Quick Answer: Yes, if you carry comprehensive or collision coverage, your auto insurance typically covers towing after an accident. Liability-only policies do not. Some policies include a separate roadside assistance rider. You may pay upfront and get reimbursed, or your insurer dispatches a tow directly. Call your insurance company from the scene before calling a tow truck.
What To Do
- Call your insurance company from the accident scene, before calling a tow truck. Most insurers have 24/7 claims lines. They will either dispatch a tow directly or authorize you to call one and get reimbursed. This is the fastest way to know exactly what’s covered.
- Check your declarations page for these coverages:
- Collision coverage: covers towing when your car is damaged in an accident
- Comprehensive coverage: covers towing for non-collision events (theft, flood, animal strike)
- Roadside assistance rider: covers towing for breakdowns, lockouts, flat tires, sometimes regardless of fault
- If the other driver is at fault, their liability insurance should cover your towing costs. Their insurer handles this, not yours. Get their insurance information at the scene.
- Document everything. Take photos of the car, the scene, and the tow truck’s license plate and company name. Get a receipt showing the tow destination and total charge.
- Know where you want the car towed before the truck arrives. You can choose your own repair shop. You do not have to use the shop the insurance company recommends, though preferred shops may process claims faster.
- Watch out for police-dispatched tows at accident scenes. If police call a tow truck on your behalf, you still owe that company. These can be expensive, ask to call your own company if the car is safe to wait.
What It Might Cost
| Coverage Type | Towing Coverage |
|---|---|
| Liability only | Not covered |
| Collision or Comprehensive | Usually covered, subject to deductible |
| Roadside assistance rider | Covered, typically no deductible |
| Other driver at fault | Covered by their liability |
Important deductible note: if your tow costs $150 and your collision deductible is $500, the insurance won’t pay, you owe the full $150 yourself. Roadside assistance riders usually have no deductible for towing.
Most insurers cap towing reimbursement at $50–$100 per incident under basic policies. If your tow costs more, you pay the difference. Check your specific policy limits.
Stay Safe
- Get away from traffic before making any calls. Your first priority at an accident scene is physical safety, get yourself and anyone else out of the road.
- If the car is leaking fluid or steam is coming from the hood, don’t try to move it yourself. Tell the tow operator when you call.
- Never sign any document at the scene that you don’t fully understand. Some predatory tow companies and body shops try to get you to sign authorization forms while you’re shaken up from the accident.
- If your car is undrivable after an accident, you may be entitled to a rental car under your collision coverage or the at-fault driver’s liability policy. Ask about this when you call your insurer.