How Much Does a Tow Cost in London, Ontario? (2026 Price Guide)
If you've never needed a tow before, the first question is always the same: how much is this going to cost me?
Fair question. Here's a straightforward breakdown of towing costs in London, Ontario so you know what to expect before you call.
Average Towing Costs in London, ON
| Service | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Local tow (within city) | $75–$150 |
| Per-kilometre charge | $3–$5/km |
| Flatbed tow | $100–$200+ |
| After-hours surcharge | $25–$75 |
| Highway 401 recovery | $150–$350+ |
| Battery boost (standalone) | $50–$80 |
| Lockout service | $50–$100 |
What Affects the Price?
Distance
Most towing companies charge a base hookup fee plus a per-kilometre rate. A tow from Masonville to a shop in Byron will cost less than a tow from Highway 401 near Woodstock to a London dealership.
Vehicle Type
Standard sedans and SUVs are straightforward. But if you're driving a lowered car, an AWD vehicle, or something heavy like a truck, you may need a flatbed — which costs more but protects your drivetrain.
Time of Day
Many companies charge extra for after-hours service (evenings, weekends, holidays). At EMS Towing, we keep our pricing transparent 24/7 — call (226) 476-4176 for an exact quote anytime.
Road Conditions
Highway recoveries, ditch pullouts, and accident scenes involve more equipment and time. Expect higher rates for these situations.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
Not every towing company is upfront about pricing. Watch out for:
- Storage fees — If your car sits at their lot, daily charges add up fast ($30–$75/day)
- Winching charges — If your vehicle needs to be pulled from a ditch or off-road
- Fuel surcharges — Some companies tack these on, especially for longer tows
- Administrative fees — Paperwork charges that shouldn't exist
Pro tip: Ontario's towing regulations require companies to provide an itemized invoice before you pay. If a company won't give you a breakdown, that's a red flag.
CAA vs. Private Towing: Which Is Cheaper?
CAA membership covers a certain number of tows per year (typically 4), with distance limits depending on your plan:
- CAA Basic: Up to 10 km per tow
- CAA Plus: Up to 200 km
- CAA Premier: Up to 320 km
If you're within your annual limit and distance, CAA is "free" (you've already paid via membership). But wait times can be 60–90+ minutes during peak times (cold snaps, storm days).
Private towing typically arrives faster — our average in London is 15–30 minutes — but you pay per service.
When to Call a Private Tow vs. CAA
Call private (like EMS Towing) when:
- You need fast response (highway breakdown, unsafe location)
- You've used up your CAA tows for the year
- You need specialized equipment (flatbed, heavy-duty)
- You're outside CAA's coverage area
Use CAA when:
- You're in a safe location and can wait
- The tow is short distance (within your plan limit)
- It's a simple roadside issue (flat tire, battery)
Get an Honest Quote
At EMS Towing, we believe in transparent pricing. Call us and we'll give you a clear quote before we dispatch — no surprises, no hidden fees.
(226) 476-4176 — Available 24/7 across London, St. Thomas, and Woodstock.
Serving London, St. Thomas, Woodstock, and all of Middlesex, Elgin, and Oxford counties. From Byron to Masonville, White Oaks to Hyde Park — we've got the whole region covered.