Towing Troubles: Exploring Auto Farmers Insurance's Annual Allowance

Farmers Insurance offers roadside assistance as an add-on to its auto insurance policy. This includes emergency towing services of up to $150, with no specific mileage limit. The cost of roadside assistance varies depending on location, but it is generally affordable, ranging from $12 to $36 per year, or $1 to $3 per month. Customers can request roadside assistance online, through the mobile app, or by calling their dispatch service.

Farmers Insurance's roadside assistance costs

Farmers Insurance offers roadside assistance as an optional endorsement for your auto policy. The cost of this service varies between $12 and $36 per year, or between $1 and $3 per month, depending on your location and the type of car you drive. It is available in all US states except Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.

Roadside assistance from Farmers Insurance covers towing, jump-starting, fuel delivery, winching, and lockout assistance. The number of service calls included in the coverage also depends on your location. While an agent in Arizona informed SmartFinancial that policyholders are covered for three to four service calls per year, an agent in Florida stated that there is no annual cap on the number of claims.

If you need to be towed, Farmers Insurance will pay for a tow up to $150 with no specific mileage limit. If you have already received roadside assistance and need to be reimbursed, you can file a claim with Farmers Insurance online.

What is included in roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance is a service designed to help you get going again if your vehicle breaks down. When you call for help, your service provider will usually try to solve your problem over the phone. If they can't, they will send either a roadside contractor to mobilise your vehicle or a truck to tow it to the nearest mechanic.

Farmers Insurance offers roadside assistance as an optional endorsement for around $20 per year, depending on your location. It provides access to the most common types of emergency roadside services:

• Towing services to the nearest repair facility
• Winches if your vehicle is stuck in mud, sand, snow, water, or another terrain
• Fuel delivery (cost of fuel not covered)
• Flat tire changes (cost of the tire not covered)
• Battery jumpstarts
• Locksmith services

It's important to note that fuel delivery and spare tires are not included in the coverage. Additionally, the number of service calls included per year may vary by location, so it's recommended to confirm the coverage details with your insurance agent.

Other companies that offer roadside assistance include RACQ, Budget Direct, and AAMI. These companies provide similar services, such as towing, jumpstarts, battery replacements, tire changes, and fuel delivery.

How to request roadside assistance

Farmers Insurance offers roadside assistance starting at between $12 and $36 per year on average. This service provides coverage for jump-starting, fuel delivery, winching, and lockout assistance, up to 3 to 4 rescues per year.

To request roadside assistance, you can call the Farmers roadside assistance phone number at 888-327-6335. You can also request services online or through the mobile app. The service request process will require your vehicle and policy information before dispatching a service provider.

If you have already received roadside assistance and want to get reimbursed, you can file a claim online. It takes about 5 minutes to complete. If you have a Farmers.com account, log in first and upload the receipt after your claim is filed.

How to add roadside assistance to an existing policy

Farmers Insurance does not cover towing on a basic liability policy. However, you can add towing and roadside assistance coverage to your current policy. This will cost around $20 per year, depending on your location, and provide access to tows, battery jumpstarts, locksmith services, and other emergency roadside assistance services. To add roadside assistance to an existing policy, you can sign up online, through the mobile app, or by calling an agent at 888-327-6335. Coverage is immediate and will not require you to wait until your policy is renewed.

• Contact Your Insurance Provider: Get in touch with your insurance company, either by phone, online, or through their mobile app, if they have one. Ask to speak to an agent about adding roadside assistance to your policy.
• Provide Policy Information: Have your policy information ready when you contact your insurance provider. They will need to pull up your existing policy to make any changes or additions.
• Understand the Coverage Options: Ask about the specific services included in their roadside assistance package. This can vary by provider, but common services include towing, battery jumpstarts, locksmith services, fuel delivery, and flat tire changes.
• Confirm the Cost and Payment Options: Understand the additional cost for roadside assistance and how it will be billed. In some cases, you may be able to add it to your existing policy payments, while other providers may require a separate payment for this add-on.
• Review Any Limitations or Exclusions: It is important to know if there are any limitations on the number of service calls or any exclusions to the coverage. For example, fuel delivery may not be included in some plans.
• Understand the Coverage Area: Roadside assistance coverage may vary by location. Confirm with your insurance provider if there are any geographical restrictions on where you can receive roadside assistance services.
• Finalize the Addition to Your Policy: Once you have all the necessary information and are happy with the terms, finalize the addition of roadside assistance to your existing policy. Make sure to ask about the effective date of the new coverage.
• Update Your Records: After adding roadside assistance, update your insurance policy records and any other relevant documentation. Note down the effective date of the new coverage and any important details about the services included.

By following these steps, you can easily add roadside assistance to your existing policy and have peace of mind knowing that you are prepared for potential roadside emergencies.

What isn't included in Farmers Insurance's roadside coverage?

Farmers Insurance's roadside coverage offers a wide range of benefits for stranded drivers. However, there are a few exclusions to this coverage that you should be aware of. Here's a detailed overview of what is not included in Farmers Insurance's roadside coverage:

Fuel Delivery

Fuel delivery is not included in the roadside assistance plan offered by Farmers Insurance. If your vehicle runs out of fuel and you need it delivered to your location, this service may not be covered by Farmers. This means that you would have to bear the cost of fuel delivery yourself.

Spare Tires

While flat tire changes are included in the roadside assistance, the cost of the spare tire itself is not covered. Farmers Insurance will cover the labour required to replace a flat tire, but you will need to purchase and provide the spare tire.

Limited Availability

It's important to note that Farmers Insurance's roadside assistance is not available in all states. Currently, it is not offered in Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia. If you're located in one of these states, you won't be able to take advantage of their roadside coverage.

Service Calls Per Year

The number of service calls included in the coverage period may vary depending on your location. While an agent in Arizona reported that policyholders are covered for three to four service calls per year, an agent in Florida stated that there is no annual cap. It's essential to confirm the coverage details with your local insurance agent to understand the exact limitations.

Winching Services

Winching services, which may be required if your vehicle is stuck in mud, sand, snow, or other terrain, are not included in the basic roadside assistance plan. You may need to purchase additional coverage or pay out of pocket for these services.

It's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your Farmers Insurance policy to understand the specific exclusions and limitations of your roadside coverage. This will help you avoid any unexpected costs or surprises when utilising their roadside assistance services.

Frequently asked questions