Quick Answer: Farmers Insurance typically allows 3-4 towing service calls per policy year, depending on your coverage level. Basic roadside assistance usually covers 3 calls, while enhanced plans may offer 4 or more. Check your policy declarations page for exact limits.
What To Do
- Check your policy documents for the exact number of towing calls allowed per year
- Call Farmers at 1-800-435-7764 to verify remaining uses on your current policy period
- Request towing service through the Farmers mobile app or by calling the roadside assistance number
- Keep track of usage by saving service confirmation numbers and dates
- Consider upgrading coverage if you frequently need towing services
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What Your Policy Typically Covers
Standard Roadside Assistance:
- 3 towing calls per policy year
- Up to 15 miles towing distance
- Resets on your policy renewal date
Enhanced Coverage Options:
- 4+ towing calls per year
- Extended towing distances (up to 100 miles)
- Higher reimbursement limits
Usage Resets:
- Annual reset on policy renewal date
- Not calendar year based
- Unused calls don’t roll over
The 15-mile limit on standard plans is worth taking seriously. If you break down on a rural highway and the nearest in-network shop is 30 miles away, Farmers will typically cover the first 15 miles and bill you per mile after that. Rates vary by provider, but expect $3-6 per mile beyond the covered distance. That can add $45-90 to a single tow before you even know it’s coming. Enhanced plans that cover up to 100 miles essentially eliminate this problem for most breakdowns short of a truly remote situation.
Roadside assistance on a Farmers policy also typically includes services beyond towing. Battery jump-starts, flat tire changes using your spare, fuel delivery for up to 2 gallons when you run dry, and lockout service are usually bundled in. Each of these incidents counts against the same pool of service calls on most plans, not just tows. A driver who calls for a jump in January, a lockout in March, and a tow in July has used all three calls under a standard plan with three months left in the policy year. That is the scenario that catches people off guard.
If you add a second vehicle to your household policy, each vehicle typically carries its own roadside assistance call limit. A family with two cars gets two separate pools of calls, not one shared pool. Confirm this with Farmers directly when adding a vehicle, since billing and coverage structures can vary by state.
Farmers roadside assistance is underwritten through Agero, one of the largest third-party roadside providers in the country. When you call, a dispatcher locates an independent tow operator in your area. Response times are typically 45-90 minutes in suburban areas and can stretch to 2 hours or more in rural locations. If you are in a high-traffic or dangerous spot, tell the dispatcher immediately. They can flag it as a priority and coordinate with highway patrol if needed.
Common Questions
Q: Does each roadside assistance call count even if I only needed a jump start and not a tow? A: Yes, on most Farmers plans any dispatched roadside service call counts against your annual limit, whether it is a jump start, lockout, fuel delivery, or tow. If the truck rolls and a technician shows up, that is a used call.
Q: What happens if I need a tow after I have already used all my calls for the year? A: You will pay out of pocket at the tow company’s standard rate, typically $75-150 for a local tow depending on distance. You can also request reimbursement if you pay a provider directly, but you will not receive it unless you have a separate reimbursement-style endorsement. Calling Farmers first to confirm your remaining balance before requesting service avoids this surprise.
Q: Can I use Farmers roadside assistance for a vehicle I borrowed or rented? A: No. Farmers roadside assistance is tied to the insured vehicle listed on your policy, not to you as a driver. If you are driving a vehicle that is not on your policy, you would need to use that vehicle’s own coverage or a membership service like AAA.
Photo: Pexels
Stay Safe
- Don’t wait to call if you’ve used previous tows this year
- Verify your remaining benefits before requesting service
- Keep your policy number and VIN handy when calling
- Consider the distance to avoid unexpected charges
- Never assume you have coverage without checking first
What It Might Cost
- With coverage: $0 per incident (within policy limits)
- After limits exceeded: $75-150 per tow depending on distance
- Coverage upgrade: Usually $20-40 per year additional premium
Need roadside help? Visit Tow With The Flow for real answers when your car breaks down.