Does Insurance Cover Towing After an Accident?

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Car Accident on Tow With The Flow

Does Insurance Cover Towing After an Accident?

What To Do

What It Might Cost