Will Car Insurance Pay For Towing Services?

Many drivers may find their car insurance pays for towing in the event of a vehicle mishap. But it’s good to know before an accident or breakdown happens whether you have this service. If you don’t, you may want to look into getting it. What is this coverage called and how can you find out if you are covered?

Towing and Labor Coverage

Insurance companies call it towing and labor coverage, but what does it actually cover? Towing costs from the site of the breakdown to the repair shop. In addition, the insurance may cover some labor costs for repair. This policy add-on refers to minor labor fees, such as the cost to install a new tire, fill up the gas tank or replace a battery. If the car has a major engine issue, the labor coverage won’t apply. The goal of the coverage is to pay all expenses associated with a normal car breakdown, but it does not cover the cost of parts.

Additionally, the coverage may include payment for locksmith assistance if drivers inadvertently lock their keys in the vehicle. But take caution – many insurance companies only allow the insured a set number of claims per year. Exceed the maximum, and the costs you thought you could recoup will come out of your pocket. Also, some companies put a cap on the amount of towing costs they will pay. Don’t expect the insurance company to automatically reimburse for a long-distance tow without checking your policy first.

In some cases, towing costs may be included in car insurance policies, but called “roadside assistance coverage” instead of towing and labor. Each company works differently. Some may automatically include towing reimbursement in their base quote, while some may require an extra fee per year. Talk to your insurance agent and review your current policy before making any changes.

Accidents and Disasters

When a vehicle is involved in an accident – regardless of which party was at fault – towing services away from the accident scene are covered under normal comprehensive and collision policies. If a car is stranded due to a flood or other disastrous storm, insurance companies usually pay the insured for the resulting towing bill. In both situations, the payment is issued in varying ways. If the tow company requires payment up front, the insurance company will simply reimburse the insured party after receiving a copy of the receipt. In certain cases, the tow charge is combined with the mechanic’s repair bill. The insurance company may pay the bill directly when this occurs.

The optimal method of ensuring you and your vehicle are not stranded on the roadway is to establish a relationship with a trusted towing company before accidents or breakdowns occur. Contact Stauffer’s Towing whenever you need fast, affordable assistance and don’t have time to research whether your car insurance pays for towing services.