Most tows are short: a few miles from the roadside to the nearest shop. But sometimes the right destination is much farther away. Maybe you broke down on a road trip and want your own mechanic to handle the repair. Maybe you bought a car in another city, or you’re moving and have a car that doesn’t run.
That’s where long distance towing comes in. Here’s how it works, what affects the cost and how to decide whether it’s the right choice.
Long distance towing moves a vehicle beyond a normal local tow, often to another city or across the state, usually on a flatbed. It’s a good choice for broken-down cars, purchases from other cities, moves and trips to a specialty shop. The price depends mainly on distance, vehicle type, tow method and timing, so always get a full quote before the tow starts.
What Counts as Long Distance Towing?
There’s no single official cutoff. Generally, a tow becomes “long distance” once it goes beyond the local area a tow company normally covers, such as a trip from Dallas to Houston, Austin, Oklahoma City or farther.
Long distance tows usually need more planning than local tows: route timing, fuel, driver hours and sometimes tolls.
When Long Distance Towing Makes Sense
- You broke down far from home and want the repair done by a mechanic you trust.
- You bought a car in another city, especially one that isn’t running or registered yet.
- You’re moving and have a car that can’t be driven.
- Your car needs a specialist, like a dealership for a specific brand, a classic car restorer or an EV service center.
- A shop can’t take your car, and the closest one that can is far away.
- Your car is too valuable to risk driving with a problem.
Long Distance Towing vs. Car Shipping
People often compare these two. Here’s the difference:
| Long distance towing | Car shipping (auto transport) | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles carried | Usually your car only | Often several cars on one carrier |
| Timing | Can often be scheduled quickly or same day | Pickup windows can take days |
| Non-running cars | Common | Some carriers charge extra or won’t take them |
| Best for | Emergencies, shorter long-distance trips, non-running cars | Planned moves over very long distances |
If your car is broken down and you need it moved soon, towing is usually the faster option.
What Affects the Cost?
Long distance towing is usually priced differently from a local tow. These are the main factors:
- Distance. The biggest factor.
- Vehicle size and weight. SUVs, trucks and RVs cost more than small cars.
- Tow method. A flatbed may be required for AWD, 4WD, luxury and electric vehicles.
- Vehicle condition. A car that won’t roll, steer or brake takes more work to load.
- Timing. Same-day, night or holiday tows may cost more.
- Tolls and fuel.
Whatever the distance, ask for a total price that covers everything. At Alpha Tow Truck Services, your rate is confirmed before a truck is assigned.
Does Insurance Cover Long Distance Towing?
Sometimes, but often only up to a certain number of miles. Many roadside plans cover towing to the nearest repair shop, not to a shop of your choice in another city. Call your insurer or roadside provider to ask how far they cover and whether you’ll pay the difference.
How to Prepare Your Car
- Remove personal items and valuables.
- Take photos of all sides, the odometer and any existing damage.
- Note any problems: won’t start, won’t roll, flat tires or leaks.
- Have keys ready for the driver.
- Confirm the destination, including address, contact name and hours.
- Make sure someone can receive the car, or arrange a drop-off method.
- Tell the dispatcher about AWD, EV or low clearance so the right truck is sent.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- Is the price all-inclusive?
- Will you use a flatbed?
- When will you pick up, and when will you arrive?
- Is the car insured during transport?
- Can I ride along, or do I need to get there separately?
- How will you keep me updated?
Why a Flatbed Matters for Long Trips
Over long distances, a flatbed is usually the safest choice. All four wheels are off the road, so there’s no added wear on tires, the transmission or the drivetrain. It’s especially important for AWD and 4WD vehicles, which can be damaged if they’re towed with wheels on the ground. Our post on towing and transmission damage explains why.
Long Distance Towing From DFW
Alpha Tow Truck Services has been on DFW roads since 2005. We offer long distance towing for cars, SUVs, pickups and motorcycles, plus RV towing and heavy-duty towing for larger vehicles.
We pick up across Dallas, Plano, Garland, Irving, McKinney and the rest of DFW. Call (214) 225-6493 or request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is long distance towing?
Towing a vehicle beyond a normal local tow, often to another city or state, usually on a flatbed.
Is long distance towing better than shipping a car?
For broken-down cars or urgent moves, towing is usually faster. For planned moves across the country, shipping may be cheaper.
How is long distance towing priced?
Mostly by distance, plus vehicle type, tow method, condition and timing. Ask for an all-inclusive quote.
Does insurance pay for long distance towing?
Some policies do, but many only cover a set number of miles. Check with your insurer.
Can you tow a car that doesn’t run long distance?
Yes. Non-running cars can be winched onto a flatbed and towed to your destination.