Does Car Insurance Cover Towing?

Popular Questions:

When Does Car Insurance Cover Towing?
What Does Towing and Roadside Assistance Insurance Cover?
How Does Towing Coverage Work?
If I Get into an Accident, Will the At-Fault Driver's Car Insurance Cover a Tow?
If My Car Gets Towed Against My Will, Does Car Insurance Cover Impound Fees?
The Benefits of Working with an Independent Insurance Agent

If you've been involved in an accident or have experienced a sudden breakdown, you might be stranded on the side of the road. At times like these, it's critical to be aware of how to get your vehicle towed to a safe location like a repair shop. But whether your car insurance covers towing and other roadside services depends on the specific types of coverage you have.

Fortunately, an independent insurance agent can help you review your car insurance policy to determine if you have towing coverage. They can help you add it if you're still in need. But first, here's an overview of if, when, and how car insurance covers towing.

When Does Car Insurance Cover Towing?

Getting a car towed is not cheap, so it's beneficial to know whether your insurance covers this kind of emergency service. In fact, the current average cost of a tow is at least $99. Fortunately, your coverage might be able to reimburse you for one. Essentially, there are two instances when your car insurance can cover towing.

The first is if you've purchased towing and roadside assistance coverage in your policy. When you set up your auto insurance policy, the insurance agent should ask you if you want to add towing and roadside assistance, which is an optional endorsement. In many insurance policies, it may already be included as an add-on unless you decline this coverage. If you have towing coverage, your auto insurance will cover a tow up to a certain amount, which is the limit you choose on your tow coverage.

The second scenario in which car insurance covers towing is if you get into an accident and your car is not drivable. When this happens, your insurance company can pay to have your car towed to a safe location so it's not left on the street. In such a case, it doesn't matter whether you have towing coverage; it's included in your overall auto insurance policy. 

What Does Towing and Roadside Assistance Insurance Cover?

If you added the towing and roadside assistance endorsement to your car insurance, or your policy already included this coverage, it provides a lot of helpful protection. The exact services and coverage limits included in towing and roadside assistance coverage vary by policy and insurer, but in general, you can expect to find coverage for:

• Towing
• Tire changes or flat tire fixes
• Locksmith/key replacement
• Mechanical labor
• Jump starts 
• Fuel delivery
• Winching (i.e., pulling your car out of mud, snow, ditches, etc.)
• Trip interruptions (e.g., reimbursement for food and lodging if you're stranded more than 50 miles away from home)

Ask your independent insurance agent to review your auto insurance policy with you to ensure you're set up with towing and roadside assistance coverage in case you ever need it.

How Does Towing Coverage Work?

If you have towing coverage and your car breaks down, you can call your insurance company, which will then send a tow truck from their approved list of vendors to pick up your car. Once the towing company arrives, you'll have to sign some paperwork, and they'll tow your car to their facility. 

On most occasions, you'll pay for the tow yourself and then get reimbursed by your car insurance company. You'll then work with your insurance company to get your car fixed and drivable again.

Note that towing coverage doesn't work like most insurance, which includes a deductible. When you purchase towing coverage, you pay for a maximum limit that your policy will reimburse you for towing a vehicle. This could be a certain mileage or cash amount. 

So, your insurance will cover the cost of towing your car up to this limit, which may be for up to 50 miles of tow or up to $500. It all depends on your specific policy's terms. 

Understand what your tow limit is ahead of time. Then, if you ever need a tow, you won't be surprised by the potential cost. Also, remember that your insurance company will tow your car if you're in an accident and your car is not drivable. Should you get in a collision with another car or object, your insurance will cover the total price of the tow as part of your collision insurance.

If I Get into an Accident, Will the At-Fault Driver's Car Insurance Cover a Tow?

If you get into an accident and the other driver is at fault, their car insurance may cover the cost of towing your vehicle. In such a case, the other driver's liability coverage might pay for this expense. But if the accident is your fault or you need a tow for another reason, you'll likely be responsible for covering the cost yourself or getting reimbursement through your own insurance.

If My Car Gets Towed Against My Will, Does Car Insurance Cover Impound Fees?

Say your car got towed because you parked in a no-parking zone without being aware of it. Unfortunately, in instances like this, car insurance won't reimburse you for the cost of the tow or any impound or lot fees. Act quickly and retrieve your car ASAP if it's been impounded to reduce your costs as much as possible. 

The Benefits of Working with an Independent Insurance Agent

You might not be aware of whether your existing car insurance includes towing and roadside assistance, or you may just be starting to look for the right coverage. Either way, an independent insurance agent can help you find all the coverage you need. They'll get you matched to the policy that offers the best overall blend of coverage and cost. And down the road, they'll be there to help you file claims or update your coverage as necessary.