Getting your car towed in Ireland can feel expensive — especially if you’re broken down at the side of a motorway and calling the first number you find. The good news is that prices vary significantly between operators, and getting competing quotes can save you €40–€100 on a typical job.
This guide covers what you can realistically expect to pay for towing in Ireland in 2026, what affects the price, and how to make sure you’re not being overcharged.
Based on market research across Irish recovery companies, here are the typical price ranges you can expect:
| Job Type | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Local tow (under 15km) | €80 – €120 |
| Standard tow (15–50km) | €100 – €180 |
| Long-distance tow (50km+) | €180 – €350+ |
| Motorway callout (M50, M7, M8 etc) | €120 – €220 |
| Night/weekend callout (after 10pm) | Add €30 – €70 |
| Electric/hybrid vehicle | Add €20 – €50 (specialist flatbed required) |
| HGV or large vehicle | €250 – €600+ |
| Motorcycle recovery | €80 – €140 |
ⓘ These are estimates based on 2025–2026 market research. Prices vary by company and location.
The biggest factor. Most companies charge a base callout fee plus a per-kilometre rate. A tow from the M50 to a garage in Rathmines is very different in price to a tow from Limerick to Dublin.
Night callouts, weekends and bank holidays almost always carry a surcharge. If your breakdown can safely wait until morning, it’s worth asking the company if a daytime rate applies.
Standard cars on a wheellift or flatbed are the cheapest to tow. Electric vehicles require a flatbed (no wheellift due to regenerative braking), which adds cost. HGVs, buses and specialist vehicles require heavy recovery equipment and are priced accordingly.
Remote locations — mountain roads in Kerry, rural Donegal, or offshore islands — cost more due to travel time and difficult access. Motorway jobs on the M50 or M7 are usually well-covered and competitive.
Prices vary significantly between operators. A sole trader working locally may charge €90 for a job that a larger company quotes €160 for. This is exactly why comparing quotes before accepting matters.
💡 How to avoid overpaying: Use TowingIreland.ie to send your job request to multiple local companies simultaneously. They compete for your business, which typically results in a better price than calling one company and accepting their first quote.
Dublin prices are generally competitive due to the high number of recovery operators in the county. However, Dublin traffic can increase callout times, and some companies charge extra for city centre jobs due to parking and access restrictions. Outside Dublin, prices are similar in Cork and Limerick but can be higher in rural areas with fewer operators.
It depends on your policy. Many comprehensive car insurance policies in Ireland include roadside assistance or a limited towing benefit. Check your policy documents or call your insurer before paying for a tow — you may already be covered.
AA and RAC membership also includes towing benefits if you’re a member. If you’re not covered, comparing quotes through TowingIreland.ie ensures you’re getting a fair market price.
If you are on a live motorway carriageway, at risk of injury, or in an unsafe situation, call 999 immediately. TowingIreland.ie is a price comparison service and cannot dispatch emergency services.
Send your breakdown details to multiple local companies and get competing quotes in minutes. Free to use, available 24/7 across all 32 counties.
🚗 Get Free QuotesDisclaimer: TowingIreland.ie is a comparison platform and acts solely as an intermediary between customers and independent recovery operators. All prices quoted are estimates based on market research and will vary by company, location, distance and vehicle type. TowingIreland.ie is not responsible for the services or pricing of any individual tow company. Always verify pricing directly with your chosen operator before confirming a booking. In an emergency, call 999.