Start a Towing Company: Your Ultimate Guide

Are you looking to start a towing company? If so, this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get started, from finding the right tow trucks to obtaining the necessary insurance. We’ll also provide some tips on how to market your new business and grow it into a successful enterprise. So if you’re ready to start a towing company, read on for everything you need to know!

Table of Contents


What is a Towing Company?

A towing company, also known as a tow truck service, is a business that offers towing and roadside assistance to people whose vehicles have broken down or been in accidents. This service is often needed by individuals, but towing companies also work with auto insurance companies and mechanics to assist with towing for repairs or storing damaged vehicles.

Towing companies can be part owned by larger automobile service providers, run as an independent small business, or even start as a startup for entrepreneurs looking to enter the market. While towing may not seem like a glamorous industry, it is a necessary component of the automotive industry and can provide steady and reliable income for those in the field.


Why would I want to start a towing company?

A towing company can be a great business venture. while it may seem like a niche market, the towing industry is actually quite large and there is always a demand for services. tow companies provide a necessary service for drivers and can be very profitable. here are some reasons why you should start a towing company.

The Towing Industry is Lucrative

The towing industry generates billions of dollars in revenue each year. In fact, the revenue for the towing services industry is expected to grow by 3% in 2020. This steady growth means that now is a great time to get into the towing business. The towing industry is also fairly recession-proof, as people will always need to get their cars towed when they break down, no matter the state of the economy.

There is Always a Demand for Towing Services

Towing companies provide a necessary service for drivers. When cars break down, people need to be able to get them towed to a repair shop or their home. And, as long as there are cars on the road, there will always be a demand for tow truck services. In addition, with more cars on the road than ever before, the demand for tow truck services is only going to increase in the coming years.

You Can Run Your Towing Company Your Way

When you start your own tow truck company, you get to call the shots. You can choose which services you want to offer, set your own hours, and build your business according to your vision. This flexibility is one of the many reasons why starting your own business is so appealing. You also don’t need any special qualifications or licenses to start a tow truck company, which makes it easy for anyone with entrepreneurial ambitions to get started in this industry.

Starting your own tow truck company can be a great business venture. The tow truck industry is large and growing, and there is always a demand for tow truck services. You can run your company your way and don’t need any special qualifications or licenses to get started. So if you’re looking for an opportunity to be your own boss and enter into a lucrative industry, starting a tow truck company may be right for you.


How do I start a towing company?

Starting a towing company may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and execution, it can be a successful business venture. There are a few key things you need to do in order to get started, including:

Research the Industry

The first step is to research the industry. What is the current state of the towing industry? Are there any major trends that you need to be aware of? What is the competition like? By understanding the current state of the industry, you can develop a business plan that will give your company the best chance for success.

Develop a Business Plan

Once you have gathered information about the industry, you need to develop a business plan. Your business plan should include your company’s mission statement, a market analysis, an operating plan, and financial projections. This document will serve as a roadmap for your business and will help you secure funding from investors, if needed.

Choose a Business Structure

The next step is to choose a business structure. Will your towing company be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation? Each type of business has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you will need to choose the one that is best suited for your particular situation.

Securing Funding

If you do not have the personal resources to start your own towing company, you may need to secure funding from outside sources. This can be done through loans from family and friends, investment capital from venture capitalists, or small business loans from banks or other financial institutions.

Obtain the Necessary licenses and permits

Before you can start operating your business, you will need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits from your local government. These requirements vary depending on where you are located, so it is important that you research what is required in your area.

Hiring Employees

If you plan on growing your business beyond just yourself, you will need to start hiring employees at some point. When hiring employees, it is important that you take the time to find individuals who are competent and share your vision for the company.

Starting a towing company requires careful planning and execution, but if done correctly it can be a successful undertaking. By researching the industry, developing a strong business plan, securing funding, obtaining licenses and permits, and hiring competent employees, you can set your company up for success.


How much does it cost to start a towing company?

