When your vehicle breaks down on the side of the road, one of the first things that comes to mind is, “Will my insurance help me get out of this?” Towing expenses can add up quickly, especially if you’re far from home or driving an RV. This is where understanding your Towing Insurance Coverage becomes important. Many drivers are surprised to learn that their auto insurance doesn’t always include towing or roadside assistance by default.
What Is Towing Insurance Coverage?
Towing Insurance Coverage refers to the part of a car insurance policy that pays for a tow truck to transport your vehicle when it breaks down. It may also include services like jump-starting a battery, fixing flat tires, unlocking car doors, and delivering fuel.
Is Towing Coverage Automatically Included in Auto Insurance?
In most cases, no. Basic auto insurance policies often cover only liability and collision. Towing and other roadside assistance services are usually optional and must be added separately. Some insurance companies offer it as part of a package, while others charge a small monthly fee.
Common Add-On or Membership Options
Some drivers choose to add towing through their insurer. Others go with independent providers like AAA. Insurance providers like GEICO offer emergency roadside assistance as an add-on, and coverage terms vary by company. If you’re a Platinum policyholder or higher-tier customer, your package might include towing.
What’s Typically Covered Under Towing Insurance?
If you have towing coverage, here are some things that are usually included:
Vehicle Towing
Cost of a tow truck to move your car to a repair shop or location of choice (up to a mileage limit)
Flat Tire Help
Some policies include help with flat tires or even replacing a tire with your spare
Battery Jump Starts
Assistance for a dead battery, especially helpful during cold weather
Fuel Delivery
Delivery of enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station (you usually pay for the fuel itself)
Lockout Services
Help if you accidentally lock your keys in the car
Minor Mechanical Repairs
Simple repairs on the spot to get your car moving again
What’s Not Covered?
It’s just as important to know what towing insurance doesn’t cover:
Major Repairs
Towing insurance won’t cover full repairs—just the cost to get your vehicle to a shop.
Accidents Without Coverage
If you’re in an accident and don’t have roadside assistance, you might be on the hook for the tow. Collision coverage handles repairs, but not always towing unless specified.
Towing Over Long Distances
Most policies cap towing distance. Beyond that, you may pay out of pocket.
Where Does Coverage Apply?
Coverage often extends beyond state borders. If you’re in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, check with your insurer. Some policies apply nationwide and in U.S. territories, but others have exclusions.
RVs and Specialty Vehicles
If you drive an RV, towing insurance is even more important. RVs are expensive to tow due to their size. Some companies offer special plans just for RV owners. Standard car towing coverage often doesn’t extend to these vehicles.
Rental Cars and Towing
Wondering if your rental vehicle is covered? It depends. If you bought roadside assistance from the rental agency, towing is usually included. Your personal car insurance might extend to the rental, but it’s best to confirm before you hit the road.
How to Add Towing Coverage to Your Policy
Call your insurance company and ask about your options. It’s often a few extra dollars a month. Ask about limits—some insurers only cover tows up to 15 miles, while others go up to 100 miles or more.
Knowing what’s included in your Towing Insurance Coverage can save you a lot of stress when your vehicle lets you down. Whether you’re dealing with a dead battery, locked doors, or just ran out of fuel on a road trip, having a plan makes all the difference. Review your policy and talk to your insurer about the best options for you. Peace of mind on the road starts with knowing what’s in your insurance plan.