Does My Car Insurance Cover a Tow Truck?
If you’re stranded on the highway and need a tow truck, you need to have roadside assistance included in your car insurance.
The cost of roadside assistance when included with car insurance can vary widely depending on the insurance provider, the level of coverage, and your location. Typically, it can range from as little as $5 to $15 per month or approximately $50 to $100 per year, but these are general estimates.
We’ll also cover how to avoid tow-truck scams.
What road assistance covers:
Towing service: If your car can't be driven, it can be towed to a nearby repair shop or location specified in your policy.
Battery jump-start: Assistance in starting your car if the battery dies.
Flat tire change: Replacement of a flat tire with your spare.
Fuel delivery: Delivery of fuel to your location if you run out of gas. Usually, you pay for the fuel cost.
Lockout service: Assistance in getting into your car if you're locked out, but usually doesn't include the cost of replacing lost keys or a locksmith.
Winching service: Pulling your car out if it's stuck in mud, snow, water, or sand, within a certain distance from the road.
Minor Roadside Repairs: Basic, minor repairs to get your car running again.
If you don’t have road assistance included with your car insurance, you can call a towing company. Towing companies usually charge a base hook-up fee and a per-mile fee. The cost can also depend on the type of vehicle, time of day, location, and circumstances (hard-to-reach area). Services beyond towing like a tire change, jump-start, or fuel delivery, might cost an additional fee.
How to avoid a towing scam:
Know your policy: Understand what your car insurance or roadside assistance covers in terms of towing.
Use trusted services: If you have roadside assistance through your insurance, a credit card, or an auto club, call them for a tow.
Verify identity: Always ask for identification and confirmation from the tow truck driver, especially if you didn't call them directly.
Avoid unsolicited tows: Be wary of tow trucks that arrive unsolicited at an accident scene.
Get a clear price: Before the tow, ask for a clear, itemized invoice detailing all charges.
Know the destination: Confirm where your vehicle is being towed and ensure it’s a legitimate business location.
Avoid pressure tactics: Don’t be pressured into a tow. You have the right to decide who tows your vehicle and where it goes.
Document everything: Take pictures of your car before and after the tow and keep records of all paperwork and receipts.
Use secure payment methods: Pay with a credit card instead of cash for better tracking and security.
Report Suspicious Activity: If something seems off, report the towing company to your insurance, local business bureau, or law enforcement.
