Haris Ashley
If you've ever been stranded on the side of the road, you may have wondered if your insurance policy covers towing services. While standard car insurance policies typically don't include towing coverage, it can be added as an optional extra for a small fee. This is known as roadside assistance, and it covers a range of services, including towing, flat tire changes, and locksmith services. In some cases, towing may be covered by the at-fault driver's insurance after an accident. However, it's important to note that certain situations, such as towing due to a moving violation or excessive parking tickets, can result in increased insurance rates.
Does my insurance have free towing service?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Standard car insurance policies cover towing costs | Only if you have added roadside assistance or towing and labour coverage |
| Roadside assistance | Optional coverage that can be added to your policy. Covers towing, flat tire changes, locksmith services, winching services, jump-start services, etc. |
| Collision coverage | Covers damage from an accident regardless of who was at fault |
| Comprehensive coverage | Covers damage from weather events, vandalism, etc. |
| Towing costs covered | If your vehicle is disabled and needs to be towed, your car insurance may cover the towing costs |
| Towing coverage | Reimburses you for towing expenses not related to a collision with another car |
| Motor club membership | If you are a member of a motor club that offers a roadside assistance program, you most likely have coverage for towing included with your membership |
| Standalone roadside assistance providers | AAA, AT&T, Verizon, Good Sam Roadside Assistance, National General Motor Club, Allstate Motor Club, Better World Club, etc. |
| Free towing services | Progressive, Geico, Allstate Motor Club, etc. offer free towing services for customers with roadside assistance coverage |
| Cost of roadside assistance | Progressive: $16 per year; Geico: $14 per vehicle per year; Allstate Motor Club: $89 for the first year (Roadside Advantage) or $164 for the first year (Roadside Elite) |
| Towing distance | Progressive: within a 15-mile radius or to the closest qualified repair shop beyond 15 miles; Geico: to the nearest repair facility; Allstate Motor Club: up to 100 miles |
| Towing after an accident | If you're involved in an accident caused by another driver, the cost of towing your vehicle may be covered under the at-fault driver's liability coverage |
| Towing after a breakdown | If your car experiences a breakdown not related to an accident, you can file a claim to use your coverage |
| Towing after driving under the influence | Your car insurance may cover the towing costs, but you might experience a rate hike |
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What You'll Learn
Roadside assistance coverage
If your car breaks down and needs to be towed, roadside assistance coverage can provide towing services to a nearby repair shop. This can save you from having to pay expensive towing fees out of pocket. Additionally, if you're involved in an accident caused by another driver, the cost of towing your vehicle may be covered under the at-fault driver's liability coverage. However, if you're at fault for the accident, you may be responsible for the towing expenses, unless you have the appropriate coverage.
Several insurance companies offer roadside assistance coverage as an add-on to their policies. For example, Allstate offers roadside assistance starting at $25 per year per car, while Erie offers it for about $5 per year per car, but only if you have comprehensive or collision insurance. Geico's roadside assistance starts at $14 per year per car, and includes lockout services up to $100. Progressive's coverage includes towing within a 15-mile radius or to the closest qualified repair shop beyond 15 miles. State Farm also offers roadside assistance, but the cost varies by policy, and they also provide a pay-per-incident option.
If your insurance doesn't offer roadside assistance, there are other ways to obtain this service. Some car manufacturers offer roadside assistance for free with the purchase of a new car, usually for a limited time or number of miles. Dealerships may also provide roadside assistance for used cars, often as part of a warranty. Standalone roadside assistance providers, such as AAA, offer towing and other services for a fee. Motor clubs, such as the Better World Club, also provide roadside assistance along with travel perks like discounts on hotels and car rentals. Cell phone providers like AT&T and Verizon also offer roadside assistance plans that cover towing and other emergency services.
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Towing costs after an accident
If you have roadside assistance coverage as part of your insurance policy, it may cover towing costs after an accident. Roadside assistance is often offered as an optional coverage that you can add to your policy, and it typically includes other services such as flat tire changes, locksmith services, and jump-starting a dead battery. Some insurance companies include roadside assistance with comprehensive and collision coverage, but it's important to confirm with your insurer. If you don't have roadside assistance coverage, you may still be able to get towing coverage through a standalone roadside assistance provider or as part of a warranty when purchasing a new or used car.
In the event of an accident, the responsibility for towing costs typically falls on the at-fault driver or their insurance company. If you are found to be at fault for the accident, your insurance policy may cover the towing expenses, depending on your coverage. It's important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and discuss towing and recovery options.
Additionally, it's worth noting that towing and storage fees can accumulate quickly, especially if the vehicle is unclaimed for more than a day or two. To minimize costs, it is advisable to retrieve your vehicle promptly from the storage facility.
