Sometimes, you have no choice but to call for a tow. If your vehicle is disabled and needs to be towed to a mechanic, your car insurance may cover towing costs. Here’s what you need to know and which coverage you need for your car insurance to cover towing.
Towing coverage in car insurance
Towing coverage is typically an additional coverage you can purchase on top of comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is an optional insurance coverage that pays for damage to your car not related to a collision.
- Natural disasters and storms
- Fires
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Damage caused by animals
Just comprehensive coverage by itself may not cover towing costs- you may need additional towing or roadside assistance coverage.
Towing coverage typically pays up to the limit you have selected for the cost of towing your car to a repair shop when it is undrivable. Roadside assistance may include towing coverage, but this can vary between insurance carriers.
Tow truck services and insurance
While insurance policies do not require towing coverage, it can provide invaluable protection and peace of mind in the event of a breakdown or roadside emergency. Here some situations where carrying towing coverage can be a good idea:
New Car
Many newer vehicles do not include a spare tire in the trunk. Even if you do have a spare, towing or roadside assistance can help change your tire or provide other helpful services.
Frequent Driver
If you drive long distances on a regular basis, towing coverage can be essential. Longer trips increase the risk of encountering roadside emergencies.
Scenarios where towing is covered
In general, towing coverage reimburses you for towing expenses not related to a collision with another car. This coverage helps when your car is disabled due to a mechanical problem and needs to be brought somewhere safe, like your home or a mechanic’s shop. The exact scenarios where towing is covered will vary depending on your insurance policy. Check your policy documents, or ask your agent or insurance company for specifics.
Situations Not Covered
The most common situation for towing to not be covered is if you don’t have towing coverage. Without this coverage, any towing costs will have to be paid out of pocket.
Your car must be accessible in order to be towed. If your car is stuck in snow, mud, water or sand, the tow truck itself may not be able to access it. A tow truck also may not be able to help if you’re far from a public road or highway, or on an unmaintained or otherwise impassable road.
Tow truck services and insurance
Your insurance company likely does not operate their own fleet of tow trucks. Instead, towing coverage reimburses you for the cost to tow your vehicle. When you call for a tow, you may need to pay the towing company first for any towing charges or labor performed. Remember to get an invoice or a receipt, as you will need to provide this to your insurance company for reimbursement. Then, file a claim with your insurance company.
At Plymouth Rock, we make it easy to get towing assistance with our 24-hour roadside assistance coverage. No matter the time or your location in the United States, a quick call will bring you towing assistance, flat tire assistance, locked-out service, emergency fluid delivery, battery service, or concierge service.*
If your car is disabled due to a mechanical breakdown or for a reason other than an accident, it will be towed to the closest dealer or authorized repair facility of your choice within 25 miles, with no out-of-pocket expense.
How to check if your policy covers towing
To see if you have towing coverage, check your policy documents or ask your insurance company or agent. The exact limitations and exclusions will depend on the terms of each policy and may differ between insurance carriers.
If you are a member of a motor club that offers a roadside assistance program, you most likely already have coverage for towing included with your membership. It might be redundant to get towing coverage on your car insurance policy if you are already a motor club member.
Adding towing coverage to your policy
Adding towing coverage to your policy can provide valuable peace of mind when you’re on the road. It’s reassuring to have a safety net in case something unexpected happens. Give us a call today and drive assured that you’ll get top notch coverage and even better service with Plymouth Rock!
Now let’s talk about you
Do you have the right coverage for your vehicle? We’d love to chat with you about it. Call us at 800-516-9242 or speak to a local agent.
If you’d rather not talk, you can get a quote quickly and easily online. Just enter your ZIP code to get started and see how much you could save!
*Certain restrictions and limitations apply. Refer to the language issued in your policy or speak with your agent for complete details.
