What You’ll Actually Pay for a Tow in San Antonio

I’ve been running tows across Bexar County for years. Every single week I get calls from people who were quoted one price and charged something completely different on arrival. That’s predatory towing — and it’s more common in San Antonio than most people realize.

San Antonio uses a competitive bidding process for city-contracted towing. The 2026 rates from Request for Offer 6117 give us a solid public baseline. Private towing companies can charge more or less — but these numbers tell you what a fair market rate looks like.

Tow truck providing affordable towing services in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO TOWING PRICES — 2026 RATES

How Much Does Towing Cost in San Antonio, TX?

Real flat rates from a local operator — based on general market data for the San Antonio area. No “call for a quote” runaround.

✅ Firm Quote Before Any Truck Rolls✅ No Hidden Fees✅ TDLR Licensed✅ Call (726) 270-0468

We quote every job before a truck rolls. If anyone can’t or won’t give you a price upfront, hang up.

2026 San Antonio Towing Price Table

Service Typical Rate What Affects It
Local tow — light duty (first 5 miles) $100–$150 flat Cars, SUVs, pickups under 10,000 lbs
Mileage beyond 5 miles $3–$5 per mile Added to base rate
Battery jump start $50–$75 Time of day, location
Lockout service $50–$75 Vehicle type, lock mechanism
Tire change (spare required) $50–$75 Accessible spare, location
Fuel delivery (plus fuel cost) $50–$75 Gas, diesel, DEF
Winch-out / recovery $60–$150/hr Access difficulty, terrain
Medium duty (vans, box trucks) $185–$250 10,000–26,000 lbs GVWR
Long-distance tow (per mile) $3–$6/mile After first 5 miles, plus base

Source: City of San Antonio . Firm quote before any truck rolls. Payment: Visa · Mastercard · AmEx · Venmo · Zelle · Cash — zero surcharges.

Why San Antonio Towing Prices Vary So Much

A lot of people call me confused because they got wildly different quotes from three different companies. What’s actually driving those differences:

Distance from you

A company dispatching from Culebra/Loop 410 to Stone Oak factors in more drive time. Ask where they’re coming from.

Your vehicle type

AWD and 4WD must use flatbed — costlier equipment, but the only safe option. Any company offering wheel-lift on your Subaru or 4×4 is cutting corners.

Time of day

Legitimate after-hours add-ons exist ($25–$50 is reasonable). Anything claiming “emergency rates” of 2x the base is not legitimate. Ask specifically.

Destination distance

Towing from I-35/Loop 410 to Converse runs more than a local neighborhood drop. Per-mile charges kick in after 5 miles.

Real San Antonio Scenarios: What You’d Pay

🚗 Dead battery, Walmart on Culebra Rd, 9 PM

Jump start in the parking lot. Expect: $55–$70. 20–25 min response from the Culebra corridor. If the battery won’t hold charge, we tow you to a shop at the base tow rate.

🚗 Flat tire, I-35 North near Walzem Rd, rush hour

Tire change with your spare on an active interstate shoulder. Expect: $65–$80. No usable spare? We tow you to the nearest tire shop at base rate.

🚗 Transmission failure, I-10 West near Leon Valley

Flatbed to a shop on the northwest side, ~8 miles. Expect: $115–$140 (base + per-mile for miles 5–8). Quote confirmed before hookup.

Your Rights Under Texas Law

Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2308 protects you on every tow:

  • Verbal price quote before any work begins — not an estimate, a quote
  • Most operators accept credit cards — confirm any applicable fees before service — payment methods should be confirmed with the operator before service
  • Itemized invoice — every charge listed, no mystery fees
  • Right to choose your destination

Overcharged or treated unfairly? File at tdlr.texas.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions: Towing Prices San Antonio

How much does a tow truck cost in San Antonio, TX?

Most standard local tows under 5 miles cost $100–$150. Beyond 5 miles, add $3–$5 per mile. Jump starts, lockouts, and tire changes run $50–$75.

Is towing more expensive at night in San Antonio?

Legitimate after-hours adds of $25–$50 exist. We don’t charge inflated “emergency” rates — same pricing at noon or 3 AM.

Does insurance cover towing in San Antonio?

If you have roadside assistance through USAA, State Farm, Progressive, or AAA, your tow may be fully covered. Call your insurer first. We work with all major roadside programs.

What payment methods do San Antonio towing companies accept?

By Texas law, licensed operators must accept credit cards at fees vary by operator — confirm before service. We also accept Venmo, Zelle, and cash. Cash-only demands are a red flag.

Need a Tow Right Now?

Firm flat rate in 30 seconds — before any truck moves.

📞 (726) 270-0468

Live dispatch 24/7 · TDLR Licensed · Bexar County · Venmo · Zelle · Cards · Cash