A car breakdown always catches you off guard at the worst moment. A call to roadside assistance, a few minutes of waiting, and bills that no one planned for. How much does towing a car with a flatbed cost in Poland in 2026? The price of towing depends on several variables – distance, type of vehicle, time of day, and location of the breakdown. This article provides specific numbers, calculation formulas, and indicates when you will pay less thanks to assistance insurance.
What affects the price of towing with a flatbed?
Towing prices in Poland are not regulated by law – each company sets its own price list. Nevertheless, there are several factors that shape the final amount in a similar way across companies.
📏 Distance
The basic element of pricing. The longer the route, the higher the total cost – although for routes over 200 km, the rate per km may be lower.
🚗 Type of vehicle
Passenger car, SUV, van, truck – each category has a different rate. Heavier vehicles require a larger flatbed.
🌙 Time of day and day
Night, weekend, and holiday calls are 30–50% more expensive. The surcharge applies to loading and mileage.
📍 Location of the breakdown
Highway, underground parking, forest area, ditch – difficult access means higher costs and additional items on the bill.
🔧 Scope of service
Towing itself is one thing, while pulling out of a ditch, inflating tires, or starting the engine are additional items on the price list.
🏙️ Region of Poland
Warsaw, Katowice, Szczecin, Poznań have the highest rates. Smaller towns and eastern Poland – lower.
Towing price list 2026 – rates and table
The following data is based on the current market rates of roadside assistance companies in Poland (2026). Prices are indicative – an exact quote always requires contact with the dispatcher.
| Type of vehicle | Rate per km | Flat fee | Night surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger car (up to 3.5 t) | 2.50–5.00 PLN/km | 150–300 PLN | +30% |
| SUV / Van | 3.00–5.50 PLN/km | 200–350 PLN | +30% |
| Delivery van (up to 7.5 t) | 3.50–6.00 PLN/km | 300–500 PLN | +30–50% |
| Truck / TIR | 5.00–10.00 PLN/km | from 500 PLN | individually determined |
| Motorcycle | 2.00–4.00 PLN/km | 150–200 PLN | +30% |
In addition to towing, companies charge separate fees for additional services:
| Additional service | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Jump-starting the engine with cables | from 100–150 PLN |
| Fuel delivery (up to 5 liters) | 100–200 PLN |
| Changing a tire to a spare | 100–150 PLN |
| Vehicle extraction from a ditch or mud | 200–600 PLN |
| Unlocking a locked vehicle (lockout) | 150–300 PLN |
| Towing from difficult terrain | additional charge 100–400 PLN |
Example costs for specific routes
The pricing is easiest to understand with specific examples. The following calculations are based on average rates for a passenger car during daytime hours.
📍 Breakdown in the city (10 km to the workshop)
🛣️ Breakdown on the route 50 km
🚗 Breakdown on the route 100 km
Towing cost = flat fee + (number of km × rate per km). For night or weekend routes, add 30% to the total amount. For long routes (200+ km), it’s worth negotiating the flat fee for the entire trip.
Towing from the highway – separate pricing
Breakdown on the highway is the most expensive towing scenario. This is due to safety requirements, specialized equipment, longer response times, and the procedures in place on highways.
According to Article 31, paragraph 2 of the Road Traffic Law, towing a vehicle by a regular vehicle on the highway is strictly prohibited. The only legal option is a tow truck from a professional roadside assistance company. On expressways, towing is allowed – but only to the nearest exit or service area.
| Type of road | Additional cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Highway (A1, A2, A4, etc.) | +200–300 PLN flat fee for the exit | Plus standard rate per km |
| Expressway (S7, S8, S61 Via Baltica) | +100–200 PLN | Towing allowed to the exit/service area |
| Difficult access area (ditch, field, forest) | +200–600 PLN for extraction | Winch, rollers, specialized equipment |
A driver who breaks down on the highway should: turn on hazard lights, put on a reflective vest, exit the vehicle through the right door, set up a triangle behind the vehicle (min. 100 m), and immediately call for a tow truck. SKI TRANS Roadside Assistance Suwałki services the Via Baltica route (S8, S61) and routes to the Baltic countries – call 608 275 667.
When will the insurer pay?
Good news: in many cases, you don’t have to cover the towing costs out of your own pocket. It depends on the type of insurance and the circumstances of the breakdown.
| Situation | Who pays? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Collision caused by another driver | Liability insurance of the at-fault party | Cost of the tow truck as part of property damage |
| Technical breakdown (own fault or random) | Assistance | If you have an assistance policy with towing option |
| Accident due to your own fault | AC + Assistance | With purchased AC including assistance option |
| Breakdown without any assistance insurance | Driver | You pay independently according to the company’s price list |
An assistance policy as part of OC is often standard with many insurers, but it has limitations – usually a limit of 50 km for towing and 2 incidents per year. Broader assistance (AC or a separate policy) typically covers 150–300 km of towing without additional charges. Always check the General Terms and Conditions of Insurance – the coverage can vary significantly between insurers.
How to choose a roadside assistance company?
In a stressful situation on the road, it’s easy to make a poor financial decision. Here are some rules to avoid overpaying.
- Call for a quote before the tow truck arrives – a reliable company will provide an approximate price over the phone before dispatching. Avoid companies that refuse to give a price upfront.
- Request a written quote (SMS or email) – a written offer eliminates later 'additional charges’ and serves as proof in case of a dispute.
- Check the carrier’s OC – the company should have valid OC in transport. In case of vehicle damage during towing, you have grounds for a claim.
- Ask for a VAT invoice – needed for settlement with the insurer or for deducting costs in a business.
- Compare at least 2–3 offers – especially in large cities, differences can reach 30% for the same route.
- Be cautious of roadside patrol companies at accidents – some companies appear at the scene without being called and charge inflated rates. You have the right to refuse and call a company of your choice.
The approximate cost of towing a passenger car for 100 km in Poland ranges from 550 to 800 PLN during a weekday. It consists of a flat fee (200–300 PLN) and a per-kilometer rate (100 km × 2.50–5 PLN = 250–500 PLN). At night or on weekends, add 30%. The exact price depends on the region and the specific company.
Yes. Towing prices in Poland are not regulated – each company can set them freely. You can negotiate the flat rate for long distances, ask for a discount for cash payment, or when the company returns with an empty tow truck (so-called return trip). In large cities with high competition, differences between companies can reach 30% for the same route.
International towing is significantly more expensive. Standard rates in Germany are 5–10 euros per km plus a flat fee. Towing from Germany to Poland (e.g., from Berlin – about 600 km) can cost 2,000–5,000 PLN. Companies offering regular routes to Poland can quote such a trip as a flat rate of 1,500–2,500 PLN. An assistance policy with an international option covers these costs up to a specified limit.
The liability insurance of the at-fault driver covers towing costs if you are the victim – meaning the breakdown or damage to your car occurred due to another driver’s fault. Your own liability insurance does not cover the costs of your technical breakdown – that is what roadside assistance or comprehensive insurance with roadside help is for. Always request an invoice from the towing company and report the cost to the at-fault driver’s insurer.
SKI TRANS offers transparent phone quotes – call 608 275 667, provide your location, destination, and vehicle type, and the dispatcher will give you a price before the tow truck departs. We serve Suwałki and the entire Suwałki region, the Via Baltica route (S8, S61), and trips to the Baltic countries. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Breakdown? Call SKI TRANS – Roadside Assistance Suwałki
We operate 24/7. Flatbed tow trucks, bins, tractors for TIRs. Phone quote before we leave – no hidden costs.