The towing industry is a $6.4 billion industry that has seen 5.8% annual growth over the past five years. Not only is the towing industry growing, but it is also becoming more and more consolidated. The top 50 towing companies generate nearly 60% of revenue.

With such consolidations, entrepreneurs may be wondering if there is still room for them in the market. The answer is yes. In addition to the large number of smaller, regional players, there are still many opportunities for new entrants, particularly in rural areas and small towns where the larger companies do not have a presence. Moreover, while the industry is consolidating, the number of cars on the road continues to increase (there were a record 269 million cars and trucks on U.S. roads in 20183), which provides a tailwind for companies in the space.

The towing industry consists of two segments: vehicle storage and roadside assistance. Vehicle storage includes holding vehicles for impoundment, repossession, or abandonment; it also includes storage fees incurred by police departments or other organizations that remove vehicles from public spaces. Roadside assistance includes tows initiated by customers who require help because their car has broken down or they have been in an accident; it also includes lockout services and tire changes. The majority of revenue (70%) is generated by vehicle storage, while roadside assistance accounts for the remaining 30%.

The cost of starting a towing company will vary depending on the size and scope of the business as well as geographic location. For example, a company that focuses on vehicle storage will need to purchase or lease property on which to store vehicles; a company that focuses on roadside assistance will need a fleet of tow trucks. Below we provide some estimates for key start-up costs associated with starting a towing company.

Vehicle Storage:

  • Property lease: $1,000 – $5,000 per month
  • Insurance: $500 – $5,000 per year
  • Fencing: $500 – $3,000
  • Surveillance system: $500 – $5,000
  • Storage sheds (if needed): $1,000 – $10,000

Vehicle Maintenance:

  • Tow truck (new): $50,000 – $100,000
  • Tow truck (used): $20,000 – $50,000
  • Trailer (new): $5,000 – $15,000
  • Trailer (used): $1,500 – $5,000

Other Start-Up Costs:
            – Business license:$50 – $200
            – Permits and inspections:$100 – $1,000
            – Advertising and marketing:$500 – $5,000
            – Professional fees (e.g., legal):$500 – $5,000

The cost of starting a towing company varies depending on the size and scope of your business as well as geographic location. However you can expect to spend at minimum around 20k just for acquiring new tow truck used and other related equipment necessary for getting started with your business endeavor.

With that being said its important weigh out all other associated start up cost so you not left in financial ruin before you even get off ground. Industry experts suggest talking with an accountant or small business lawyer prior making any final decisions about launching your own company.


How do I find customers for my towing company?

Are you a tow truck driver who’s looking to start your own business? Or maybe you’re already running a towing company but you’re struggling to find customers. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to find customers for your towing company.

There are a few different ways to find customers for your towing company. You can advertise in local publications, put up fliers in strategic locations, or even offer discounts to AAA members. But no matter what method you choose, there’s one thing that’s always important: providing excellent customer service.

Customer Service is Key

No matter how you find customers for your towing company, customer service is always going to be the most important thing. If you provide poor customer service, it won’t matter how many customers you have—you won’t retain them for long. But if you provide excellent customer service, you’ll not only keep the customers you have, but you’ll also attract new ones through word-of-mouth marketing.

So what does excellent customer service look like in the towing industry? It starts with being professional and courteous at all times, even if the customer is being rude or uncooperative. It means being on time (or even early) for appointments, and it means doing the job right the first time so that the customer doesn’t have to call you back. Excellent customer service is also about going above and beyond whenever possible, such as offering discounts or waived fees when appropriate.

If you’re looking for customers for your towing company, there are a few different ways to find them. But no matter what method you use, the most important thing is always going to be providing excellent customer service. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to attracting and keeping tow truck customers for years to come.

About Jeremy Reis

Jeremy Reis is a serial entrepreneur from the Franklin, Tennessee area. Jeremy is the founder of multiple businesses and is the VP of Marketing for CRISTA Ministries. Jeremy has his MBA with a focus in Entrepreneurship from The Ohio State University.