Is towing covered by car insurance?

Are you wondering if towing expenses are covered by your car insurance? If you’ve ever found yourself stranded on the side of the road, the thought of getting your vehicle towed can be daunting, both financially and logistically. We delve into the topic of “Is towing covered by car insurance” to shed light on this common concern.

We’ll explore the different types of car insurance coverage that may include towing benefits, the limitations and exclusions you should be aware of, and tips for selecting the right policy for your needs. Don’t miss out on this essential information! Enter your zip code below to compare rates from the best insurance providers and ensure you have the necessary coverage when you need it most.

Will car insurance cover towing?

So, will car insurance cover towing? If you’ve had your car towed before, you’re probably already aware of how expensive it can be. On average, getting your vehicle towed can cost around $100, but depending on the distance, you could see a cost of almost $500.

Fortunately, car insurance does cover towing, provided you have roadside assistance coverage on your policy. Roadside assistance coverage helps pay for services you may need while stranded on the side of the road.

If you have a flat tire and need it changed, your insurance provider will send someone to do it for you with roadside assistance. Similarly, if you run out of gas or need a locksmith, roadside assistance coverage has your back.

So, is towing covered by car insurance? Yes, as long as you have roadside assistance. However, not every policy comes with roadside assistance. Keep reading to learn what type of policy you need to cover towing expenses.

What type of car insurance covers towing?

Now that you know the answer to the question, “Does auto insurance cover towing?” you’re probably wondering what type of coverage you need to cover towing expenses.

Typically, roadside assistance does not come with liability-only policies. You usually have to have at least collision or comprehensive coverage in order to get roadside assistance. For the few extra dollars a month, this coverage pays for itself.

In many cases, you’ll probably have to pay out-of-pocket for the towing expenses upfront since your claim will need time to be reviewed. However, many insurance providers will reimburse you later on for the cost of the towing.

Some companies stipulate that they will only pay up to a certain distance for towing costs since most towers charge by the mile. It’s essential to check your policy to see just how much your provider is willing to cover before you call the tow truck.

What if my provider doesn’t cover towing?

Since towing is typically charged by the distance towed, sometimes you can end up with staggering towing costs. If your car insurance company doesn’t offer roadside assistance or won’t cover most of your towing expenses, you might feel out of luck.

Fortunately, other companies offer towing services for affordable monthly fees. One such example is AAA. Even if your insurance provider doesn’t offer roadside assistance, signing up with AAA will make sure you’re covered anyway.

Also, it’s a good idea to compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies to find the best deal. The Insurance Information Institute recommends you compare car insurance rates from at least three companies before you buy.

Now that we’ve answered the question, “Is towing covered under auto insurance?” start shopping today. Enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool below to buy car insurance from providers in your area.

Read more: Best Business Insurance for Towing Services

Case Studies: Is towing covered by car insurance?

Case Study 1: John’s Roadside Assistance Coverage

John, a car owner, experienced a breakdown on a remote highway. Luckily, his car insurance policy included comprehensive coverage with roadside assistance. He contacted his insurance provider, and they dispatched a tow truck to his location.

The cost of towing was fully covered by his insurance policy, allowing John to safely transport his vehicle to a nearby repair shop without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses.

Case Study 2: Sarah’s Limited Towing Coverage

Sarah’s car insurance policy had a limited towing provision, which covered up to a certain distance or cost. Unfortunately, her vehicle broke down far beyond the covered limits, leaving her stranded. In this case, Sarah had to pay for the excess towing charges out of her own pocket, as it exceeded the coverage provided by her insurance policy.

It highlighted the importance of reviewing policy terms and considering additional coverage options if long-distance or higher-cost towing is anticipated.

Case Study 3: Michael’s Exclusion for Towing Services

Michael’s car insurance policy explicitly excluded coverage for towing services. When his car broke down on the side of the road, he had to personally arrange and pay for a tow truck to transport his vehicle to a repair facility. In such cases, individuals without towing coverage may need to rely on independent roadside assistance services or pay for towing expenses independently.

Case Study 4: Emily’s Supplementary Towing Coverage

Emily had a basic car insurance policy without any towing benefits. However, she purchased a supplementary roadside assistance package from a third-party provider. When her car experienced a mechanical failure, she contacted the third-party service and they arranged for a tow truck to assist her.

The towing charges were covered by her supplementary roadside assistance plan, highlighting the option of seeking additional coverage outside of the standard car insurance policy.

Case Study 5: David’s Towing Coverage with Limitations

David’s car insurance policy included towing coverage, but with certain limitations. Although his insurance provider offered towing services, it was restricted to specific situations, such as accidents or breakdowns due to mechanical failures. When David’s vehicle got stuck in a muddy area and required a tow, his insurance coverage did not apply since it was considered an off-road incident.

This case demonstrated the importance of understanding the scope and limitations of towing coverage provided by the insurance policy.

Case Study 6: Lisa’s Towing Coverage Deductible

Lisa’s car insurance policy provided coverage for towing services, but it had a deductible. When her car broke down and required a tow, she had to pay the deductible amount before her insurance coverage kicked in. The deductible acted as an out-of-pocket expense that Lisa had to incur before the insurance company covered the remaining towing charges.

This scenario highlighted the presence of deductibles in towing coverage and their impact on the financial responsibility of the policyholder.