> **Quick Answer:** Comprehensive insurance does not cover towing after a collision. Comprehensive covers non-collision events like theft, hail, flooding, or hitting a deer. If another car hit you, collision coverage handles the tow. If you caused the accident, you need collision or a separate towing rider. Liability-only policies don't cover your tow at all. Check your declarations page now, not after the truck arrives.
## So Which Coverage Actually Pays for Towing After an Accident?
Collision coverage pays for accident towing when your vehicle is not drivable after hitting another car or object. If the other driver was at fault, their liability property damage coverage should pay, but you may need to front the cost and get reimbursed. Comprehensive is the wrong policy for this situation entirely since it only activates for events where no collision occurred, such as a tree falling on your car or a flood washing it off the road.
Here is the quick breakdown by situation:
- **You caused the accident:** Your collision coverage pays for the tow, subject to your deductible.
- **Other driver was at fault:** Their liability policy should cover it, but response time matters. You can use your collision coverage first and let the insurers sort out subrogation.
- **Deer strike or weather event:** Now comprehensive applies, and towing is typically included if you added roadside assistance or a towing endorsement.
- **Liability-only policy:** You are on your own for the tow. Read more on [how liability insurance handles towing costs](/does-liability-insurance-cover-towing-costs/) before you assume you're covered.
## Does Towing Coverage Come Standard, or Do I Have to Add It?
It depends on your insurer and policy tier. Most major carriers, including GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm, offer towing and labor as an add-on endorsement that costs a few dollars a month. Some bundle it into a roadside assistance package. Very few include it automatically in collision or comprehensive without you selecting it.
Pull up your declarations page right now. Look for "towing and labor," "roadside assistance," or "emergency road service." If none of those appear, you are not covered and will pay out of pocket. Out-of-pocket towing after an accident on a highway often runs $150 to $400 depending on distance and whether the truck needs a flatbed. Knowing this before the tow truck arrives lets you make smarter decisions about which shop to send the car to, since distance directly drives cost.
## What Do I Do at the Accident Scene to Make Sure I'm Not Stuck with the Bill?
Call your insurer before you authorize a tow, even if you only have two minutes. Get the claim number started. That claim number tells the tow operator who is paying, and it protects you if a predatory tower tries to hold your car for inflated storage fees later.
If police are on scene, they may dispatch a contracted tow company. You can often request a specific shop if you act quickly. Do not sign anything that gives the tow co
*Photo: Pexels*
mpany a lien on your vehicle or authorizes open-ended storage. If you need to dispute charges later, the process is documented in detail at [how to dispute a towing charge after a roadside emergency](/how-to-dispute-a-towing-charge-after-roadside-emergency/).
Photograph the damage before the car is moved. Note the tow company name, driver name, truck number, and destination address. You will need all of this for your claim.
## How Far Will Insurance Tow My Car After an Accident?
Coverage limits vary by policy. Some towing endorsements cap at a flat dollar amount, commonly $50 to $100, which may not cover a long haul after a highway accident. Others cover a set number of miles. If the nearest in-network shop is 30 miles away and your policy caps at 15 miles, you pay the difference. For more detail on how distance limits work across policies, see [how far a tow truck will take your car on insurance](/how-far-will-tow-truck-take-car-on-insurance/).
If you have no towing coverage at all, getting the car to the closest safe shop is the cheapest move. You can arrange a longer tow later once the car is stable and not blocking traffic or racking up storage fees.
---
*Photo: Pexels*
## Common Questions
**Q: Will comprehensive insurance cover towing if I hit a deer?**
A: Yes. A deer strike is classified as a comprehensive claim, not a collision. If your policy includes a towing or roadside assistance endorsement, the tow is covered. If not, you pay out of pocket.
**Q: Does collision insurance automatically include towing, or do I have to add it separately?**
A: Collision coverage alone does not include towing at most insurers. You typically need to add a towing and labor endorsement or roadside assistance package separately for a few extra dollars per month.
**Q: What if the other driver was at fault and their insurance is slow to respond? Am I stuck waiting?**
A: No. Use your own collision coverage to get the car moved immediately, then your insurer pursues the at-fault driver's carrier through subrogation. You should get your deductible back once liability is confirmed.
**Q: Can AAA cover my tow after an accident even if I don't have the right insurance coverage?**
A: Yes, AAA membership covers towing regardless of fault or insurance status. It is one of the most reliable backups for accident towing, especially if your policy has gaps. See [does AAA cover towing after an accident or just breakdowns](/does-aaa-cover-towing-after-accident-or-just-breakdowns/) for the specifics.
**Q: Is there a deductible for a towing claim after an accident?**
A: If the tow is billed through your collision claim, your collision deductible applies. If it is billed separately as a towing and labor endorsement claim, many policies cover it with no deductible. Check your declarations page for the towing endorsement details specifically.
---
*Need roadside help? Visit [Tow With The Flow](https://towwiththeflow.com/does-comprehensive-insurance-cover-towing-after-accident/) for real answers when your car breaks down.*
Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover Towing After an Accident?
Photo: Pexels