Does Full Coverage Car Insurance Cover Towing? How It Works

Ever been stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or an engine that just won’t turn over? It’s a frustrating experience, and the first thought that often pops into your head is, “Will my insurance cover this tow?” Understanding does full coverage car insurance cover towing is crucial for every driver. Let’s dive into what full coverage really means and how it handles those unexpected roadside hiccups.

Decoding “Full Coverage”: Does Insurance Cover Towing?

Many drivers opt for “full coverage” car insurance, believing it’s the ultimate safety net. But what exactly does it entail, and does car insurance cover towing under this umbrella? Generally, full coverage isn’t a specific policy but rather a combination of coverages. It typically includes collision coverage, which helps pay for damage to your car if you hit another vehicle or object, and comprehensive coverage, which protects against things like theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. However, the answer to will insurance cover towing with full coverage isn’t always a straightforward “yes.”

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost of comprehensive coverage in the US is $134 per year.

The Role of Roadside Assistance Coverage

While collision and comprehensive coverages are the cornerstones of full coverage, towing coverage, or more accurately, roadside assistance coverage, is often a separate add-on. Think of it as an extra layer of protection for those inconvenient moments when your car decides to take an unscheduled break. This is where the question of does auto insurance cover towing truly gets its answer. Roadside assistance usually covers a range of services beyond just towing. You might be surprised to learn that it can also help with a dead battery, bringing you a jump start so you can get back on the road. If you run out of gas, they can bring you enough to get to the nearest station. Even if you lock your keys in the car, roadside assistance can often help you get back in.

When Does Full Coverage Include Towing?

So, does getting your car towed affect your insurance if you have full coverage? Not necessarily. If your full coverage policy includes roadside assistance, then insurance cover towing. This means your insurance company will typically cover the cost of towing your vehicle to the nearest repair shop or a location of your choice, within a certain radius (often 100 miles). It’s important to check your specific policy details to understand the limits and conditions. For instance, some policies might have a limit on the number of towing incidents they cover per year. If you’re considering a new truck, you might be interested in the features of the 2025 Caterpillar Pickup Truck, but remember to factor in roadside assistance when choosing your insurance.

Situations Where Towing is Typically Covered

Understanding the scenarios where towing insurance coverage kicks in can save you from unexpected expenses. Here are a few common situations:

• Mechanical Failure: If your car breaks down due to a mechanical issue, roadside assistance will generally cover the tow.
• Flat Tire: A flat tire can leave you stranded. Roadside assistance can either help you change the tire or tow your vehicle to a tire shop.
• Accident: If you’re involved in an accident, and your car is undrivable, your collision coverage (part of full coverage) will typically cover the towing costs. In this case, does insurance cover towing after an accident is usually a yes.
• Dead Battery: As mentioned earlier, roadside assistance can provide a jump start. If that doesn’t work, they’ll tow your car.

What About Liability Insurance and Towing?

It’s crucial to understand that liability insurance, which covers damages you cause to others, does not cover towing for your own vehicle. So, does liability insurance cover towing? The answer is no. Liability coverage focuses on protecting you financially if you’re at fault in an accident that injures someone else or damages their property. If you only have liability coverage, you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket for towing services.

Does Getting Towed Affect Your Insurance Rates?

A common concern is whether needing a tow will cause your insurance premiums to increase. Generally, using your roadside assistance coverage for a tow due to a breakdown or flat tire will not impact your insurance rates. This is because roadside assistance is often considered a separate, non-fault service. However, if the tow is a result of an accident where you were at fault, and you file a claim under your collision coverage, this could potentially affect your rates. So, does getting towed affect insurance depends on the circumstances.

Towing After an Accident and Impound Fees

As mentioned, if your car needs to be towed after an accident, your collision coverage should handle the car insurance and towing costs to a repair shop. However, does insurance cover impound fees? This is a different matter. If your car is impounded by law enforcement due to illegal parking or other violations, your insurance typically will not cover the impound fees. These fees are your responsibility.

Choosing the Right Coverage Options

When selecting your car insurance, carefully consider your coverage options. If you value the peace of mind that comes with knowing you won’t be stranded with a hefty towing bill, adding roadside assistance to your full coverage policy is a wise decision. Think about how often you drive, the age and reliability of your vehicle, and whether you have access to other roadside services, like AAA. Understanding the nuances of car insurance towing coverage and auto insurance towing coverage will help you make an informed choice. You might even find some interesting accessories for your truck, like bulk trucker hats, while researching your insurance options online.

What to Do When You Need a Tow

If you find yourself in a situation where you need a tow, here are a few steps to take:

1. Ensure Your Safety: Pull over to a safe location, away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights.
2. Assess the Situation: Determine why your car needs a tow. Is it a flat tire, mechanical failure, or something else?
3. Contact Your Insurance Company: If you have roadside assistance, call your insurance provider’s dedicated number. They will guide you through the process and arrange for a towing service.
4. Know Your Policy: Be familiar with your policy limits and what’s covered.
5. Document Everything: Keep records of all communication, the towing company information, and any costs involved.

The Cost of Towing Without Insurance

If you don’t have towing coverage, you’ll have to cover the cost of towing yourself. The price can vary significantly depending on the distance, the type of vehicle, and the towing company. Local tows can range from $50 to $150, while longer distances can cost hundreds of dollars. Paying out of pocket can be a significant financial burden, making roadside assistance a worthwhile investment for many drivers. Thinking about the future of electric vehicles? Even they can need a tow sometimes. It’s interesting to compare Rivian vs Tesla in terms of their roadside assistance programs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that over 7 million vehicle breakdowns occur annually on U.S. roads.

Conclusion: Is Towing Covered Under Your Full Coverage Policy?

So, does full coverage insurance cover towing? The most accurate answer is: it depends. While full coverage provides robust protection against accidents and other damages, towing your vehicle is typically covered under a separate roadside assistance add-on. Review your policy documents carefully to understand your specific coverage. If you don’t have roadside assistance, consider adding it for peace of mind and to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. Being prepared for roadside emergencies is a key part of responsible car ownership. Don’t wait until you’re stranded to find out if you’re covered.

Do you have any experiences with towing and insurance? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you’re curious about adapting your EV to different charging stations, you might find information on the Hummer EV SUV adapter for Tesla Supercharger interesting. Consider sharing this article with fellow drivers to help them understand their coverage better. For those who enjoy virtual trucking, you can even find guides on how to download American Truck Sim mods.