The first cost to consider is the base rate, which is the fee for the tow truck to come out to your location and load your vehicle onto the truck. This base rate can vary depending on the distance from the tow truck to your location and the type of vehicle being towed. Generally, a car will be less expensive to tow than a larger vehicle such as an RV or truck.

Next, there's a per-mile charge. This is the fee for the distance the tow truck must travel with your vehicle. The per-mile charge can vary depending on the company and the distance being traveled. The further the tow truck has to travel with your vehicle, the higher the per-mile charge will be.

Another cost to consider is the storage fee, which is the charge for keeping your vehicle in a storage facility. If your vehicle cannot be repaired immediately, or if you are unable to pick up your vehicle right away, it may need to be stored until you can retrieve it. The storage fee can vary depending on the length of time your vehicle is stored and the type of storage facility used.

Additionally, if your vehicle was in an accident, some tow truck companies may charge a “clean-up fee” for the removal of debris or for cleaning the tow truck after it has been used for accident towing.

It's worth noting that some insurance policies may cover towing services, so be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if your policy includes towing coverage. If it does, your policy will typically specify a limit to the amount that will be covered, so you'll want to be aware of that.

In summary, towing services can be costly and unexpected, it is important to understand that towing costs vary depending on a variety of factors like distance, vehicle size, storage and clean-up fee. It's always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected by having a roadside assistance plan or checking with your insurance provider about towing coverage. Knowing what costs to expect and having a plan in place can help make the towing process as stress-free as possible.