Towing From Service Centers: Is Insurance Coverage Available?

If your vehicle breaks down and needs to be towed, your car insurance may cover the towing costs. However, this depends on your insurance carrier and the type of coverage you have. Some insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on to your policy, which typically includes towing services. If your insurance does not offer roadside assistance, you may be able to get it through your car manufacturer, dealership, or a standalone roadside assistance provider. When choosing a tow truck and repair service, it is important to do your research, read reviews, and understand your rights as a customer.

Towing costs covered by insurance

Whether or not towing costs are covered by insurance depends on the specifics of your policy. Most standard car insurance policies do not cover towing unless you have added roadside assistance coverage to your policy. This is an optional, inexpensive add-on offered by most major auto insurance carriers. It typically covers towing, flat tire changes, locksmith services, and more. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, your policy may already include roadside assistance, but it is best to check with your insurer.

If you are involved in an accident caused by another driver, the cost of towing may be covered by the at-fault driver's insurance. However, if you are found to be at fault, you may be responsible for the towing expenses, depending on your coverage. Reasonable towing and storage costs are generally covered under collision coverage.

If your vehicle breaks down and needs to be towed to a mechanic, your insurance may cover the towing costs if you have roadside assistance coverage. In this case, you would need to file a claim with your insurance company, and they may reimburse you for the towing charges. Some insurance companies may also have a designated phone number you can call to dispatch a service person quickly.

It is important to note that insurance policies typically do not cover impound or lot fees, and daily storage fees may apply if you do not report a claim promptly. Additionally, towing coverage may be limited to a certain number of miles, so it is essential to review the specifics of your policy.

Roadside assistance

Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance, including Progressive, which offers 24/7 roadside assistance as an add-on to its policies. This covers towing, winching, jump-starts, fuel delivery, vehicle lockout, and flat tire services. Some companies offer different tiers of roadside assistance, with basic packages covering towing up to 15 miles, and more comprehensive packages covering up to 100 miles.

If your insurance doesn't offer roadside assistance, you can still get covered through other means. Some car manufacturers offer roadside assistance with a new car, and you may be able to get it with a used car through the dealership. There are also standalone roadside assistance providers, like AAA, which offer a certain amount of towing per year depending on the coverage plan. Other providers include Good Sam Roadside Assistance, National General Motor Club, Allstate Motor Club, and Better World Club.

If you're a member of a motor club that offers a roadside assistance program, you likely already have coverage for towing included with your membership. It's worth checking with your insurer to see if you're already covered before adding it to your policy.

Towing and labour coverage

The specific services covered by towing and labour coverage may vary depending on your insurance carrier and policy. Some insurance companies offer multiple tiers of coverage, with different limits on the distance covered for towing and the amount of labour charges covered. It's important to carefully review the terms of your policy to understand the specific coverage provided.

If you are considering adding towing and labour coverage to your policy, it is recommended to compare the costs and benefits of standalone roadside assistance plans offered by companies like AAA or your car manufacturer against the coverage provided by your insurance company. Additionally, if you are a member of a motor club or auto club, you may already have roadside assistance included in your membership, so it is important to review your existing coverage before purchasing duplicate services.

Towing distance limits

The towing distance limits depend on the insurance company and the type of coverage you have. Some companies offer roadside assistance as part of their auto insurance policies, which can include towing services up to a certain distance specified in the policy. This distance can vary, with some companies offering towing up to 15 miles while others provide coverage for up to 100 miles.

For example, Progressive's roadside assistance includes towing within a 15-mile radius or to the closest qualified repair shop beyond 15 miles. Similarly, Nationwide offers two coverage options: basic roadside assistance with towing up to 15 miles and "Nationwide Roadside Assistance Plus" with up to 100 miles of towing.

If your insurance policy includes towing coverage for a specific number of miles, that is typically the farthest your policy will pay to tow your vehicle. However, some companies, like AAA, offer different levels of membership with varying towing distance limits. For instance, AAA's Premier members are covered for up to 100 miles of towing per service call and are entitled to one additional tow of up to 200 miles per membership year.

It's important to note that not all insurance policies include roadside assistance or towing coverage. If your policy doesn't include this coverage, you may need to pay for towing services out of pocket and then request reimbursement from your insurance company. Alternatively, you can explore other options for roadside assistance, such as through your car manufacturer, dealership, or standalone roadside assistance providers like AAA or Good Sam Roadside Assistance.

Choosing a tow truck service

It's inevitable that at some point, you'll need a tow truck service for your vehicle. When that time comes, it's common to be in a stressed and panicked state. Knowing ahead of time how to find a tow truck can help get you and your car off the road in a safe and timely manner. Here are some tips for choosing a tow truck service:

Check your insurance policy

Firstly, check your insurance policy to see if it includes roadside assistance or towing and labour coverage. Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an optional coverage in their auto insurance policies. If you have roadside assistance, your insurer may have you call a designated phone number to dispatch a service person quickly. If your insurance doesn't offer roadside assistance, you can consider adding it to your policy.

Check your motor club membership

If you are a member of a motor club, you may already have coverage for towing included with your membership. For example, AAA membership includes free towing as part of its roadside assistance program.

Check your vehicle warranty

Some car manufacturers offer roadside assistance with a new car, usually free up to a certain amount of time or number of miles. If you have a used car, you may be able to get roadside assistance through the dealership as part of a warranty.

Check standalone roadside assistance providers

If you don't have coverage through insurance, a motor club, or your vehicle warranty, you can consider a standalone roadside assistance provider. Examples include AAA, Hagerty Drivers Club, Good Sam Roadside Assistance, National General Motor Club, Allstate Motor Club, and Better World Club.

Keep important information handy

When requesting a tow truck service, it's important to have relevant information ready. This includes your membership number (if applicable), your phone number, a description of your vehicle (colour, make, model, and year), and your license plate number. It's also important to verify the name of the tow truck service provider when they arrive and to describe the situation, including any special towing or transport considerations.

By following these tips, you can be prepared for when you need to choose a tow truck service and ensure that you and your vehicle are safely taken care of.

Frequently asked questions