Does Car Insurance Cover Towing?

According to the Office of Public Insurance Counsel, you should have a strong understanding of what your insurance plan and roadside assistance covers. This ensures your safety, and can help you make a quick decision on getting the help you need in a roadside emergency. Your car insurance does a lot of things. It handles accidents on the road and can even cover catastrophic breakdowns that aren’t caused by regular maintenance issues. But if you do run into one such breakdown, your car will still need to be repaired, and it isn’t getting prepared sitting on the side of a road. You need to get it to a shop. But how exactly? Can you get it towed? And, the question you came here for, is towing covered by my insurance?

When your car breaks down on the side of the road, one of the first questions you might ask yourself is “does my car insurance cover towing?” The answer isn’t always straightforward, but understanding your coverage options can save you a lot of headaches—and money—when you need help the most.

Let’s break it down and explore when towing is covered, the differences between insurance claims and roadside assistance, and why you might want some additional assistance or coverage just in case.

When Does Auto Insurance Cover Towing?

To be clear, there are different kinds of auto insurance, and each type has unique benefits and drawbacks. If you have full coverage insurance, for example, you’re probably in the clear. Most full coverage policies include towing, but it’s always good practice to double-check. If your car is involved in an accident, towing costs are typically covered under collision coverage. However, full coverage auto insurances are pricey over long periods of time.

On the other hand, liability insurance is designed to pay for damages or injuries you cause to others. Liability insurance is the legal safety net, just in case you are found at fault for an auto accident. However, all liability insurance covers is your liability to others. It won’t cover vehicle repairs for yourself, and it certainly won’t cover towing your own vehicle. If you are found at fault for an accident, or if a mechanical breakdown occurs, liability insurance will be as much use as the paper your policy is printed on.

Many insurers offer optional roadside assistance plans that cover towing, flat tire changes, and more. They tack on an additional cost, but the added safety net of knowing you will have towing and tire changes covered can be soothing. And when you are in those types of situations, you’ll be thankful for roadside assistance. But if you aren’t sure your insurer offers roadside assistance, you can always become a member of a roadside assistance club external to your insurance for a small membership fee.

So, whether it’s a breakdown or an accident, knowing your policy details can help you determine if towing is covered. Sometimes insurances cover roadside assistance, but make sure you find out before something catastrophic happens.

What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?

Roadside assistance can cover a wide range of services, though the specifics vary by provider. Most plans typically include essential services such as towing within a set mileage, flat tire replacement, jump-starting dead batteries, and fuel delivery. However, many plans go beyond immediate vehicle assistance, offering additional benefits to make your journey less stressful.

For instance, if a breakdown interrupts your road trip far from home, roadside assistance often includes discounts on car rentals and lodging, as well as concierge services. These perks are especially common with higher-tier memberships, ensuring peace of mind no matter where you are. Some plans even provide onsite mechanical expertise and additional discounts for various services.

DriveSmart’s basic roadside assistance plan covers all the essentials. It includes towing up to 10 miles, onsite emergency services, concierge support, rental discounts, and a variety of other exclusive perks. For those who need extra coverage, the Roadside Plus plan adds access to a mobile mechanic who can handle complex maintenance emergencies right on the spot, keeping your trip on track even in challenging situations.

Is Roadside Assistance Considered a Claim?

One common concern is whether using roadside assistance will count as a claim and potentially raise your insurance premiums. Generally, calling for roadside assistance is not the same as placing an insurance claim. You are not reporting an accident or requesting coverage for vehicle repairs; just a tow from point A to point B, or a battery jump or spare tire change. Insurance companies don’t treat roadside assistance calls as claims at all for this very reason. If you need to call for simple roadside assistance, your provider is unlikely to alter your rates.

That said, if towing is required after an accident, the collision itself may be filed with your insurance company under your collision or comprehensive coverage. This may affect your premiums depending on liability, but your insurance is still working as intended.

When in doubt, it’s a good idea to ask your insurer about how using roadside assistance might affect your policy. In these cases, it may even be better to have a separate roadside assistance so that it does not coincide with your insurance.

How Much Does Insurance Go Up After an Accident?

While roadside assistance itself usually doesn’t affect your rates, filing a claim for an accident-related tow might. Premium increases depend on the severity of the claim and your insurance provider’s policies. On average, rates can go up 20-50% after an at-fault accident, though accidents where you are not found at fault will have smaller rate increases, or even none at all. Drive safely to ensure that you are never at fault for an accident.

