Car breakdowns are stressful and sometimes quite costly, especially when you have to arrange for a tow. So, does car insurance cover towing? The short answer: Yes, insurance may cover towing in many cases. It depends on your insurance policy and the conditions causing the breakdown.
Knowing the specifics of your policy can save you from unpredicted out-of-pocket expenses. In this article, we will clearly outline when and how car insurance covers towing services. This will help you prepare for roadside emergencies.
Types of Towing Coverage in Car Insurance
Towing coverage refers to insurance or assistance for the cost of towing a car to a safe location when it is no longer drivable. The insurance policies provide the following towing coverage.
- Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive and collision coverage applies to towing when the vehicle cannot be operable or is damaged by some events. Comprehensive policies generally cover car damages caused by theft, vandalism, or weather events. On the other hand, collision insurance provides coverage against damage caused by accidents with other cars or objects.
| Collision Insurance Coverage | Comprehensive Insurance Coverage |
| Accident with another vehicle | Theft recovery |
| Car overturns | Vandalism |
| Damage caused by potholes | Flood or water damage |
| Hitting a stationary object | Hitting by an animal |
- Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is one of the most common choices for vehicle insurance policies. It covers towing related to specific breakdowns, such as flat tires, battery failures, and mechanical issues. Roadside assistance provides broader towing coverage. However, it imposes specific mile limits, such as 15 miles, and limits on the number of annual uses.
- All-Perils Coverage
All perils combine elements of comprehensive and collision insurance. It provides drivers with protection against incidents, including theft, accidents, and natural disasters. Towing coverage in all perils insurance depends on the particular vehicle insurer and conditions of the policy.
Factors Impacting Towing Coverage by Insurance:
How well an car insurance policy covers towing depends on numerous factors, including:
Distance
Most insurance companies have limits regarding the miles covered to tow. For example, the standard can cover up to 15 miles, while the premium plan extends up to 100 miles. Anything above that cost is at your expense.
Coverage Reimbursement Policy
Some insurers utilize a reimbursement model in which the policyholder initially pays for towing services and later submits a claim for reimbursement. These policies typically have reimbursement limits set by insurers.
Limited Towing Claims per Year
Most insurance providers have a limit on the number of times one can claim roadside assistance in a year. The maximum number of uses for a basic roadside assistance package is three to four tows per year.
When Insurance Covers Towing ?
Towing is covered in many insurance policies, according to certain conditions and criteria. Following are the common cases when towing coverage generally comes into play:
Mechanical Breakdown
If your vehicle breaks down mechanically, towing under roadside assistance will be covered. This is very helpful for an older vehicle that may easily break down. It provides coverage for a number of situations that would otherwise not be covered under comprehensive or collision policies.
Flat Tires
Flat tire towing coverage is obviously provided for roadside assistance. If the car does not have a spare tire or the flat cannot be repaired on the spot, then the roadside assistance service will arrange to tow it to the nearest repair shop.
Accident
Towing after an accident is covered in your collision or comprehensive insurance. If it was not your fault, the liability insurance of the other party should cover towing expenses. If you have an accident that is your fault, you may need extra coverage to pay for the costs.
When insurance does not Cover Towing ?
Not all cases fall under insurance for towing, and it is good to be aware of this to avoid unexpected expenses.
Routine Maintenance
Most insurance policies and roadside assistance plans do not cover towing for common maintenance problems, like oil changes or routine checkups.
Rental Cars
Most personal auto insurance policies don’t provide towing coverage for rental cars. If a rental required towing, you would generally need separate insurance or roadside assistance coverage through the rental company.
Non-Policyholder Driving Situations
Generally, towing coverage is only extended to the actual policyholder and listed vehicles on the policy. If someone else is driving your car or you are towing a vehicle not listed on your policy, towing expenses may fall on you.
| Car Insurance Covers Towing | Car Insurance Does Not Cover Towing |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Breakdown | Routine Maintenance |
| Flat Tires | Rental Cars |
| Accident | Non-Policyholder Driving Situations |
Alternatives to Insurance-Based Towing Coverage
If your insurance policy would not cover comprehensive towing, present options you may consider:
- Third-Party Roadside Assistance Providers
Some companies offer roadside assistance memberships that cover towing and other services, such as tire changes, jump-starts, and even fuel delivery. Many of these plans provide longer towing distances.
- Credit Card and Manufacturer Programs
Some services offer limited roadside assistance and towing. Usually, basic towing is covered up to a certain distance. Car manufacturers might also provide roadside assistance for new or certified pre-owned vehicles, and this sometimes includes towing under specific conditions.
- On-Demand Towing service
Roadside assistance apps provide towing services only when needed. Customers pay for towing at the time of use, instead of committing to a full insurance plan or membership for these services. These apps are useful for drivers who only need occasional assistance.
Adding Towing Coverage to Your Insurance
To ensure you have adequate towing coverage, here are the steps:
- Review Your Policy: Check your present insurance policy or call your agent to find out what your current towing coverage is.
- Add Roadside Assistance:If this plan doesn’t cover towing, think about adding roadside assistance. This will provide you with extra benefits, including towing when your vehicle breaks down.
- Adjust Coverage Based on Needs: If you drive long distances or have an older car, you might need extended roadside assistance or a third-party plan for better protection.
Conclusion:
Knowing your towing coverage will save you from unexpected costs in roadside emergencies. If you think, does insurance covers towing, the answer to that depends on the details of the policy. To feel confident while driving, you need to be ready to handle emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does full coverage car insurance cover towing?
Full-coverage car insurance itself may not provide towing. You may need to add roadside assistance or towing coverage to your policy. Specifically, the things your policy covers depend on the insurer and the policy structure.
Does Insurance Pay for Towing Damage?
Yes, when towing a vehicle, any damage that happens during towing is usually covered by the insurance of the towing vehicle.
Does the Auto Insurance Policy Cover Boat Towing?
Standard automobile insurance does not cover the towing of boats or trailers. Instead, these require separate policies.
How many times can you use Roadside Assistance with Progressive?
Progressive, a car insurance company, allows three to four towing claims per year, depending on your state and policy. Extra towing may need to be from your pocket.
How Many Miles Does Progressive Cover for Towing?
Standard progressive roadside assistance covers towing up to 15 miles in radius, while the premium packages offer longer distances.
Does Car insurance Cover Towing ?