Quick Answer: GEICO roadside assistance pays up to $100 per towing incident with no annual limit on claims. You pay nothing for tows under $100. For tows costing more, you pay the difference. Coverage requires adding the optional roadside package to your policy for about $14-20 per year.
What GEICO Pays for Towing
GEICO’s Emergency Road Service covers towing costs up to $100 per incident. This means:
- Tow costs $75: You pay $0, GEICO pays $75
- Tow costs $150: You pay $50, GEICO pays $100
- Tow costs $300: You pay $200, GEICO pays $100
There’s no annual dollar limit or restriction on how many times you can use towing coverage. Unlike GEICO’s frequency limits for total roadside service, the dollar amount resets with each new breakdown.
What To Do When You Need Towing
- Call GEICO first at 1-800-424-3426 before calling any tow truck
- Tell them you have Emergency Road Service and need towing
- Ask for cost estimate if the tow seems expensive
- Get written estimate from tow driver showing total cost
- Pay any amount over $100 directly to the tow truck driver
- Keep all receipts for your records
GEICO contracts with local tow companies in your area. They’ll dispatch the nearest available truck, usually within 30-60 minutes in urban areas.
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When You’ll Pay Extra
Most local tows stay under GEICO’s $100 limit, but you’ll pay more for:
- Long distance tows over 15-20 miles
- Specialty towing for luxury cars, motorcycles, or RVs
- After hours surcharges on nights, weekends, or holidays
- Difficult recovery from ditches, mud, or snow
If your regular auto insurance covers towing after an accident, those claims work differently than roadside assistance. Check if your insurance deductible applies to accident towing instead.
What It Costs
GEICO’s Emergency Road Service costs $14-20 per year depending on your state. This covers:
- Towing up to $100 per incident
- Jump starts for dead batteries
- Lockout service when keys are inside
- Flat tire changes
- Emergency fuel delivery
The coverage starts immediately when you add it to your policy. You can add it online, by phone, or through the GEICO app.
Photo: Pexels
Stay Safe
- Keep your GEICO policy number and emergency roadside number saved in your phone
- Move to a safe location away from traffic before calling for help
- Turn on hazard lights and use flares or reflectors if you have them
- Never stand between your car and moving traffic while waiting for the tow truck
Need roadside help? Visit Tow With The Flow for real answers when your car breaks down.