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Towing and labour coverage
Most car insurance policies do not include towing and labour coverage as standard, but it is usually an inexpensive add-on offered by major auto insurance providers. To add towing coverage, you typically need to have comprehensive coverage on your policy, and some policies may also require collision coverage. It's important to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer this coverage and what specific limitations and exclusions apply.
If your insurance policy does not include towing and labour coverage, there are alternative ways to obtain this service. Some car manufacturers offer roadside assistance with new car purchases, usually free for a limited time or number of miles. Dealerships may also provide roadside assistance for used cars, often as part of a warranty. Standalone roadside assistance providers, such as AAA, offer towing and other services for a fee. Additionally, if you are a member of a motor club or an auto club, you may already have access to towing and labour services as part of your membership.
In the event that your vehicle needs to be towed, having towing and labour coverage can provide peace of mind and protect you from unexpected expenses. This coverage can save you from paying out-of-pocket expenses for towing and related services, which can quickly add up. It is important to review your policy documents or consult your insurance company to understand the specific terms, limitations, and exclusions of your coverage.
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Towing distance limits
If your insurance policy includes roadside assistance or towing and labour coverage, it will usually cover towing up to a certain distance specified in your policy. This could be anywhere from 15 to 100 miles per tow. Some policies may cover a certain dollar amount, in which case you will be responsible for any additional costs.
The exact scenarios where towing is covered will vary depending on your insurance policy. For example, some policies may only cover towing costs if your vehicle is disabled due to a mechanical problem and not if it is due to an accident. Other policies may cover towing costs if you are involved in an accident, even if you don't have roadside assistance coverage. If you were involved in an accident caused by another driver, the towing costs may be covered under the at-fault driver's liability coverage.
If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, your policy may already include roadside assistance. You can also purchase a rider to your base policy for around $5 to $15 per car. If you are 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 important to review your insurance policy documents or consult your insurance company or agent to understand the specific coverage, limitations, and exclusions of your policy.
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Membership benefits
Roadside Assistance Programs
Many organizations offer roadside assistance programs as a membership benefit. For example, AARP members can access emergency roadside assistance through The Hartford, which includes towing services to the nearest repair shop, up to 100 miles. Similarly, Allstate Motor Club provides 24/7 roadside assistance anywhere in the US, with two plans: Roadside Advantage and Roadside Elite, offering different levels of coverage. These programs often include other services such as locksmith services, flat-tire assistance, and battery services.
Insurance Company Membership
Some insurance companies, like Progressive, offer roadside assistance as an optional coverage for their members. This can include towing services within a certain radius or to the closest qualified repair shop. It may also cover winching services, jump-starts, and locksmith services. The cost of adding this coverage to your insurance policy is generally low, with Progressive's coverage costing $16 per year. Geico is another example, offering roadside assistance for $14 per vehicle per year, including towing to the nearest repair facility.
Motor Club Membership
If you are a member of a motor club, you likely already have coverage for towing included in your membership. For example, AAA offers a certain amount of towing per year, depending on the coverage plan you choose. Other motor clubs that offer roadside assistance include Good Sam Roadside Assistance, National General Motor Club, and Better World Club.
Cell Service Provider Membership
Surprisingly, your cell service provider may also offer roadside assistance as a membership benefit. Both AT&T and Verizon have plans that cover towing, as well as fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and jump-starts.
Car Manufacturer or Dealership Benefits
When purchasing a new or used car, you may be eligible for roadside assistance and towing benefits. Some car manufacturers offer free roadside assistance for a certain period or mileage. Dealerships may also offer roadside assistance as part of a warranty, especially when purchasing a used car.
In summary, there are various membership benefits that can provide towing and roadside assistance services. It's important to review the specific terms and limitations of each program, as coverage limits and inclusions may vary. By taking advantage of these benefits, you can ensure peace of mind and potentially save money on unexpected towing expenses.
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Frequently asked questions
Most car insurance policies don't cover towing because of a mechanical issue. However, roadside assistance, also known as towing and labour coverage, is an inexpensive add-on offered by most major auto insurance carriers.
Roadside assistance is an optional coverage that can be added to your auto policy if you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle. It covers towing, flat tire changes, locksmith services, and more.
Check your policy documents or ask your insurance company or agent. If you are a member of a motor club that offers a roadside assistance program, you likely already have coverage for towing included with your membership.
The cost of roadside assistance varies depending on the company and your coverage plan. For example, Geico's roadside assistance costs $14 per vehicle per year, while Progressive's costs $16 per year.
Many companies offer roadside assistance, including Progressive, Geico, Allstate Motor Club, AARP, and more. Standalone roadside assistance providers include AAA, Good Sam Roadside Assistance, National General Motor Club, and Better World Club.
