Most towing companies don’t charge purely by the mile. They charge a base rate, which often includes a few miles, and then a per-mile rate for every mile after that. At Skyline Towing, the base rate for a standard local tow is $125 in Wayne County or $145 in Oakland County, the first 5 miles are included, and each mile after that is $4. Here’s how to work out your own total before you call.
How per-mile towing charges work
When comparing companies, ask for two numbers: the base rate (sometimes called a hook-up fee) and the per-mile rate. Also ask how many miles the base rate includes and how miles are counted. A low per-mile rate can still cost more if the base rate is high or no miles are included.
Skyline counts miles from pickup to drop-off using driving distance and always rounds up to the next whole mile. There are no decimals and no rounding down, so the quote you get is the number you pay for a standard tow.
Example totals with Skyline’s rates
| Tow distance | Wayne County | Oakland County |
|---|---|---|
| 5 miles or less | $125 | $145 |
| 10 miles | $145 | $165 |
| 20 miles | $185 | $205 |
| 30 miles | $225 | $245 |
| 50 miles | $305 | $325 |
These are for a standard tow of a vehicle that rolls in neutral and can be reached normally. Add $25 if the car won’t roll and needs dollies or skates. Trips over 50 miles and tows starting in Macomb County are quoted by phone. Our towing prices page has a calculator that uses your actual addresses.
How to estimate your own tow
- Look up the driving distance from where the car is to where it’s going.
- Round up to the next whole mile.
- Subtract the miles included in the base rate.
- Multiply what’s left by the per-mile rate and add the base rate.
Example: a 13.2-mile tow that starts in Detroit rounds up to 14 miles. That’s 9 miles beyond the included 5, so $125 + (9 × $4) = $161.
What else can change the price
- The car won’t roll in neutral, or the wheels are locked or damaged
- It needs to be pulled out of a ditch, snow or mud first
- It was in a crash (accident tows are quoted separately)
- It’s a box truck, cargo van or other medium-duty vehicle
- It’s a long-distance trip, which is quoted as its own job (see long-distance towing)
How to keep mileage costs down
- Choose the nearest shop that can handle the repair.
- Confirm the destination address before the truck is dispatched. Changing it mid-tow can add miles.
- Check whether your insurance or roadside plan covers the first several miles.
- If the problem might be a battery, tire or lockout, ask for roadside service first. It may save you the tow.
For the full picture of what goes into a tow bill, see how much a tow truck costs in Detroit.
Get an exact number
Call Skyline Towing at (248) 832-6000 with your pickup and drop-off addresses and dispatch will give you the total before a truck goes out, or book a tow online.
Skyline Towing, 6450 E Hancock St, Detroit, MI 48207. (248) 832-6000.