Car insurance is an essential component of responsible car ownership. It provides financial security against mishaps, theft, and other unanticipated events. However, what occurs when you are pulling another car? Does car insurance cover towing?
Yes, car insurance with roadside assistance can cover towing up to a specific distance in your policy. Not all policies will be offered roadside assistance because the coverage can be gotten separately. However, when involved in a covered accident, some car insurance providers may cover towing even if you do not have roadside assistance coverage.
What is Towing Coverage
Towing coverage also known as roadside assistance or towing or labor (TL) coverage is an extra feature that is included in your car insurance with your high-value vehicle. It’s beneficial when your car wrecks for various reasons like flat tires, dead batteries, accidents, low gas, or getting locked out of your vehicle. Additionally, towing coverage can either be a separate or add-on to your current car insurance.
Moreover, it’s guaranteed that most Professional Towing Service providers understand the worth of towing coverage. For this reason, they are ready to perform tasks with insurance providers to give the necessary support. This implies that if you obtain towing coverage, you can depend on a professional to assist you when necessary.
Types of Coverage for Towing
It is important to emphasize that towing is not a benefit of all auto insurance policies. Everything is based on your policy, provider, and premium. The following are some typical insurance plans that could include towing:
Collision coverage
The purpose of collision coverage is to pay for repairs to your cars that come from strikes by other cars or objects. Some policies may also cover the cost of towing your vehicle to a garage for repairs, even though collision coverage primarily covers replacing or repairing your vehicle after an accident.
Comprehensive coverage
Damage to your car resulting from events other than collisions, like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters, is usually covered by comprehensive coverage. Towing may be covered under your policy if you need to get your car to a shop for repairs or return an undrivable vehicle to its owner.
Roadside assistance coverage
Certain insurance companies may provide roadside assistance coverage as an add-on or as a component of a full insurance package. Towing, battery jump starts, tire changes, and locksmith services are common forms of roadside assistance.
Riders or endorsements
Certain insurance policies allow for the addition of riders or endorsements that add extra coverage, including towing services. Please read the fine print as these endorsements may have specific limitations and conditions.
Examine your policy documents or get in touch with your insurance provider to find out if towing is covered and whether there are any restrictions or limitations before assuming it is.
What Does Car Insurance for Towing Cover
Depending on the insurance provider, the main services provided by this coverage type might differ. However, the following are incidents that car insurance for towing can cover.
- Towing.
- Tire replacements.
- Jump starts.
- Lockout service.
- Battery replacement.
- Fuel delivery.
Generally, the cost of labor in this coverage refers to the potential costs that you might pay to fix your car. However, it doesn’t pay for the expense of any required components. For example, it might cover the cost of tire replacement, but not the full amount of the new tire.
What Does Car Insurance for Towing Not Cover
A typical event when car insurance does not cover towing is when the vehicle being towed does not have a policy. It’s applicable for towed vehicles that are not cars like boats and motorcycles. Furthermore, your collision or comprehensive coverage will exclude extra vehicles that your car is towing.
Also, if you are towing a trailer with your personal belongings, your car insurance may cover a trailer but not the items in it. Instead, items damaged within a trailer might be covered by your renters’ or homeowners’ insurance.
How Much Does Towing Cost
The distance a vehicle requires to be towed depends on the amount towing will cost. In the U.S., the average range to tow is between 10 and 40 miles, and costs $2.50 to $7.00 per mile. Therefore, the average cost of towing is $109 but that’s just an estimate.
Furthermore, numerous factors can also affect towing expenses, such as:
- Distance: Since the tow truck operator needs to spend more time and buy more fuel, longer distances usually result in higher towing fees.
- Vehicle type: Your car’s dimensions, weight, and state all matter. Larger vehicles, like pickup trucks or SUVs, may require specialized equipment or additional effort to tow, leading to higher fees.
- Duration: Higher costs may apply for emergency, overnight, or after-hours towing services.
- Location: Towing in urban or high-traffic areas may be more expensive due to increased demand and logistical challenges; it’s not just about how far away your vehicle is.
If your car is immobile or hard to use such as down a ditch, in mud or ice, or an off-road area, winching might be required. This can increase towing expenses. Furthermore, most providers that offer towing may include tire replacement, lookout service, and roadside assistance. Some will charge more for these services if they are provided separately.
Does Car Insurance Cover Towing After an Accident
If you are in an accident because of another driver, the cost of towing your car would be paid under the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. However, you might be responsible for towing costs if you are the cause of the accident, depending on your coverage.