When Your Car Breaks Down, Will Your Auto Insurance Cover the Tow? Understanding Your Policy’s Hidden Gaps
Picture this: you’re stranded on the side of the highway with a dead battery or mechanical failure, and the first question that comes to mind is whether your auto insurance will cover the expensive tow truck bill. The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, and understanding what your policy covers—and what it doesn’t—could save you hundreds of dollars and significant stress during an already frustrating situation.
What Standard Auto Insurance Actually Covers for Towing
Most car insurance policies won’t cover towing because of a mechanical issue, but roadside assistance, also called towing and labor coverage, is a usually inexpensive coverage add-on offered by most major auto insurance carriers. If your auto policy only includes liability coverage, then it probably doesn’t include roadside assistance.
The key distinction here is crucial: while full coverage insurance is not a specific type of policy, it generally refers to a combination of collision and comprehensive coverage, along with liability insurance. It provides extensive protection for your vehicle, but it doesn’t always automatically include towing services. Whether towing is covered under your full coverage policy depends on the specific terms and conditions of your insurance contract.
There are specific scenarios where your standard coverage might help with towing costs. 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. Additionally, sometimes a tow following a covered car accident would allow for the related costs to be covered under your collision or comprehensive insurance.
The Power of Roadside Assistance Coverage
Many insurance companies, including Progressive, offer roadside assistance as an optional coverage on your auto insurance policy. This optional add-on typically provides comprehensive emergency services beyond just towing. Examples of services provided include towing, winching, jump-starts, fuel delivery, vehicle lockout, and flat tire.
The coverage limits vary by insurer, but most follow similar patterns. Progressive’s roadside assistance can be used for the following: Tow service for your vehicle within a 15-mile radius or to the closest qualified repair shop beyond 15 miles. Nationwide, for example, has two coverage options, including a basic roadside assistance package that covers towing up to 15 miles and its “Nationwide Roadside Assistance Plus,” which covers towing up to 100 miles. Travelers also has two levels of roadside assistance, basic and “premier,” which cover either up to 15 or 100 miles of towing respectively.
The cost for this peace of mind is surprisingly reasonable. You can purchase a rider to your base policy for around $5 to $15 per car. Some insurers offer even more affordable options, with typically, the cost ranges from $10 to $50 per year, making it a relatively affordable addition to your auto insurance policy.
What Your Auto Policy Won’t Cover
Understanding the exclusions is just as important as knowing what’s covered. Your auto insurance company won’t cover impound or lot fees. This means if your vehicle is towed by law enforcement or municipal authorities, you’ll be responsible for storage fees and retrieval costs.
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.
Additionally, standard exclusions and limitations may include mechanical failures due to poor maintenance. Extreme conditions, such as off-road accidents or recovery, are often not included. But repairs for routine wear and tear or mechanical problems are typically not covered by a car insurance policy.
When You Need Professional Help
When your insurance falls short or you don’t have roadside coverage, professional services become essential. An estimated 55,000 vehicles are towed every day in America, and this number is only going to continue to go up, given that the average age of a car in the U.S. is over 12 years old.
For Arizona residents, particularly those in Maricopa County, having access to reliable emergency services is crucial. When you need a dependable towing company Maricopa County residents trust, On Time Emergency Roadside and Battery Service stands out for their commitment to quality service. Since opening our doors, we’ve been committed to providing service of the highest quality, paying particular attention to working efficiently while keeping the lines of communication with our clients clear and concise.
On Time Emergency Roadside and Battery Service provides top of the line roadside assistance and towing in the Maricopa County, AZ area. Their comprehensive services include services such as Jump Start Service, Battery Replacement, Vehicle Lockout , Fuel Delivery and Tire change service.
Cost Considerations and Planning Ahead
Understanding the financial implications helps in making informed decisions. According to J.D. Power, the national average cost for a tow is $109. However, this rate may vary by state, towing service companies, distance, vehicle weight, and hook-up fee. Usually, you can expect to pay around $2.50 to $7.50 per mile for a tow truck.
Compare this to simply adding roadside assistance to your full coverage auto policy would cost you roughly $5 to $15 per month. The math clearly favors having coverage, especially if you drive frequently or have an older vehicle.
Making the Right Choice for Your Situation
If you drive long distances on a regular basis, towing coverage can be essential. Longer trips increase the risk of encountering roadside emergencies. Comprehensive towing coverage may be more suitable if you frequently travel long distances or have an older vehicle that is more prone to breakdowns.
Before making decisions, review your policy documents or contact your insurance provider to see if they cover towing and if there are any limitations or restrictions. 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.
The reality is that vehicle breakdowns and emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Whether through your insurance company’s roadside assistance or reliable local services, having a plan in place ensures you’re never truly stranded. Understanding exactly what your auto policy covers for towing services empowers you to make informed decisions that protect both your wallet and your peace of mind on the road.