What you need to know before renting a tow truck
A tow truck rental is a vehicle you rent by the day or week to haul another vehicle, trailer, or heavy equipment. Unlike a standard pickup truck rental, a tow truck comes with a winch, boom, or flatbed specifically built to find and transport a load that a regular truck cannot safely carry. You pay for the truck itself plus fuel, and sometimes a damage waiver. The cost varies widely based on truck size, your location, rental length, and whether you need the truck to include special equipment like a car carrier or rotator.
Most tow truck rentals are one-way or round-trip. Round-trip is cheaper per day but requires you to return the truck to the same location. One-way rentals let you drop the truck at a different branch, which costs more but works if you are moving a vehicle across state lines or need the truck at a job site far from where you rented it. You will need a valid driver's license and often a credit card to find the reservation. Some rental companies require proof of insurance or ask about your intended use.
Key Takeaways
- Tow truck rentals come in several types—flatbed, wrecker, and car carrier—and the right choice depends on what you are hauling and how far.
- Daily rates typically range from $75 to $250 depending on truck size and location, with mileage charges or unlimited-mileage packages available.
- You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card, and sometimes proof of insurance or a damage waiver before you can rent.
- National chains like U-Haul and Home Depot rent smaller tow trucks, while local heavy-equipment rental shops and towing companies often have larger or specialized rigs.
- One-way rentals cost more per day than round-trip but let you drop the truck at a different location, which matters if you are moving a vehicle long distance.
Types of tow trucks and what each one costs
A flatbed tow truck has a long, flat platform that tilts to load a vehicle, then locks it in place. Flatbeds are the safest choice for luxury cars, low-slung sports cars, or vehicles with transmission problems, because all four wheels stay off the ground. Flatbed rentals usually run $100 to $200 per day from national chains, more from local heavy-equipment shops if the truck is larger or newer.
A wrecker tow truck (also called a rotator or heavy-duty wrecker) has a boom and winch that can pull a stuck or damaged vehicle from a ditch, accident scene, or tight space. Wreckers are more expensive to rent—typically $150 to $300 per day—because they require more skill to operate safely and the equipment is specialized. You will usually find these through local towing companies rather than national chains.
A car carrier is a flatbed trailer pulled by a standard truck, designed to haul two or more vehicles at once. Car carriers rent for $75 to $150 per day for the trailer alone, plus the cost of the tow vehicle. These are common for moving multiple cars or for dealers transporting inventory, and U-Haul and some local rental shops stock them.
Mileage charges vary by company. Some charge per mile (typically $0.50 to $2.00 per mile), while others offer unlimited mileage for a flat daily rate. If you are moving a vehicle 200 miles or more, unlimited mileage usually saves money. Ask about this before you book.
Where to rent a tow truck
U-Haul is the largest national chain for tow truck rentals. They stock flatbed trailers, car carriers, and light-duty tow trucks at most locations. You can reserve online or by phone, and they offer both one-way and round-trip rentals. U-Haul's rates are transparent and include damage waivers as an add-on option.
Home Depot rents light-duty tow trucks and trailers through a partnership with Home Depot Tool Rental. These are smaller rigs suitable for hauling a single vehicle or equipment, and they are available by the hour, day, or week. Rates are usually lower than U-Haul for short-term rentals, but availability is limited to stores in your area.
Local towing companies and heavy-equipment rental shops are your best source for larger flatbeds, wreckers, and specialized equipment. Search "[your city] heavy equipment rental" or "[your city] tow truck rental" to find shops near you. Local companies often negotiate on price, especially for multi-day or one-way rentals, and they can advise you on which truck is right for your load.
Penske, Budget, and Ryder rent standard pickup trucks with towing capacity, but not dedicated tow trucks with winches or flatbeds. If you only need to tow a small trailer or boat, a pickup truck rental may be cheaper and simpler than a full tow truck.
How to calculate the total cost
The final bill includes the daily rental rate, mileage (if charged per mile), fuel, and optional add-ons. Here is how to estimate before you book:
Daily rate: Call or check the website for the truck size and rental length you need. A flatbed for one day might be $120; a wrecker for three days might be $450.
Mileage: If the company charges per mile, multiply your expected distance by the per-mile rate. A 200-mile haul at $1.50 per mile adds $300. If unlimited mileage is offered, compare the total cost to the per-mile option and choose the cheaper one.
Fuel: You pay for fuel you use. Tow trucks are heavy and burn more fuel than a standard truck—expect 6 to 10 miles per gallon depending on the truck and load. If you rent a truck that gets 8 mpg and drive 200 miles, you will use about 25 gallons. At $3.50 per gallon, that is $87.50 in fuel.
