The price of a tow depends on the job, so there is no single number that fits every tow. The main factors are the distance, the type and weight of the vehicle, the equipment needed, any recovery work, the time of day, and storage. O’Hara & Sons Towing does not post a flat price on this page. Call (267) 377-3246 with your location, your vehicle and where it needs to go, and ask for the total before you agree.

What decides the cost of a tow?

  • Distance. How far the truck travels to reach you and how far the vehicle is carried. See long-distance towing.
  • Vehicle type and weight. A small car, an SUV, a motorcycle and a heavier vehicle need different equipment. See flatbed towing.
  • Special handling. All-wheel drive, low clearance, a car that will not roll, or a damaged vehicle can need more time or a particular kind of truck.
  • Recovery work. A car off the road, stuck in mud or snow, or in a tight spot may need a winch-out before it can be towed.
  • Time and conditions. Night, weekend and severe-weather calls can be priced differently by some companies. Ask.
  • Storage. If the vehicle stays at a yard, storage may be charged by the day. See vehicle storage.

What should I ask a tow company before I say yes?

  1. What is the total I should expect for this job, and what is included?
  2. Is that price for a hook-up plus mileage, or one flat amount?
  3. Are there extra charges for winching, waiting time, tolls or after-hours service?
  4. What will storage cost per day if the vehicle stays at your yard, and when does it start?
  5. How can I pay? Ask this on the call, not at the roadside.
  6. Can you give me the company name, a call-back number and a written receipt?

These questions work for any company. We are glad to answer them for ours.

Are some tows priced by the city or the state?

Yes. Some tows in Philadelphia are not a free-for-all between you and the tow company. If the Philadelphia Parking Authority tows a vehicle, the PPA sets and publishes its own tow and storage fees. Tows made at the direction of police under the city’s rotational towing program, and tows of vehicles from private property, are subject to rules in Philadelphia Code § 9-605, which include limits on what can be charged for certain tows. For other tows inside the city, the code calls for a towing agreement that includes a certified schedule of fees. Towing companies in Philadelphia are expected to carry a certified fee schedule and make it available to you, so you can ask to see it.

We do not list the dollar limits here because they can change. Check the current code or ask the company for its schedule.

Does insurance or roadside coverage pay for a tow?

Sometimes. Some auto insurance policies and roadside plans include towing, often with limits on distance. Check your policy or plan before the tow, and ask your provider whether you must use a specific company. Keep your receipt either way.

Sources and notes

A little clarity goes a long way

GOOD QUESTIONS.STRAIGHT ANSWERS.

Can O’Hara & Sons Towing tell me the price before the truck comes?

Call (267) 377-3246 and give us the location, the vehicle and the destination. Ask for the total and what it includes before you agree.

Why do two quotes for the same tow differ?

Companies price distance, equipment, time of day and extra work differently. Compare the same job: same pick-up, same destination, same vehicle, same extras.

Is storage extra?

It can be. If your vehicle stays at a yard, ask when storage begins and what it costs per day. See vehicle storage.

What if my car was towed by the city and I need to pay to get it back?

City and PPA tows follow their own fee schedules and release steps. See how to find and get your towed car in Philadelphia.

Should I pay before I know what the charge is?

No. Ask for the amount and what it covers first, and get a receipt.

Ask us about your tow

Call O’Hara & Sons Towing at (267) 377-3246, open 24/7, for greater Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware. See what to tell a tow truck dispatcher or contact us.