Does Insurance Cover Towing?

If you’re in a car accident or your car breaks down, you might need to have it towed to a mechanic or repair shop. But does insurance cover the cost of towing? The answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of insurance you have and the circumstances of the situation.

Types of Insurance that Cover Towing

Some types of car insurance policies include coverage for towing. These policies typically fall into one of two categories: comprehensive coverage and roadside assistance coverage.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage is optional insurance that covers damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision with another vehicle. This type of policy might include towing coverage, depending on the specific terms of your policy. In most cases, comprehensive coverage will only pay for towing if the reason for the tow is covered under the policy.

Roadside Assistance Coverage

Roadside assistance coverage is a type of insurance that covers specific services you might need if your car breaks down or you get stranded on the side of the road. This type of policy can include towing, as well as other services like fuel delivery, jump-starts, and lock-out assistance. With roadside assistance coverage, you typically pay a monthly or yearly fee for access to the services.

Factors that Affect Towing Coverage

Even if you have insurance coverage that includes towing, there are several factors that can affect whether your policy will cover the cost of a tow. These factors include:

Frequently Asked Questions

Does liability insurance cover towing?

No, liability insurance does not typically cover towing. Liability insurance only covers damage or injuries you cause to other people or property. If you want coverage for towing, you’ll need to purchase additional insurance, such as comprehensive coverage or roadside assistance coverage.

Does collision insurance cover towing?

No, collision insurance does not typically cover towing. Collision insurance only covers damage to your vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. If you want coverage for towing, you’ll need to purchase additional insurance, such as comprehensive coverage or roadside assistance coverage.

What if I don’t have insurance that covers towing?

If you don’t have insurance that covers towing, you’ll need to pay for the tow out of pocket. Towing costs can vary widely depending on the distance of the tow and the type of vehicle, so it’s important to plan ahead and budget for unexpected expenses.

Can I purchase roadside assistance coverage after I’ve already broken down?

In most cases, no. Roadside assistance coverage is typically only available as an optional add-on when you purchase a new car insurance policy. However, you might be able to purchase a roadside assistance membership from a third-party provider, such as AAA or a car manufacturer’s roadside assistance program.

What should I do if my car breaks down?

If your car breaks down, the first thing you should do is try to get it off the road and to a safe location. If you have insurance that covers towing, you can call your insurance company’s roadside assistance number to request a tow. If you don’t have insurance that covers towing, you’ll need to call a towing company and pay for the tow out of pocket.

Can I choose my own towing company?

In most cases, yes. If you have insurance that covers towing, you can choose your own towing company. However, if you don’t have insurance that covers towing, you might be limited to towing companies that accept your method of payment or are willing to work with you on payment arrangements.

In conclusion, whether or not insurance covers towing depends on several factors, including the type of insurance policy you have and the circumstances of the situation. If you’re not sure whether your insurance covers towing, it’s important to check with your insurance provider before you need a tow. And if you don’t have insurance that covers towing, be sure to plan ahead and budget for unexpected expenses.