Damage waiver: Most companies offer optional damage coverage (usually $15 to $30 per day) that limits your liability if the truck is damaged. If you are unfamiliar with towing or the truck is large, this is worth the cost.
One-way fee: Dropping the truck at a different location than where you rented it usually adds $50 to $200, depending on distance and truck size.
What to check before you drive away
Walk around the truck with the rental agent and photograph or video any existing damage—dents, scratches, broken lights, or worn tires. The agent should note this on the rental agreement. Take photos of the odometer and fuel gauge. This protects you from being charged for damage you did not cause.
Test the winch or boom if the truck has one. Make sure it operates smoothly and the cable or chain is not frayed. Check that all tie-down straps, chains, or binders are present and in good condition. Ask the agent how to operate the equipment safely and get written instructions if they are available.
Verify the truck's towing capacity and make sure it exceeds the weight of what you are hauling. The capacity is usually printed on a sticker inside the driver's door. If you are unsure about the weight of your load, ask the rental company—they can help you calculate it.
Check the insurance situation. Your personal auto insurance may not cover a rental tow truck, and the rental company's coverage may have limits. Call your insurance agent before you rent to confirm what is covered. If your policy does not cover rental equipment, the damage waiver becomes more important.
One-way vs. round-trip rentals and when to choose each
A round-trip rental means you rent the truck, use it, and return it to the same location. Daily rates are lower—typically 20 to 30 percent cheaper than one-way—because the company does not have to reposition the truck. Round-trip works if you are hauling a vehicle to a repair shop across town or moving equipment within your region and can return the truck the same day or next day.
A one-way rental lets you drop the truck at a different branch or location. You pay a higher daily rate plus a one-way fee, which can add $50 to $300 depending on distance. One-way makes sense if you are moving a vehicle across state lines, relocating equipment to a job site far away, or need the truck at a location where you cannot easily return it. Calculate the total cost of one-way (higher daily rate plus one-way fee) against round-trip plus the cost of driving back or arranging a return trip.
Some companies offer a hybrid: you rent the truck for a longer period (a week or month) at a discounted daily rate and can drop it at any location within their network. This is worth exploring if you need the truck for several days and plan to move it around.
Common mistakes to avoid
Underestimating the weight of your load is the most common error. An overloaded truck is unsafe, voids your insurance, and may damage the rental equipment. If you are unsure, weigh your vehicle or load at a truck scale before you rent. Most scales cost $10 to $15 and are located at truck stops or recycling centers.
Not securing the load properly is dangerous and can result in damage charges. Ask the rental agent to show you how to use the straps, chains, or binders. Tighten them firmly but not so tight that you bend or dent the vehicle you are hauling. If you are new to towing, watch a video or ask a friend with towing experience to help you load and find the vehicle.
Forgetting to return the truck on time incurs late fees, usually $50 to $100 per hour or a full day's rental charge. If you think you will need the truck longer, call the rental company and extend the reservation before the due date.
Renting the wrong truck size wastes money and creates safety problems. A light-duty tow truck cannot safely haul a heavy vehicle, and renting an oversized wrecker for a straightforward car haul is expensive. Be honest about what you are hauling and ask the rental company for a recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license to rent a tow truck?
No, a standard driver's license is sufficient for most tow truck rentals under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Larger trucks may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) depending on your state and the truck's GVWR. Ask the rental company before you book if a CDL is required.
Can I rent a tow truck if I have never towed before?
Yes, but you should ask the rental agent for instructions on how to operate the winch or boom and how to find your load. Watch online videos beforehand if possible. Towing a vehicle safely requires practice, so if you are uncomfortable, consider hiring a professional towing service instead.
What happens if I damage the truck while renting it?
You are responsible for damage unless you purchased the damage waiver. The rental company will charge you for repairs, which can be hundreds or thousands of dollars. The damage waiver (usually $15 to $30 per day) limits your liability to a small deductible. Check your personal insurance first—it may cover rental equipment.
Can I rent a tow truck for just a few hours?
Some rental companies, especially Home Depot and local shops, rent by the hour. National chains like U-Haul typically charge a minimum of one day. Call ahead to ask about hourly rates in your area.
What if the truck breaks down while I am using it?
Call the rental company when ready. They are responsible for mechanical failures and will either send a replacement truck or arrange a tow. Do not attempt to repair the truck yourself. The rental agreement should include roadside information or a phone number to call for breakdowns.