Fort Worth towing costs in 2025 range from $75-$125 for local tows and $180-$300 for city-regulated services, with additional fees for storage, mileage, and specialized equipment. Understanding these pricing factors and your rights helps Fort Worth drivers avoid unexpected charges and choose the right towing service for their situation.
When your vehicle breaks down in Fort Worth, understanding towing costs upfront can save you from unexpected expenses and help you make informed decisions.
Fort Worth City-Regulated Towing Fees
The City of Fort Worth sets mandatory fees for police-initiated tows—situations like accidents, traffic violations, or vehicle impoundments.
These rates were last updated October 1, 2023, and remain in effect for 2025.
Standard Towing Fees
Standard Tow: $180.00
Tilt Bed/Rollback Tow: $180.00
Heavy Duty Tow: $300.00 per hour (2-hour minimum)
Additional City Fees
Beyond the base towing cost, expect these mandatory charges:
Administrative Fee: $32.00
Storage Fee: $22.85 per day (vehicles 25 feet or less), $39.99 per day (vehicles over 25 feet)
Notification Fee: $50.00 (applied if vehicle remains unclaimed for 48+ hours)
Extra Labor: $120.00 per hour (for complex recoveries)
Important: Storage fees begin immediately after towing and are calculated from midnight to midnight. A vehicle towed at 11:59 PM pays for a full day of storage.
Private Towing Company Costs in Fort Worth
Private towing companies offer more flexibility in pricing and services. Costs vary based on distance, vehicle type, and time of service.
Local Towing (Within 5-10 Miles)
Base Cost: $75 to $125
Additional Mileage: $2 to $4 per mile beyond base distance
Example: A 3-mile tow typically costs $75-$95
Long-Distance Towing
Hook-up Fee: $75
Per Mile Rate: $2 to $4
Example: A 20-mile tow costs approximately $115-$155
Specialized Towing Services
Flatbed Towing: $150+ (recommended for luxury vehicles, motorcycles, or damaged cars)
Heavy-Duty Towing: $300+ per hour (for trucks, RVs, commercial vehicles)
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation sets statewide maximum fees that private companies cannot exceed:
Vehicles 10,000 lbs or less: $272 maximum
Vehicles 10,001-24,999 lbs: $380 maximum
Vehicles 25,000+ lbs: $489 per unit (maximum $978)
These are caps—actual prices are often lower, especially in competitive markets like Fort Worth.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Storage Accumulation
Storage fees add up quickly. A vehicle stored for one week costs an additional $160-$280 depending on size, beyond the initial towing fee.
After-Hours Surcharges
Some private companies charge 25-50% more for:
Nighttime tows (typically 8 PM - 6 AM)
Weekend service
Holiday towing
Complex Recovery Fees
Additional charges apply for:
Winching vehicles from ditches or embankments
Accident scene cleanup
Multiple vehicle recoveries
Hazardous material situations
How to Minimize Towing Costs
Get Multiple Quotes
For non-emergency situations, call 2-3 local companies. Prices can vary by $50+ for the same service.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Many auto insurance policies include roadside assistance that covers:
Up to $100 in towing costs
Flatbed service when necessary
No additional deductible
Choose the Right Service Level
Don't pay for heavy-duty service if your passenger car only needs basic towing. Specify your vehicle type when calling to ensure appropriate equipment dispatch.
Act Quickly on Impounded Vehicles
Storage fees accrue daily. Retrieve impounded vehicles within 24-48 hours to minimize total costs.
When to Use City-Regulated vs. Private Towing
City-Regulated Towing Applies When:
Police initiate the tow due to accidents or violations
Vehicle is impounded for legal reasons
Tow occurs from public property due to parking violations
Private Towing Is Used For:
Mechanical breakdowns
Voluntary towing to repair shops
Private property removals
Roadside assistance needs
What Affects Your Final Bill
Distance Factors
Towing within Fort Worth city limits: Lower base rates
Cross-county towing (Fort Worth to Dallas): Higher mileage charges
Highway vs. city street access: Potential surcharges for difficult pickup locations
Vehicle Considerations
Size and weight determine equipment needed
Special requirements (all-wheel drive, luxury vehicles) increase costs
Accessibility at pickup location affects labor time
Timing Impact
Business hours (typically 7 AM - 7 PM): Standard rates
After-hours service: 25-50% surcharge possible
Emergency response: Premium pricing during peak demand
Protecting Yourself from Overcharges
Know Your Rights
Texas law requires towing companies to:
Provide written estimates before service
Accept cash, credit cards, or certified funds
Release vehicles during business hours
Maintain proper licensing and insurance
Red Flags to Avoid
Companies demanding full payment before providing service estimates
Refusing to accept credit cards or requiring cash only
Significantly higher prices than city maximums
Unlicensed operators or unmarked vehicles
Documentation Tips
Photograph your vehicle before towing
Request detailed invoices showing all charges
Keep all receipts and documentation
Note the driver's name and company information
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own towing company after an accident?
For police-initiated tows, you typically cannot choose the company. For private situations, you have full choice in provider selection.
Are there discounts available?
Some companies offer:
AAA member discounts (10-15% typical)
Senior citizen rates
Military discounts
Fleet customer pricing
How long do I have to retrieve my vehicle?
City impoundments: Must retrieve within business hours; storage fees accrue daily
Private company storage: Varies by company policy, typically 30 days before auction
What if I can't afford the towing fees immediately?
Some companies offer payment plans
Insurance may reimburse costs (submit receipts)
City impoundments require full payment before release
Fort Worth's towing costs in 2025 remain stable compared to 2023 rates, with no significant increases reported. Understanding these fee structures helps you budget appropriately and avoid surprise charges during already stressful situations. When possible, verify pricing upfront and choose reputable, licensed operators to ensure fair treatment and professional service.
Need Reliable Towing in Fort Worth? We're Here to Help
At Texas Towing Inc., we've been Fort Worth's trusted towing and recovery specialists since 1989. Our team understands the stress of vehicle breakdowns and works to provide transparent, fair pricing with no surprise charges.
Why Choose Texas Towing Inc.
35+ Years of Experience: Serving the DFW metroplex with proven reliability
24/7 Emergency Response: Available around the clock when you need us most
Advanced Equipment: Including North Texas's only 100-ton rotator for heavy-duty recoveries
Licensed & Insured: Full compliance with Texas regulations for your protection
Transparent Pricing: Clear quotes upfront with no hidden fees
Our Complete Services
Light-duty roadside recovery and towing
Heavy equipment and commercial vehicle recovery
Municipal towing services for city fleets
Specialized transport (Landoll, lowboy, and trailering)
24/7 emergency response across the metroplex
Whether you need a simple tow to your preferred repair shop or complex heavy-duty recovery, our CDL-licensed, safety-certified operators have the expertise and equipment to handle your situation professionally.
Ready to get back on the road? Call Texas Towing Inc. at (817) 877-0206 for immediate assistance or to get a quote for your towing needs.
Serving Fort Worth, Dallas, and the entire North Texas region with the Southwest's largest and best-equipped towing fleet.
