24-7 Emergency Towing Ames
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515-290-4188
What to Do If You're Stuck in Ames Right Now
Stranded in Ames? Whether you’re stuck near Iowa State, broken down on Highway 30, or locked out in a Walmart parking lot at midnight, Central Iowa Towing and Recovery is ready to help right now.
Our dispatch team is based here in Ames, and our trucks are standing by for immediate response, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you’re reading this while stranded, stay calm. We’ve helped thousands of Ames drivers through the same situation.
- Move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe area if possible
- Turn on your hazard lights
- Note your location – look for street names, nearby buildings, or highway markers
- Call 515-290-4188 to speak with a live local dispatcher
Our team will walk you through the next steps and send the nearest available truck immediately.

Emergency Towing and Roadside Services – Available 24/7 in Ames
We don’t just offer towing. We provide full emergency roadside support, including:
- Light, medium, and heavy-duty towing
- Off-road recovery and winch-outs
- Vehicle rollover and accident recovery
- Jumpstarts for dead batteries
- Lockout assistance
- Tire changes and air fill-ups
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Motorcycle, RV, and classic car towing
- Safe transport to repair shops, home, or storage
Every service is available day or night—including holidays and weekends.
Fast Response Times in Ames, Every Hour of the Day
With a fleet based at 2019 E Lincoln Way, we reach most locations in Ames within 15 to 30 minutes. Whether you’re at the ISU campus, along South Duff Avenue, or near the I-35 ramps, we’ll be there quickly with the right truck and equipment.
Our GPS-dispatched fleet ensures you’re never left waiting longer than necessary.
Why Ames Drivers Trust Central Iowa Towing
We’re not just another tow company—we live here, work here, and take pride in serving Ames.
- 4.7-star Google rating from over 840 local reviews
- Trusted by Ames Police Department, local auto shops, and ISU students
- Family-owned and operated—no call centers, no outsourcing
- Fully licensed, insured, and transparent in pricing
Here’s what real customers have said:
“My car broke down near ISU on a freezing night. Central Iowa Towing was the only company that answered right away and got to me fast.”
“Locked myself out downtown during finals week. The driver arrived in 20 minutes, and I was back in my car without a scratch.”
What Happens After You Call
We make the process as smooth as possible:
- Call our Ames dispatch at 515-290-4188
- Share your location and vehicle type
- We give you a real ETA, not a vague guess
- You get updates by call or text
- The driver arrives, confirms your safety, and gets your vehicle secured
- You receive a clear invoice -no surprise fees
You can choose where we tow your vehicle, whether it’s your driveway, a shop, or another location.
24/7 Emergency Towing Ames: Frequently Asked Questions
Most of our calls are answered in 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.
Yes. We are open every day, every night, including weekends and holidays.
Yes. Our fleet includes heavy-duty wreckers for large vehicles, buses, and trailers.
Absolutely. We often assist ISU students with jumpstarts, lockouts, and tows.
What Makes Us Different
This isn’t just a job for us. It’s our responsibility to keep Ames moving and safe.
- Serving Ames and Story County for over a decade
- Trained in advanced recovery including rollover, deck loading, and sunken trailer lifts
- Trusted by law enforcement, universities, and local businesses
We provide professional help, fast – because we care
We’re committed to providing honest service, fair pricing, and peace of mind when you need it most
Helpful Tips for Drivers in Emergency Situations
If it’s cold:
- Stay in the car
- Keep your phone warm and battery charged
- Crack a window if the engine is running for heat
If it’s hot:
- Stay hydrated
- Use a windshield shade
- Avoid standing on asphalt
Other tips:
- Turn on hazard lights
- Take photos if you’ve been in an accident
- Keep doors locked while you wait
Emergency Towing vs Scheduled Towing – Know the Difference
Feature | Emergency Towing | Scheduled Towing |
Availability | 24/7, including nights and holidays | Appointment-based only |
Response Time | 15–30 minutes typical in Ames | Same-day or next-day |
Pricing | Priority service rate | Lower standard rate |
Use Case | Breakdowns, accidents, lockouts | Junk car removal, transport |
Contact Information – Call Now for Immediate Help
Central Iowa Towing and Recovery – Ames Location
2019 E Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010
Dispatch: 515-290-4188
Email: centraliatow@gmail.com
Open: 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week
L D2025-05-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rob was so helpful and supportive and patient on the phone. Tyrone was so positive and upbeat at 6am on a Saturday. He was quick and responsive to coming out and to my questions and getting me information. Highly recommend them if you need a tow. Nick Shengelia2025-05-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you !!! Trystan Lago2025-05-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very impressed with this company. They did what we asked of them in a timely manner and quoted us a fair price. We recommend. Kenne Cleghorn2025-05-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Josh was quick and super nice, he came and picked up my vehicle and had it delivered in less than 45 minutes. Easy service and highly recommended. Thank you so much!! Savannah Honts2025-05-06Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Josh and the woman on the phone both fantastic!! Very accommodating and helpful, always recommend them!! Brandon Fredericksen2025-04-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Called these guys last minute to move 9 scissor lifts. Was a little nervous at first. The guys showed up knew exactly what they were doing got them all transported no issues. Couldn't have been happier with the work. Will definitely continue using them. Great job guys! Bob Peterson2025-03-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service! I have used them multiple times. I decided to use another local company for some foolish reason. I scheduled a week out. The other company canceled the morning of pickup. I then called Central Iowa Towing. They came to the rescue once again… in less than an hour! Never again will I Go elsewhere. You folks are very clutch when people need you. Thank you!! Adrianna Saric2025-03-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always on top of it and made sure my scheduled tows were there on timeVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
FEATURED SERVICES
Mobile Mechanic Services available for Des Moines, Ames, Marshalltown and all of Central Iowa
to help you with your Mobile Car Services, Semi BreakDowns and any other Mobile Mechanical Services you may
need for cars, trucks, semi trucks… etc call our main dispatch number 24/7 for emergency roadside assistance.
Vehicle Lockouts, Gas or Fuel Delivery if you have “Ran out of Gas“, Help With A Tire Change, Mobile Flat Tire Assistance.





“My partner slid off of an exit ramp near Story City. Patrick was out there in 20 minutes and got the car out quickly and expertly out of a drainage ditch. He even followed us up to the local gas station to make sure that the car still drove without any problems. I’m incredibly satisfied with the service — fair price, kind people, and expert service!”
Ames Location
Phone: 515-290-4188
Des Moines Location
Phone: 515-290-4188
Marshalltown Location
Phone: 515-290-4188