Does Insurance Cover Towing After an Accident? What You Need to Know

Getting into a car accident can be a stressful and inconvenient experience Along with dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance claims, you may also need to figure out how to get your car towed from the scene of the accident This raises the question – does insurance cover the cost of towing after an accident?

The answer depends on who caused the accident, what type of insurance coverage you have, and your insurance provider’s policies. Keep reading to learn more about when insurance will pay for post-accident towing and when you may need to cover the costs yourself.

When Insurance Will Cover Towing Costs

In many cases, insurance will fully or partially pay for towing after an accident

If Another Driver is At-Fault

If another driver caused the accident and is deemed to be at-fault, their liability insurance should cover the reasonable costs of towing your vehicle. This is part of the property damage coverage in auto insurance policies.

The at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely arrange for a tow truck to transport your car to an auto repair shop or other destination of your choice. You should not have to pay anything out-of-pocket for the tow if the other driver accepts fault.

With Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

If you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your own auto insurance policy, these can help pay for towing costs if you’re in an accident.

• Comprehensive coverage will pay for towing if your car is damaged by something other than a collision, like vandalism, weather events, or hitting an animal.

• Collision coverage will pay for towing if your vehicle is damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This can be useful if the at-fault driver flees the scene or does not have sufficient insurance.

Both comprehensive and collision coverage are optional add-ons with your auto insurance. If you opted not to purchase them, your insurance likely won’t pay for towing after an accident.

With Roadside Assistance Coverage

Many auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance programs, which provide perks like towing services, lockout help, fuel delivery, battery jumps, and more. Depending on your provider, this may kick in after an accident.

For example, if you have roadside assistance through your insurance, they may send a tow truck to remove your damaged vehicle. This can be up to 15-25 miles, depending on your plan. Keep in mind you may have to pay a small copay per tow, even with roadside assistance coverage.

When Using Your Insurance Provider’s Network

Some insurance companies have preferred towing partners. If you agree to use one of these network providers after an accident, your insurance may fully cover the towing costs less any applicable deductible.

However, if you arrange for your own towing service, your insurer may not pay for it or may only reimburse you for a portion of the charges.

When You May Need to Pay for Towing

While insurance often covers post-accident towing, there are some scenarios where you may need to pay out of pocket:

If You’re At-Fault for the Accident

If you cause an accident, you are typically responsible for paying resulting expenses, including having your car towed from the scene. Your liability coverage protects other drivers and property – not your own.

However, if you have collision coverage, it will pay for towing regardless of fault. Roadside assistance may also help with costs if available through your insurer.

Exceeding Your Policy Limits

Most insurance policies that cover towing have mileage and/or dollar limits. For example, your roadside assistance may only cover tows up to 10 or 15 miles. Comprehensive and collision coverage may cap reimbursement for towing services as well.

If the tow exceeds these policy limits, you will be responsible for paying the overage yourself. Always check your coverage details so you know what to expect.

Towing for Non-Accident Reasons

Insurance will only pay for towing that is directly related to an accident. If your car breaks down and you need a tow for mechanical issues, it would not be covered. Most roadside assistance programs, however, provide tows for both accidents and breakdowns.

Using an Out-of-Network Towing Company

As mentioned above, your insurer may require that you use approved towing partners after an accident to get full reimbursement. If you choose your own towing service, especially one outside your insurance company’s network, you may have to foot the bill.

If You Only Have Liability Insurance

If you only carry the minimum required liability insurance and no comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurer likely won’t pay anything for towing after an accident. You would have to pay those costs out-of-pocket or rely on your own roadside assistance plan if you have one.

When Negligence Is a Factor

Most insurance policies will not cover towing costs that result from negligence or improper driving. For example, if you cause an accident because you were speeding, texting while driving, driving recklessly, or violating other traffic laws, you probably won’t be reimbursed for towing.

Tips for Getting Insurance to Cover Towing

If you want to improve the chances of your insurance picking up the tab for towing after an accident, keep these tips in mind:

• Add comprehensive and collision coverage – This gives you the most protection if you’re in an at-fault accident.

• Get roadside assistance – Look for a plan that covers tows for accident-related and breakdown-related reasons.

• Use in-network towing companies – Verify preferred providers with your insurer and only use their partners after an accident.

• Document the incident – Take photos and get a police report number to back up your towing reimbursement request.

• Keep towing mileage reasonable – Don’t exceed your policy’s mileage limit or you may have to pay the overage.

• Avoid negligence – Drive safely and obey traffic laws so the insurance company can’t deny your claim.

• Call your insurer first – Let them arrange and approve the towing to avoid any misunderstandings.

What Paperwork You’ll Need for Reimbursement

If you do need to pay upfront for towing after an accident, make sure you gather all the right documentation to submit a claim to your insurance company. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Detailed receipt from the towing company showing the date, times, mileage, and charges

• Proof that the tow was related to the accident (police report, photos)

• Policy number and insurance card

• Contact information for the at-fault driver if applicable

• Copy of the accident report you filed with the insurance company

• Pictures showing damage to your vehicle

The more evidence you can provide that the tow was necessary due to the accident, the better chance you have of getting reimbursed by insurance. Keep copies of everything for your records as well.

When to Pay Out of Pocket

While it’s always best to use insurance when possible after an accident, there are times when it makes sense to just pay for towing yourself:

• If the tow is only a few miles and costs less than your deductible

• If you know your policy doesn’t cover towing in your situation

• If you don’t want the accident on your insurance record and raises your rates

• If the process of filing an insurance claim will take too long

• If you need flexibility to choose your own towing company

For short local tows under 10-15 miles, it may be cheaper and easier to pay out of pocket rather than risking a denied insurance claim.

Key Takeaways on Insurance and Towing

Dealing with towing logistics is the last thing you want to worry about after an accident. Here are some key points to remember:

• Liability insurance from the at-fault driver typically covers towing costs

• Your own collision and comprehensive coverage can pay for towing regardless of fault

• Roadside assistance plans often include accident tows as a benefit

• Stay in your insurer’s network and follow mileage limits to minimize out-of-pocket costs

• Keep documentation to submit reimbursement claims to your insurance provider

• Consider paying for minor short tows yourself to avoid insurance hassles

Knowing what to expect from your auto insurance when it comes to towing can provide peace of mind. Carefully review your policy so you understand how towing is covered before an accident occurs.