Towing a car from a dealership to an independent mechanic is more common than people think. Maybe the dealer quoted you $3,000 for a transmission and your regular shop will do it for half that. Maybe you bought a used car that won't start and you need it moved before you can even assess the damage. Either way, you need a tow and you want to know what it's going to cost.
> **Quick Answer:** A short tow from a dealership to a nearby mechanic, typically under 10 miles, runs $75 to $125. Longer hauls of 20 to 50 miles cost $150 to $300 or more, depending on your location and the tow company. If you have roadside assistance through insurance, AAA, or a credit card, this tow is likely covered. Without coverage, you're paying out of pocket at per-mile rates that usually fall between $3 and $7 per mile after the hookup fee.
## What Does It Actually Cost to Tow a Car from a Dealership to a Mechanic?
Most local tows, under 10 miles, cost between $75 and $125 flat. Beyond that, tow companies typically charge a hookup fee of $50 to $75 plus a per-mile rate. Expect to pay $3 to $7 per mile depending on your area and whether the vehicle needs a flatbed, which it often does if it's all-wheel drive or has a locked-up drivetrain.
Example breakdown for a 25-mile tow:
- Hookup fee: $65
- Mileage: 25 miles x $5 = $125
- Total: roughly $190
In high-cost metro areas, that number climbs. In rural areas, it can drop, but so does competition, so don't assume cheaper.
If the car has a seized engine, locked wheels, or is sitting on a dealership lot where the driver has to maneuver around other vehicles, some companies charge a service fee on top of the standard rate. Ask before you book.
## Will Insurance or Roadside Assistance Pay for This?
It depends entirely on what coverage you have. Roadside assistance through your auto insurance policy typically covers towing for a breakdown, not for a transport you're choosing to make for financial reasons. If your car broke down at the dealership, that is a covered breakdown and you can likely get reimbursed. If the car runs fine and you're just moving it because you prefer a different shop, most policies will not cover it.
AAA will tow your car regardless of why it needs moving, up to the mileage limit of your membership tier. Classic members get 5 miles, Plus members get 100 miles, and Premier members get 200 miles. [How far AAA will tow your car for free](https://towwiththeflow.com/how-far-will-aaa-tow-your-car-for-free/) depends entirely on which tier you carry.
Credit cards with roadside assistance benefits, like certain Chase Sapphire or Visa Signature cards, usually cover towing for a disabled vehicle. A car that won't start at the dealership qualifies. A car you're choosing to relocate probably does not. Check your specific card's terms before assuming coverage. You can dig deeper into that question at [does credit card roadside assistance cover towing cost](https://towwiththeflow.com/does-credit-card-roadside-assistance-cover-towing-cost/).
[Does liability insurance cover towing costs](https://towwiththeflow.com/does-liability-insurance-cover-towing-costs/) is a separate question worth reading if you're not sure what type of policy you have. Liability-only policies almost never include towing.
## How Do I Get the Best Price on This Tow?
Call at least two tow companies and ask for a quote with the hookup fee and per-mile rate stated separately. Some companies advertise low hookup fees but charge $8 per mile. Others charge a higher hookup fee but $3 per mile, which wins on a
*Photo: Pexels*
nything over 15 miles.
Flatbed tows cost more than wheel-lift tows. If your car runs and steers but just won't start, a wheel-lift is usually fine. If the steering is locked, the transmission is seized, or the car is all-wheel drive, insist on a flatbed. Dragging an AWD vehicle on a wheel-lift can destroy the rear differential.
Timing matters too. Weekday business hours get you faster service and sometimes better rates. Weekend and evening calls often come with availability surcharges, especially from smaller operators.
Check whether the dealership itself has a preferred tow company. Some dealers contract with local operators at a set rate, which can actually be reasonable. Others mark it up. Ask the service advisor directly: "What would it cost to tow this car 20 miles?" and then compare that quote to one you get yourself.
## What If the Car Can't Be Driven Out of the Dealership Lot?
A car that's partially disassembled, has a locked drivetrain, or won't start still gets towed, it just may cost slightly more. The tow driver may need extra time to safely load a car that can't be put in neutral or that has low ground clearance from a failed suspension component. Expect a $25 to $50 add-on in these cases, though many companies absorb it into their standard flatbed rate.
If the car is fully inoperable because the dealer already started disassembly, like pulling a transmission mid-job, make sure the dealer reassembles enough for safe transport before the tow truck arrives. A good driver won't haul a car with loose drivetrain components unless they're secured. Confirm this with both the dealer and the tow company before you book.
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*Photo: Pexels*
## Common Questions
**Q: Is it legal to tow a car away from a dealership if they've already worked on it?**
A: Yes, you can take your car at any time, even mid-repair. The dealer may require you to pay for work already completed before releasing the vehicle, but they cannot legally hold your car hostage. Check your state's consumer protection laws if there's a dispute.
**Q: How much does a flatbed tow cost compared to a wheel-lift for this kind of move?**
A: Flatbeds typically run $20 to $50 more than wheel-lift tows on short hauls. For a 15-mile move, expect a wheel-lift around $95 to $110 and a flatbed around $125 to $150.
**Q: Can I negotiate the tow price with the dealership if they arrange it?**
A: Yes, but your leverage is limited once they've already called their preferred vendor. Your better move is to call a company yourself before telling the dealer you're moving the car. You keep control of who shows up and what you pay.
**Q: What if my mechanic is 50 or more miles away from the dealership?**
A: A 50-mile tow will cost $200 to $400 out of pocket. At that distance, it's worth checking whether your AAA membership covers the full distance or whether your insurance roadside benefit has a mileage cap. You can also look at [how much to tow a car 100 miles on the interstate](https://towwiththeflow.com/how-much-to-tow-car-100-miles-interstate/) for a sense of what longer hauls actually run.
**Q: Can the mechanic I'm going to arrange the tow on my behalf?**
A: Many independent shops have relationships with local tow operators and can make the call for you. Some will even front the tow cost and add it to your repair invoice. It's worth asking, especially if you're not local to the area where the car is sitting.
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*Need roadside help? Visit [Tow With The Flow](https://towwiththeflow.com/towing-car-from-dealership-to-mechanic-cost/) for real answers when your car breaks down.*
Towing a Car from a Dealership to a Mechanic: What It Costs and How to Save
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