Does Insurance Cover Towing After an Accident?: Explained

Quick takeaway: Car insurance covers towing after an accident if you have comprehensive or collision coverage. Here's how to use it without getting stuck with the bill.

Originally published on Tow With The Flow.

Quick Answer: Your auto insurance will cover post-accident towing if you have comprehensive or collision coverage. Liability-only policies don't include this benefit. Some insurers offer separate roadside assistance add-ons. You might pay the tow company directly and seek reimbursement later, or your insurer could dispatch help directly. Always contact your insurance provider before arranging a tow truck.

Understanding Your Coverage Options

Check your declarations page for these key coverages:

  • Comprehensive coverage: handles towing for non-collision incidents like theft, flood damage, or animal strikes
  • Collision coverage: covers towing when your vehicle suffers accident damage
  • Roadside assistance add-on: provides towing for breakdowns, lockouts, and flat tires, often without considering fault

If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance should handle your towing expenses. Their insurer manages this process, not your own company. Make sure to collect their insurance details at the scene.

Cost Breakdown Guide

| Coverage Type | Towing Benefits | |---|---| | Liability only | No coverage | | Collision or Comprehensive | Covered, but deductible applies | | Roadside assistance add-on | Covered, usually no deductible | | At-fault driver's liability | Fully covered |

Deductible reality check: With a $500 collision deductible and $150 towing bill, you'll pay the entire amount yourself since it falls below your deductible threshold. Roadside assistance riders typically don't require deductibles for towing services.

Basic policies often limit towing reimbursement to $50-$100 per incident. Any costs beyond this cap become your responsibility. Review your specific policy limits beforehand.

Step-by-Step Action Plan

  1. Contact your insurance company first, directly from the accident scene. Most carriers maintain 24/7 claims hotlines. They'll either send a tow truck directly or authorize you to arrange one for later reimbursement. This approach clarifies your coverage immediately.
  1. Document everything thoroughly. Photograph your vehicle, the accident scene, and the tow truck's license plate and company information. Keep all receipts showing the destination and total charges.
  1. Choose your tow destination wisely before the truck arrives. You can select your preferred repair facility. While insurance companies may suggest preferred shops for faster claim processing, you're not required to use them.
  1. Be cautious with police-dispatched towing. When officers call a tow truck on your behalf, you remain financially responsible. These services can be costly, so request permission to contact your own company if your vehicle can safely wait.

Safety Precautions

Prioritize physical safety above all else. Move away from traffic before making phone calls. Get yourself and any passengers to a secure location off the roadway.

Watch for fluid leaks or steam from your hood. Don't attempt moving a damaged vehicle yourself. Alert the tow operator about these hazards when you call.

Avoid signing unfamiliar documents at the scene. Some predatory tow companies and repair shops pressure accident victims into signing authorization forms while they're still shaken up. Only sign paperwork you completely understand.

Quick Reference Checklist

  • [ ] Move to safety away from traffic
  • [ ] Call insurance company before tow truck
  • [ ] Document scene with photos
  • [ ] Get other driver's insurance information
  • [ ] Choose tow destination in advance
  • [ ] Keep all towing receipts
  • [ ] Ask about rental car coverage

Rental car reminder: If your vehicle becomes undrivable after an accident, you might qualify for rental coverage through your collision policy or the at-fault driver's liability insurance. Inquire about this benefit when speaking with your insurer.

Need more roadside help? Visit Tow With The Flow for complete guides on car breakdowns and towing.

Need the full guide? Read the original article on Tow With The Flow.

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