Google reviewers rate Central Iowa Towing and Recovery 4.6 out of 5 based on 934 reviews, with the owner responding to 51 percent of them. Customers frequently praise the company for prompt arrivals, friendly staff, and professional handling of roadside emergencies and vehicle recovery. However, a recurring criticism involves high pricing, with several low-star reviews describing charges for towing, fuel surcharges, and parts as excessive or unfair compared to other providers.
Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 934 reviews (88% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 934 Google reviews (795 with written comments, 40 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 51% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 16, 2026.
Service: Towing Service serving Ames, Iowa.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Photos
Customer reviews
4.6
★★★★★
934 reviews on Google
5★824
4★19
3★7
2★4
1★80
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
RV
Randy VerhageLocal Guide · 31 reviews
★★★★★
Holy shit this company is highway robbery I needed a 3ft hose with 2 fittings for fuel line and it was over $1000. I hope they reap what they sow
Price assessment: Overpriced
Response from the owner · a week ago
Randy,
You were quoted a port to port hourly rate. We got your truck up and running and would have been still sitting at the dealership had we towed you there. In trucking, time is money, and downtime costs more than just time. Pay a little more for mobile repair today, or pay for downtime all day. Your truck makes money on the road, not sitting in the shop.
The engine thermometer warning was showing up red all of a sudden and the engine started struggling when we were driving to Ames on a high speed road at dusk yesterday in Ankeny. Had to stop quickly in an unfamiliar neighborhood. A receptionist at the emergency roadside service of State Farm connected us quickly with Jacob who happened to just finish another emergency call. Jacob was super friendly and performed everything precisely and professionally even just have been with Central Iowa Towing and Recovery not very long as I later learnt. Although I would not hope to be towed again, I'd always choose Central Iowa Towing because of Jacob if I could! Thank you Jacob for your much appreciated first class customer service!
Our son hit a deer on the way home, Central Iowa Towing came and took the car to their yard after letting us grab stuff out of it. The gentleman was nice and gave each parent cards to contact them. We went and cleaned it out the next morning. The receptionist was super nice and helpful in a stressful time. As much as you hate the situation I was glad they were there to help.
Best tow company in central Iowa!!
Had my parents come into town today. They ran over something and had a fast leak in the tire. Because they have custom running boards a normal jack wouldn't fit. This gentleman from Texas (sorry I didn't get your name) showed up and pulled out all the stops to get that tire off and put the spare tire on. No damage to the running boards or the vehicle.
Thank you sir for your humor, kindness and for helping us out today.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Tire change
Response from the owner · 5 years ago
Thank you for the five-star review of our towing company, Erin! We're so glad our team could provide you with efficient service. We're just glad to help.
Yes it was 4 day at $395.00 plus 26 more for today the 22nd so I over paid a day right
Response from the owner · a month ago
Sherrie,
You can leave all of the 1 star reviews you want. Yes your vehicle was impounded for 4 days so it is $25+tax for the extra day. Your vehicle was impounded after being left at an apartment complex after someone threatened the property manager and bailed from law enforcement. This was a legitimate tow and it is time to own up to the consequences for whomever you let use your vehicle. Have the day you deserve!
This place is a joke, or they just dont understand english, i asked the guy if they do roadside, he said yes, they came out with a tow truck and literally didnt even take a look at the truck and said you need to be towed, when i said i dont want to be towed since its a fixable issue by roadside he still charged me for coming out even after i DID NOT request a tow. So unproffessional, i would not recommend and i hope the BBB looks into them for the way they do business. This place just wants to take peoples money and are no help at all. They say one thing on the phone and try to scam you into an expensive tow bill right after they get to you. I really hope someone important sees this review and does something about shops like this one.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Hi Edo,
You called in requesting a service truck which is what we sent. The truck that came out to you, has no towing capabilities other than a liftgate on the rear of his truck. Here is the notes from our technician who went out and viewed your truck. This tech has 30+ years of experience and unfortunately your repairs were not a roadside repair.
"Arrived on scene and found that it was unsafe to enter the truck from the driver's side due to the unit being parked right on the white line of I35 (see picture in call from onboard truck camera). I entered form the passenger's door and removed an electrical panel where I found burnt wiring. The truck will need to be towed so wiring can be traced using wiring schematics. This is not something that can be done roadside. "
They towed my vehicle one night 353.00 I have never in all my life had my vehicle towed and had to pay 400 for one night it's absolutely ridiculous I had a car towed from Nebraska to Iowa cheaper than this ain't no service that great with no crazy ass prices like that I call bs
Price assessment: Overpriced
Response from the owner · a month ago
Hi Sherrie,
So good to hear from you again. We have gone over this multiple times with you. Your vehicle was impounded after a crime was committed. It's not our fault you let some dirtball drive your car and get it impounded.
