearly when calling — a reputable company will suggest the cheapest fix first.
What Factors Affect Tow Truck Cost in Edmonton?
No two towing calls are exactly the same. Here are the main variables that determine your final car tow price:
📏 Distance — The Biggest Factor
Most Edmonton towing companies include 5–10 km in their base rate. Beyond that, you’ll pay $3–$4.50 per additional kilometre. A tow from Mill Woods to a shop in Westmount (about 18 km) will cost more than a 5 km tow within Downtown.
🚗 Vehicle Type & Size
A compact sedan is cheaper to tow than a full-size truck or SUV. Commercial vehicles, buses, RVs, and equipment require heavy-duty towing with specialized trucks, which costs $250–$500+ depending on the job.
🛻 Tow Truck Type
Flatbed towing costs more than a standard wheel-lift tow ($120–$160 vs. $85–$125) because of the larger truck and loading process. However, flatbed is required for AWD vehicles, luxury cars, and vehicles with significant damage.
🕐 Time of Day
After-hours service (typically 11 PM–6 AM), weekends, and holidays may include a surcharge of $25–$50 with some companies. Others, like Edmonton Towing, keep rates consistent — always ask before dispatching.
📍 Your Location & Accessibility
Being stuck in an underground parking garage, a tight alley, or off-road requires extra time and sometimes specialized equipment. Highway recovery often costs more than a simple parking-lot pickup due to traffic management needs.
⚠️ Recovery Complexity
A car in a ditch, rolled vehicle, or accident scene requires winching and recovery before towing — adding $100–$200+ depending on how difficult the extraction is.
Towing Cost by Distance: Common Edmonton Routes
To give you a realistic sense of pricing, here’s what popular towing routes typically cost across Edmonton and nearby cities:
For city-to-city transport, see our long-distance towing service — we offer competitive per-kilometre rates for routes throughout Alberta.
Hidden Towing Fees to Watch For
The base rate you’re quoted isn’t always the final bill. Some Edmonton towing companies tack on extra charges that can double your cost. Here’s what to ask about before you agree to a dispatch:
⚠️ Common Hidden Fees in Edmonton Towing
- After-hours surcharge: $25–$50 extra for late-night, weekend, or holiday service
- Fuel surcharge: Some companies add 5–10% when gas prices exceed a certain threshold
- Mileage for the truck to reach you: Charging from their yard to your location, not just your location to the destination
- Storage fees: $25–$75/day if your car sits at their yard waiting to be picked up
- Winching / extra labour: $75–$200+ if recovery work is needed before towing
- “Administration” or “dispatch” fees: A red flag — reputable companies include this in the base rate
- Tolls or special route charges: Rare in Edmonton but possible for highway-specific situations
💡 How to Avoid Hidden Fees
Always ask: “What is the total price including everything — hook-up, mileage, and any surcharges?” A transparent company will give you one number. If the person on the phone hesitates, stutters, or says “it depends” without providing a range — call someone else.
Cheap Tow vs. Quality Tow: What’s the Real Difference?
When you’re searching for affordable towing near me or cheap tow near me, the lowest price isn’t always the best deal. Here’s a real comparison of what you get:
🏷️ Bottom-Dollar Towing
- ❌ No upfront pricing — final bill is a surprise
- ❌ Unlicensed or underinsured operators
- ❌ Old equipment that can damage your car
- ❌ Hidden fees added after the job
- ❌ Long wait times, unreliable ETAs
- ❌ Cash-only, no receipt
- 💲 Advertised: $50–$70
- 💲 Actual cost: $150–$300+
✅ Reputable Towing Company
- ✅ Clear quote over the phone before dispatch
- ✅ Licensed, insured, and reviewed
- ✅ Modern flatbed and wheel-lift trucks
- ✅ No hidden fees — price quoted is price paid
- ✅ Reliable response times with ETA
- ✅ Multiple payment options + invoice
- 💲 Quoted: $85–$125
- 💲 Actual cost: $85–$125 (same)
The bottom line: a tow truck advertising $50 will almost certainly cost you more than one quoting $85 upfront. Transparent pricing protects you — especially during a stressful emergency.
Transparent Towing Pricing — No Hidden Fees
Call for an exact quote before we dispatch • Available 24/7
Does Insurance Cover Towing in Alberta?
Many Alberta drivers can recover some or all of their tow truck cost through insurance. Here’s what to know:
After an accident (collision coverage): Most policies cover towing to a repair shop. You may need to pay upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement — or use an insurance-approved towing company that bills your insurer directly.
Roadside assistance add-on: Available from most Alberta insurers for $20–$40/year. Typically covers towing, battery boost, tire change, lockout, and fuel delivery up to a per-incident cap.
Comprehensive coverage: May cover towing for theft recovery, vandalism, or weather damage. Check your policy details.
New vehicle manufacturer warranty: Many brands include complimentary roadside assistance for the first 3–5 years. Check your owner’s manual or call your dealership to confirm.
According to the Alberta government’s auto insurance guide, drivers should review their policy annually to understand what coverage is included. Even a basic roadside add-on can save you hundreds if you need towing once or twice a year.
Towing vs. Roadside Fix: When a Tow Isn’t Necessary
Not every breakdown needs a tow. Many roadside problems can be solved on-site for significantly less money. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
See our guide on when your car actually needs a tow to help you decide in the moment.
