Alyssa Lane
Whether your insurance covers towing depends on your insurer and policy. 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. If you are found to be at fault, you may be responsible for towing expenses, depending on your coverage. Some insurance companies may cover towing if you're involved in a covered accident, even if you don't carry roadside assistance coverage. Roadside assistance coverage can pay for a tow, up to a certain distance specified on your policy, if your vehicle is disabled. Your insurer might also cover the cost of towing if your vehicle is involved in a collision and you're unable to drive it.
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What You'll Learn
Collision coverage
The cost of collision coverage varies depending on several factors, including your age, gender, marital status, driving record, the vehicle you drive, and where you live. The average cost of collision coverage among TGS Insurance customers in Texas, for example, is $344.85 per year, but this can range from less than $200 to over $500. Collision coverage typically has a deductible, which is the amount you must pay each time you file a claim. Deductibles usually range from $500 to $1,500, with $500 being the most common.
It's important to note that collision coverage does not include towing services. If your vehicle is undrivable due to an accident, your collision coverage will include the cost of towing your vehicle to your home or a body shop. However, this is considered a roadside assistance service and is typically covered under a separate policy or endorsement.
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At-fault driver's liability
If you are involved in an accident caused by another driver, the at-fault driver's liability coverage will usually cover the cost of towing your vehicle. This is part of your claim with their insurance. However, if you are found to be at fault for the accident, you may be responsible for towing expenses, depending on your coverage.
Roadside assistance on auto insurance policies often provides towing, but only up to a certain distance specified in the policy. Not all policies are eligible for roadside assistance, and coverage is usually optional. Some insurance companies may cover towing if you're involved in an accident, even without roadside assistance coverage. Whether your auto insurance will cover towing depends on your insurer and policy.
Your insurer might also cover the cost of towing if your vehicle is involved in a collision and you're unable to drive it. Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an optional coverage on your auto insurance policy. If your vehicle is undrivable due to an accident, your personal auto insurance's collision or comprehensive coverage will also include a tow to your home or a body shop of your choice. The combined cost of the tow and the damage to your vehicle is subject to a deductible.
Towing may also only be covered as a reimbursable expense, meaning you must pay upfront for towing after an accident and then your insurance reimburses you later. There may be limits to how much is covered, and you may want to familiarise yourself with towing and storage costs if you are responsible for a portion of them. Storage fees are generally charged daily, so it's important to limit the amount of time your vehicle is left in storage to reduce your fees.
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Roadside assistance
Towing Services:
In the event that your vehicle breaks down or becomes undrivable due to an accident, roadside assistance will provide towing services to move your vehicle to a repair shop or your home. The coverage for towing services usually has a specified distance limit, so be sure to check your policy for details. Additionally, if you're involved in an accident caused by another driver, their liability coverage may cover the cost of towing your vehicle.
Flat Tire Assistance:
Changing a flat tire can be a hassle, especially if you're stranded on the side of a busy road. Roadside assistance will send someone to help change your tire, so you can get back on the road quickly and safely. This service is typically included in roadside assistance packages and can be a real time and hassle saver.
Locksmith Services:
Locking your keys in your vehicle or losing them altogether can be a stressful experience. Roadside assistance often includes locksmith services to help you get back into your vehicle and, if needed, provide you with a new set of keys. This can save you time and money, especially if you're far from home.
Trip Interruption Coverage:
If you have roadside assistance and break down more than a certain distance from your home (typically over 100 miles), trip interruption coverage can help with related costs. This may include reimbursement for lodging, food, and transportation expenses incurred while you wait for repairs to be completed. This additional coverage can provide peace of mind and financial relief during unexpected breakdowns.
Electric Vehicle Charging:
For electric vehicle owners, some roadside assistance plans offer towing services to the nearest qualified charging facility. This ensures that you can get back on the road without worrying about running out of power.
It's important to remember that not all insurance policies include roadside assistance, and the specific benefits can vary. Always review your policy carefully to understand what services are covered and any limitations or exclusions that may apply. Additionally, if you're in an accident, be sure to report it to your insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claims process and avoid unnecessary storage fees.
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Comprehensive coverage
While comprehensive coverage does not include collision repairs, other types of insurance can fill this gap. Collision coverage, for example, protects against damage from accidents, regardless of fault. This type of insurance is essential for tow trucks, as accidents can result in costly repairs. Additionally, on-hook towing insurance is crucial. It covers the vehicles your business tows, protecting your clients' cars from damage during transportation.
The cost of comprehensive coverage for your tow trucks can vary depending on several factors. The average cost of standard tow truck insurance ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per month. However, basic roadside towing insurance can be cheaper, while specialized services or high-end clientele may require a higher insurance budget. Location, hours of operation, and safety programs also influence the price.
To ensure you have the right comprehensive coverage for your tow trucks, consulting an independent insurance agent or specialist is advisable. They can help you navigate the complexities of insurance and tailor a policy to your specific needs. This includes assessing the necessary coverage types and amounts, such as liability, medical payments, and uninsured motorist protection, to create a comprehensive plan that safeguards your business and complies with legal requirements.
In summary, comprehensive coverage is a vital component of tow truck insurance, protecting your business and vehicles from a range of incidents. Combined with other types of coverage, it ensures that your tow truck business is well-prepared for unforeseen events, providing peace of mind and a reliable service to your customers.
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Reporting to insurance
If you are involved in an accident and need to have your car towed, it is important to report it to your insurance company as soon as possible. The cost of towing your vehicle may be covered by your insurance, depending on the type of coverage you have and the circumstances of the accident. If you are found to be at fault for the accident, your insurance coverage may be restricted to what your insurance company specifically covers for towing. In this case, you may be responsible for some towing expenses. It is always a good idea to fully understand your coverage before you get into an accident.
If you have collision coverage, your insurance company will likely pay for reasonable towing and storage charges. However, tow yards charge daily storage fees, so it is important to report the claim as soon as possible to avoid additional costs. Advise your claim adjuster of the location of your car so they can arrange to have it moved to a shop or have someone assess the damage.
If your vehicle is undrivable due to an accident, your personal auto insurance's collision or comprehensive coverage will usually include a tow to your home or a body shop of your choice. The combined cost of the tow and the damage to your vehicle is typically subject to a deductible. Some insurance companies may also offer roadside assistance as an optional coverage, which can pay for a tow up to a certain distance specified in your policy.
It is worth noting that if your vehicle becomes impaired due to excluded causes such as wear and tear, mechanical breakdown, or road damage to tires, a tow will not be covered unless you have specifically purchased towing coverage for your policy. Additionally, your auto insurance company will not cover impound or lot fees, so it is important to retrieve your car as quickly as possible from an impound lot to avoid additional charges.
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Frequently asked questions
Check your policy to see if you have roadside assistance coverage. If you do, towing may be included up to a certain distance. If you are at fault for the accident, your insurance will cover towing costs depending on your coverage. If another driver is at fault, their liability coverage may cover the cost of towing your vehicle.
Some insurance companies may still cover towing if you're involved in an accident, even without roadside assistance coverage. Check with your insurance provider to see if this is included in your policy.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They may have a designated phone number for roadside assistance that you can call to dispatch a service person quickly.
Your insurance will likely cover reasonable storage charges. However, tow yards charge daily storage fees, so it's important to report your claim as soon as possible to avoid excessive costs.
