Does Car Insurance Cover Towing?

Towing your car is often necessary, whether it is due to an accident, breakdown, or other unforeseen circumstances. However, it can be an expensive service, and you may wonder if your car insurance policy covers towing. The answer to this question can vary depending on your insurance policy and the type of coverage you have.

Types of Coverage That May Cover Towing

There are different types of car insurance coverage that may cover towing. Some of the most common types of coverage include:

Collision Coverage

If you have collision coverage, it may cover the cost of towing your car if you were involved in an accident. This coverage is designed to pay for damages to your car if it is hit by another vehicle or object. Towing is often included as part of this coverage.

Comprehensive Coverage

Similar to collision coverage, comprehensive coverage may also cover towing if your car is damaged due to something other than an accident. This can include things like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.

Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance is a type of coverage that specifically provides services like towing, jumpstarting a dead battery, changing a flat tire, and unlocking your car if you’re locked out. Depending on your insurance policy, you may have this coverage as an add-on or it may be included in your policy.

Limitations to Coverage

While your car insurance policy may cover towing in certain situations, there may be limitations to the coverage. For example, your policy may only cover a certain number of miles for towing, or it may only cover towing if the car is disabled due to a covered incident.

Additionally, some insurance policies have a deductible that you must pay before coverage kicks in. This means that even if your policy covers towing, you may still have to pay a portion of the cost out of pocket.

FAQ

Question
Answer
What if I don’t have any coverage for towing?
If you don’t have any coverage for towing, you will have to pay for the service out of pocket. However, you may be able to find a roadside assistance plan or other service that can provide towing at a lower cost.
What if I need to have my car towed due to mechanical issues?
If your car breaks down due to mechanical issues, your car insurance policy may not cover towing. However, if you have a roadside assistance plan, it may cover towing in this situation.
Will my insurance policy cover towing if I run out of gas?
In most cases, running out of gas is not considered a covered incident, so your insurance policy is unlikely to cover towing in this situation.
What if I need to have my car towed a long distance?
Depending on your insurance policy, there may be a limit to the number of miles that are covered for towing. If you need to have your car towed a long distance, you may have to pay for the additional miles out of pocket.
Do I have to use a specific tow truck company?
Some insurance policies require that you use a specific tow truck company that is contracted with the insurance company. However, if your policy doesn’t have this requirement, you can choose any tow truck company that you prefer.

Conclusion

Whether or not your car insurance policy covers towing can vary depending on the type of coverage you have and the specific details of your policy. It’s important to review your policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered, as well as any limitations to the coverage. If you’re unsure about your coverage or have questions, you should contact your insurance provider for more information.