How to Get the Best Towing Price in Edmonton
You don’t need to overpay for towing. Here are proven ways to keep your towing rates as low as possible:
Get a quote before dispatching. Call and ask for a total price including hook-up, mileage, and any surcharges. A legitimate company will quote you over the phone.
Choose the nearest shop. The closer your destination, the less you pay in per-km charges. Ask the tow company to recommend the nearest reputable mechanic.
Ask about on-site solutions first. A boost, tire change, or fuel delivery is almost always cheaper than towing. A good company will suggest the cheapest option.
Check your insurance first. If you’re in an accident, your insurer likely covers towing. Call them while waiting for the truck — they may direct you to an approved provider.
Save a towing company’s number now. Drivers who panic-search “cheap tow near me” during an emergency are more vulnerable to scam operators. Save a trusted company’s number in your phone today.
Flatbed Towing vs. Wheel-Lift Towing: Cost Comparison
The two most common towing methods have different price points — and different use cases:
Wheel-lift towing ($85–$125): The front or rear wheels are lifted while the other set rolls on the ground. Works well for front-wheel-drive cars over short distances. The most affordable option for standard vehicles.
Flatbed towing ($120–$160): Your entire vehicle is loaded onto a flat platform and transported without any wheels touching the road. Required for AWD/4WD vehicles, lowered cars, luxury vehicles, and any car with significant damage. Learn more about when flatbed towing is the right choice.
While flatbed costs $35–$50 more upfront, it prevents drivetrain damage on AWD vehicles — damage that can cost $1,500–$5,000 to repair. For most modern vehicles, the small extra cost of a flatbed is well worth the protection.
How Edmonton Compares to Other Alberta Cities
Curious how tow truck cost in Edmonton stacks up against Calgary and other Alberta cities? Rates are relatively similar across the province, with Edmonton generally being slightly more affordable due to competition:
Edmonton benefits from a high number of towing companies competing for business, which keeps towing rates competitive. Remote Alberta communities pay significantly more due to travel distances.
Accident Towing Costs: What to Expect After a Collision
Accident towing is typically more expensive than a standard tow because it often involves additional work:
- Scene cleanup: Removing debris, broken glass, and fluids from the road
- Recovery work: Righting an overturned vehicle or extracting one from a barrier
- Documentation: Photos and condition reports required by insurance companies
- Flatbed requirement: Damaged vehicles almost always need flatbed transport
Expect $150–$300+ for accident towing in Edmonton. The good news: if the accident wasn’t your fault, the at-fault driver’s insurance typically covers your tow. Even if you’re at fault, collision coverage usually reimburses towing to a repair facility. Read our full guide on insurance-approved accident towing in Edmonton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Towing Costs in Edmonton
How much does a tow truck cost in Edmonton?
A standard local tow (up to 10 km) costs $85–$125 in Edmonton. Flatbed towing runs $120–$160. Heavy-duty towing for trucks or commercial vehicles starts at $250. Roadside services like battery boosts ($50–$85) and tire changes ($55–$85) are cheaper alternatives when a tow isn’t necessary.
How much does towing cost per kilometre in Edmonton?
Most Edmonton towing companies charge $3–$4.50 per kilometre for distance beyond the base rate (which typically includes the first 5–10 km). A 30 km tow would cost roughly $125–$200 depending on the provider and vehicle type.
Why is flatbed towing more expensive?
Flatbed trucks are larger, more expensive to operate, and require more time to load and unload vehicles. However, they provide the safest transport — your car rides on a platform with all four wheels off the ground. This is required for AWD vehicles and recommended for luxury or lowered cars.
Is towing more expensive at night or on weekends?
Some companies add an after-hours surcharge of $25–$50 for service between 11 PM and 6 AM or on holidays. Others keep rates the same 24/7. Always ask about time-of-day pricing when you call so there are no surprises on the invoice.
Does my insurance pay for towing?
It depends on your policy. Collision coverage usually includes towing after accidents. Many insurers offer a roadside assistance add-on for $20–$40/year that covers breakdowns too. Check your policy or call your insurance company — you may already be covered without knowing it.
How can I find affordable towing near me in Edmonton?
Look for companies with transparent pricing, strong Google reviews, and upfront phone quotes. Avoid companies that won’t give you a price until after the job is done. Choosing the nearest tow destination (repair shop) also keeps costs down by minimizing distance charges.
How much does it cost to tow a car from Edmonton to Calgary?
A long-distance tow from Edmonton to Calgary (approximately 300 km) typically costs $900–$1,350, depending on the vehicle type and provider. Flatbed transport is recommended for this distance. Edmonton Towing offers competitive long-distance rates — call for an exact quote.
Are there storage fees if my car sits at the towing yard?
Yes, most towing companies charge $25–$75 per day for vehicle storage. If your car is towed after an accident or breakdown, arrange to pick it up or have it moved to a repair shop as quickly as possible to avoid accumulating storage fees.
How much does heavy-duty towing cost in Edmonton?
Heavy-duty towing for commercial trucks, buses, RVs, or heavy equipment starts at $250 and can exceed $500+ depending on the vehicle size and recovery complexity. These jobs require specialized trucks and equipment. See our heavy-duty towing service for details.
Can I negotiate towing prices?
Reputable towing companies typically have set rates, so there isn’t much room for negotiation. However, you can save money by choosing the nearest destination, asking about on-site fixes instead of towing, and confirming there are no hidden surcharges before the truck is dispatched.
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