Free Tow Truck Operator Invoice Template & Generator
Generate towing invoices for roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, impound services, and long-distance transport.
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What should a tow truck operator put on an invoice?
Towing invoices record the callout, the hook-up or base fee, and the mileage to the destination, plus any winching or recovery work. Note the vehicle, the pickup and drop-off points, and any storage days. A clear breakdown helps the customer or their insurer see what the recovery and any impound charges covered.
Your invoice needs the exact pickup and drop-off locations with full addresses. Include the date and time of the tow because insurance companies will verify this against their claim records. Write down the vehicle year, make, model, and license plate. Note the service type: flatbed tow, wheel-lift, winch-out, lockout, or whatever you did. Mileage matters because that is how you justify your rate, especially on long hauls. If you stored the vehicle, show the daily storage fee separately.
Most tow operators collect payment on the spot, either from the vehicle owner or their insurance company's direct billing. Roadside assistance companies like AAA usually pay on net 30 terms, so you bill them monthly. Police rotation work often means waiting 60 to 90 days. Cash jobs should be cash on delivery.
Take photos of the vehicle before you hook it up and after you drop it off. When someone disputes a damage claim months later, your invoice with attached photos kills the argument immediately. Also, get a signature at drop-off whenever possible. Some operators skip this when they are busy, then cannot prove they completed the job.
Typical line items
- Callout or hook-up fee
- Mileage or per-mile towing charge
- Winching or off-road recovery
- Accident or roadside recovery
- Storage or impound (per day)
- After-hours or emergency surcharge
- Flatbed or specialty equipment
- Vehicle release fee
How the work is charged
Tow operators usually charge a base hook-up fee plus a per-mile rate, with winching, recovery, and after-hours work added on. Storage is billed per day, and specialty or heavy towing carries higher rates.
Payment terms and deposits
Payment is often due on release of the vehicle, and insurers or motor clubs may be billed directly on agreed terms. Storage charges accrue daily until the vehicle is collected.
Tax and compliance
If you are registered for sales tax or VAT, show it as a separate line with your registration number. Towing, storage, and impound fees are regulated and taxed differently by region, so confirm what applies to you.
Frequently asked questions
How do tow truck operators charge?
Base towing fees are $75–$200 for local tows (5–10 miles). Additional mileage costs $2–$7 per mile. After-hours and emergency calls add $50–$100. Heavy-duty towing starts at $200–$500.
What should a towing invoice include?
Include vehicle info (year, make, model, VIN), pickup and drop-off locations, mileage, tow type (flatbed, wheel-lift), time of service, and any storage fees if the vehicle is held.
Should tow operators charge storage fees?
Yes. If a vehicle stays in your lot, charge $25–$75/day after the first 24 hours. State storage rates clearly on the invoice and comply with local regulations on maximum daily storage fees.
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