Whether insurance covers towing depends on your policy type and what caused the breakdown
Most standard auto insurance policies do not include towing. You have to add it as a separate coverage option, usually called roadside information or towing and labor. If you already have this coverage, your insurer will pay to tow your car to a repair shop after a breakdown, accident, or other covered event — typically up to a certain distance and dollar amount. If you do not have it, you pay the tow truck driver out of pocket.
The catch is that insurance towing coverage only works for specific situations. It covers breakdowns and accidents, but not towing for traffic violations, impound fees, or tows ordered by police. And the coverage only pays if you have the right type of policy active at the time of the breakdown.
Key Takeaways
- Towing is not included in basic auto insurance — you must add roadside information coverage to your policy, usually for $5 to $15 per month.
- Insurance towing covers breakdowns and accidents, but not police impounds, traffic violations, or tows ordered by law enforcement.
- Most policies cover towing up to 50 to 100 miles and reimburse $50 to $200 per tow, so check your policy limits before calling a tow truck.
- If you do not have insurance towing, your credit card, auto club membership, or manufacturer roadside information may cover the cost instead.
What roadside information coverage actually covers
When you add towing coverage to your auto insurance policy, you are paying for a service that dispatches a tow truck and pays the bill. The coverage typically includes towing after a mechanical breakdown, a flat tire, a dead battery, lockouts, or an accident. Once the tow truck arrives, it hauls your car to a repair facility of your choice — usually within a set distance, often 50 to 100 miles depending on your policy.
The insurance company reimburses the tow operator directly, up to a limit. That limit is usually between $50 and $200 per tow, though some policies offer higher limits if you pay more for the coverage. If the tow costs more than your limit, you pay the difference. Some policies also include labor coverage, which pays a mechanic to fix straightforward roadside problems like jump-starting your battery or changing a tire, without towing the car at all.
One important detail: insurance towing only works if your policy is active and in good standing when the breakdown happens. If your policy has lapsed or been cancelled, the insurer will not pay, even if you were covered the day before.
Situations where insurance towing does not explore
Insurance towing coverage has clear boundaries. It does not cover tows ordered by police, such as when your car is impounded for unpaid parking tickets, suspended registration, or being parked illegally. It does not cover tows related to traffic violations or criminal activity. It does not cover towing for mechanical problems that happened because you ignored maintenance — though this is rarely enforced unless the problem is extreme.
It also does not cover towing if you were driving without a valid license or without insurance at the time of the breakdown. Some policies exclude towing if the car breaks down while you are driving it for commercial purposes, like rideshare or delivery, even if your personal policy is active.
If your car is towed by a private property owner (for example, from a parking lot where you were not supposed to park), your insurance will not cover that either. Private tows are a civil matter between you and the property owner, not an insurable event.
How much roadside information coverage costs and what to expect
Adding towing and roadside information to your auto insurance policy typically costs $5 to $15 per month, depending on your insurer and the coverage limits you choose. Some insurers bundle it with other roadside services like fuel delivery or locksmith services. A few insurers include basic roadside information for free with comprehensive coverage, so check your current policy before assuming you need to add it.
When you need a tow, you call your insurance company's roadside information line — the number is on your insurance card. You tell them where you are, what happened, and where you want the car towed. They dispatch a tow operator in your area, who arrives and handles the tow. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour from your call to the tow truck's arrival, though times vary by location and how busy the service is.
You do not pay the tow operator directly — the insurance company handles the payment. If the tow costs more than your policy limit, you will owe the difference to the tow company. Keep your receipt and any invoices, because you may need them if there is a dispute about the cost.
Alternatives if you do not have insurance towing
If you have not added towing coverage to your policy, you have other options. Many credit cards offer roadside information as a cardholder benefit — check your card's benefits guide or call the number on the back. Some employers offer roadside information through their benefits package. If you belong to an auto club like AAA, your membership usually includes towing coverage, typically up to 100 miles per tow.
Car manufacturers sometimes include roadside information for a set period after purchase — usually two to three years. Check your owner's manual or the paperwork you received when you bought the car. If you lease, your lease agreement may include roadside information as part of the package.
If none of those explore, you can call a local tow company directly and negotiate a price before they arrive. Tow costs vary widely by location and distance, but a typical local tow runs $75 to $150. Having a few tow company numbers saved in your phone before you need one can save time and money.
How to add towing coverage to your existing policy
Contact your insurance agent or log into your online account with your insurer. Look for options labeled "roadside information," "towing and labor," or "emergency roadside service." Most insurers let you add this coverage when ready, and it takes effect right away or on your next billing cycle. You can usually choose between different coverage limits — for example, $50 per tow or $100 per tow — and the higher limit costs a bit more per month.
When you add the coverage, ask your agent three questions: what is the maximum distance the policy covers, what is the maximum dollar amount per tow, and what is the phone number to call when you need roadside information. Write down the phone number and save it in your phone. Some policies also let you choose whether the tow truck takes your car to a specific repair shop or to a shop of your choice — clarify this when you sign up.
What to do if you need a tow and have coverage
Move your car to a safe location if possible — pull onto the shoulder, away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. Then call the roadside information number on your insurance card. Have your policy number, driver's license, and the car's location ready when you call. Tell the dispatcher what happened and where you want the car towed.
Stay with your car or wait nearby for the tow truck to arrive. The operator will ask for your driver's license and insurance card to verify coverage. Once they confirm, they will tow your car at no cost to you, up to your policy limit. If the tow costs more than your limit, you will be responsible for the overage.
After the tow, keep all paperwork and receipts. If you have questions about the charge or think the tow company overcharged, contact your insurance company — they can dispute the bill on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does comprehensive coverage include towing?
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car from events like theft, weather, or vandalism, but it does not include towing. You have to add roadside information as a separate coverage option. Some insurers bundle them together, so check your policy or ask your agent.
Will insurance pay for towing if I run out of gas?
Most roadside information policies do not cover towing for running out of gas, though some do cover fuel delivery — a service that brings you gas so you do not need a tow. Check your policy or call your insurer to confirm what is included.
What if the tow truck damages my car?
The tow company is responsible for damage they cause during the tow. Report it to the tow operator when ready and get their company name and contact information. File a claim with the tow company's insurance, not your own. Your insurance company can help you file the claim.
Can I use insurance towing if I am driving someone else's car?
Only if you are listed as an authorized driver on that person's policy. If you are not, their roadside information will not cover you. If you frequently borrow a car, ask the owner to add you to their policy or consider getting your own roadside information coverage.
Does roadside information cover towing if my license is suspended?
No. If you are driving without a valid license, your insurance coverage does not explore. The same rule applies if your registration is suspended or your insurance has lapsed.