"Got a flat tire on I-80 at 11pm. Yusra was there in 20 minutes and had me back on the road. Lifesaver!"
Towing Services
Flatbed and wheel-lift towing for cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles. Local and long-distance, day or night.
Key Takeaways
- Both flatbed and wheel-lift tow trucks available for any vehicle type
- Local towing typically costs $75-$200 depending on distance and vehicle
- Long-distance and interstate towing available across Iowa and neighboring states
- 24/7 dispatch with average 20-35 minute response in Iowa City metro
- Flatbed towing recommended for AWD, luxury, and accident-damaged vehicles
Towing Services in Iowa City
Towing is the transport of a disabled, damaged, or impounded vehicle from one location to another using a specialized truck equipped with either a flatbed carrier or a wheel-lift mechanism. Professional towing ensures your vehicle reaches its destination safely without additional damage.
When your vehicle cannot be driven — whether from a breakdown, accident, or mechanical failure — IC Roadside & Key provides professional towing services across the Iowa City area and beyond. We operate both flatbed and wheel-lift tow trucks to handle everything from a Honda Civic to a full-size pickup, and we offer long-distance towing for vehicles that need to reach a specific shop or dealership outside our immediate service area.
Types of Towing We Offer
- Flatbed towing — The safest option for all-wheel drive vehicles, luxury cars, and vehicles with significant mechanical damage. Your car rides on top of the truck with all four wheels off the ground.
- Wheel-lift towing — A cost-effective option for front- or rear-wheel drive vehicles that need a shorter tow to a nearby shop.
- Motorcycle towing — We have the equipment and experience to safely transport motorcycles without risking frame or body damage.
- Long-distance towing — Need your vehicle moved to Des Moines, Cedar Falls, or the Quad Cities? We handle long-distance transport with upfront pricing based on mileage.
- Accident towing — We work with law enforcement and insurance companies regularly. If you have been in a collision on I-80, Highway 1, or anywhere in the Iowa City corridor, we can respond quickly and handle the vehicle with care.
Response Time and Process
Call us at (319) 963-2108 and we will get a truck headed your way. Within the Iowa City metro — including Coralville, North Liberty, Solon, and Tiffin — our typical response time is 30 to 45 minutes. When you call, let us know the vehicle type, location, and whether it can roll freely, so we can dispatch the right truck the first time. For accident scenes, let us know if law enforcement is on site and whether the vehicle has been cleared for removal.
Pricing
Local towing within the Iowa City area generally starts at $75 to $125, depending on the type of tow truck needed and the distance to the drop-off point. Long-distance towing is quoted by the mile after the base rate. We provide the full price over the phone before we dispatch, so there are no surprises when the truck arrives. For insurance-covered tows, we can work directly with your provider and handle the paperwork. Call (319) 963-2108 for a quote.
Where We Tow
We regularly tow vehicles to dealerships and repair shops across Johnson County and the surrounding area, including shops in Cedar Rapids, West Liberty, and Kalona. If you have a preferred mechanic, we are happy to deliver your vehicle there. If you are not sure where to take it, we can suggest reputable local shops based on your vehicle type and the issue at hand.
Average Response Times by Location
| Location | Avg. Response Time |
|---|---|
| Iowa City | 15–20 min |
| Coralville | 10–20 min |
| North Liberty | 15–25 min |
| Tiffin | 15–25 min |
| Solon | 20–30 min |
| Swisher | 20–30 min |
| Shueyville | 20–30 min |
| West Liberty | 25–35 min |
| Kalona | 25–35 min |
| Ely | 25–35 min |
| Fairfax | 25–35 min |
| Walford | 25–35 min |
| Mount Vernon | 25–35 min |
| Cedar Rapids | 25–35 min |
| Hiawatha | 30–40 min |
| Marion | 30–40 min |
Based on IC Roadside & Key service data and industry trends. Times may vary during severe weather, rush hour, or high-demand periods.
Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing: Which Do You Need?
| Feature | Flatbed Towing | Wheel-Lift Towing |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | AWD/4WD, luxury, lowered, damaged vehicles | FWD standard cars, short-distance tows |
| Typical Cost | $100–$200 (local) | $75–$150 (local) |
| Safety Level | Highest — all 4 wheels off the ground | Good — 2 wheels lifted, 2 rolling |
| Loading Time | 5–10 minutes | 2–5 minutes |
| Risk of Damage | Minimal — no drivetrain stress | Low for FWD; risky for AWD vehicles |
Our Towing Services Include
- Flatbed towing for cars, trucks, and SUVs
- Wheel-lift towing for standard vehicles
- Motorcycle and powersport towing
- Long-distance and interstate towing
- Accident scene towing and recovery
- Abandoned vehicle removal
Fast Response
Upfront Pricing
Available 24/7
Related Services
Towing Services by Location
Common Emergencies We Handle
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can IC Roadside & Key get a tow truck to me?
Our average response time in the Iowa City metro area is 20 to 35 minutes under normal conditions. For Cedar Rapids and Marion, expect 25 to 45 minutes. Response times may increase during severe weather, rush hour, or high-demand periods like Iowa Hawkeyes game days. Call (319) 963-2108 and our dispatcher will provide an accurate ETA based on your exact location and the nearest available truck.
Do you offer flatbed towing in Iowa City?
Yes, flatbed towing is the safest method for transporting vehicles because all four wheels ride on the truck bed, eliminating any risk of drivetrain damage. We recommend flatbed towing for AWD and 4WD vehicles, luxury cars, lowered vehicles, motorcycles, and any vehicle involved in an accident. Flatbed towing typically costs $100 to $200 for local tows depending on distance, compared to $75 to $150 for standard wheel-lift towing.
Can you tow my vehicle long-distance from Iowa City?
Yes, IC Roadside & Key provides long-distance and interstate towing services across Iowa and to neighboring states including Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Missouri. Long-distance towing is priced per mile, typically $3 to $5 per mile after the initial hookup fee. We can transport your vehicle to a specific dealership, body shop, or residence anywhere you need it. Call (319) 963-2108 for a long-distance quote.
Do you tow motorcycles?
Yes, we tow motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, and other powersport vehicles using specialized tie-down equipment and flatbed trucks to prevent any damage during transport. Motorcycles require secure strapping to prevent tipping or shifting, which is why we always use flatbed loading rather than wheel-lift for two-wheeled vehicles. Motorcycle towing in the Iowa City area typically costs $75 to $125 for local transport.
What Our Customers Say
"My truck died on Blairs Ferry at rush hour. IC Roadside showed up fast, no runaround on price. Exactly what you want when you're stuck."
"Ordered tires online and had them installed in my driveway the same day. Way more convenient than sitting in a shop for two hours."