Does Car Insurance Cover Towing After an Accident?

If you’re in an accident, the towing costs are often covered under your car insurance’s collision or comprehensive coverage. In this situation though, you may be wondering, “can I use my insurance to tow another car”, like the other person in the accident. If you are at fault for the accident, and you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will cover towing for both you and the other victims if you have collision coverage. This is where it is important to be careful about your insurance type! If you have liability insurance, the insurance will cover damages to others and their vehicles, but your own vehicle damages will not be covered!

However, if the accident is someone else’s fault, then you have no need to worry financially. The other driver’s insurance should pay for towing if they’re deemed responsible. That said, having a way to tow your own vehicle will expedite the process, since responsibility and liability are generally difficult to determine at the scene of an accident. In this case, comprehensive coverage or basic roadside assistance will ensure that you can get your car towed as soon as possible.

Either way, make sure to save all receipts for towing and repair services to ensure smooth reimbursement from your insurer.

Does Car Insurance Cover Impound Fees?

Unfortunately, most car insurance policies do not cover impound fees. If your car is towed and impounded due to illegal parking or an accident investigation, you’ll likely have to pay these fees out of pocket. Some insurers offer supplemental coverage for this, but it’s not standard. Always be alert and wary about where you park your vehicle, and pay your parking fees in advance. Better $5 now than $100 later at the pound.

Consider Independent Roadside Assistance

Your insurance company can do a lot for you if you’re willing to work with them, but they often compromise on certain resources. Roadside assistance is either included with expensive insurance packages or as a tacked-on addition with rigid restrictions on what sort of help you can get. Not only that, but some insurers will raise your rates for simply using roadside assistance in times of need!

Not every problem on the road requires an insurance claim. Sometimes, you just need a good old helping hand. Having an external roadside assistance membership can provide you with that helping hand when you need it most, no matter where you are or what time of day it is. If you drive frequently and are more worried about dead batteries and flat tires than accidents, then roadside assistance may be just the thing you need.

Get Roadside Assistance and Trip Interruption Coverage

Roadside assistance is great, but adding trip interruption coverage takes it a step further. If your road trip is interrupted by a breakdown and you’re far from home, then no amount of towing or battery jumping can get your vacation back on track. Trip interruption coverage helps inhere by providing discounts for car rental and lodging, as well as concierge services to find those rentals and lodges. That way, no matter where or when you break down, you have someone in your corner who can back you up. Some plans may offer additional services, like discounts for rentals or onsite mechanical experts!

This coverage reimburses you for expenses like lodging, meals, and transportation if your car breaks down far from home. It’s perfect for road trips and long-distance travelers. Looking for an extra boost? The Roadside Plus Engine plan also includes a mobile mechanic. This can get you out of even the toughest situations in a maintenance emergency on the road.

Coverage in Action

Imagine you’re driving on a rainy night. It’s dark and you can hardly see a thing. Suddenly, your car breaks down on the highway. Was it a blown tire? Did your battery die? Did you forget to refuel at the last station? Your mind is abuzz with worry, and you might be out in the cold with no help in sight. You may not even know if your car insurance covers towing at all, or you may have simple liability insurance!

With roadside assistance, you’re covered for a tow to the nearest repair shop. They’ll even change your tires or jump your battery if it will get you back on the road quicker. Without roadside assistance, you might have to scramble to find help and pay out of pocket. Towing without coverage can come at a hefty price! The peace of mind that comes with towing insurance coverage can be priceless in situations like these. But the most important part is that you have to be prepared in advance. Don’t wait til the last minute to signup for roadside assistance.

DriveSmart Network: Your Roadside Assistance Partner

Nobody likes to think about their car breaking down. Being prepared can turn a stressful situation into a minor inconvenience. With the DriveSmart Network, you gain access to top-notch roadside services and tailored support. Our intuitive app connects you with technicians quickly, ensuring help is just a tap away whenever you’re on the road.

Ready to drive smarter? Take control of your journey today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with reliable coverage. Don’t wait until you’re stranded—sign up for the DriveSmart Network now. With plans ranging from budget-friendly options for safe drivers to premium packages offering extensive coverage, there’s something for everyone.

By joining the DriveSmart Network, you’ll unlock exclusive offers, personalized support, and comprehensive roadside coverage. All designed to meet your unique needs. Whether it’s a routine commute or a cross-country adventure, you can drive with confidence knowing we’ve got your back.