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Getting stuck on the side of the road with no way home can be frustrating at best, especially if you have basic car insurance. When you need a tow, there are options to consider when it comes to the right amount of coverage.
No, many insurance providers don’t include roadside assistance as part of a bare-bones, liability-only plan. However, if you’re in an accident and your car is too badly damaged to drive, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance should cover towing your vehicle to the nearest repair shop.
Roadside assistance is typically considered an add-on, and it’s often only available if you have comprehensive and collision coverage. That means you’ll likely need to have more coverage than liability only to take advantage of your provider’s towing services.
If you’re driving a car that’s prone to breaking down, ask your provider about plans that include roadside assistance. Other options include joining an auto club like AAA. Although you’ll pay an annual membership fee, you’ll gain access to towing and other important roadside emergency features.
If your car is damaged enough that you aren’t able to drive it anywhere, chances are you’ll need a tow to get it off the road and have it repaired. Here are some tips to keep in mind when getting your car towed from the scene:
What your insurance company covers depends largely on your provider and how you’ve ended up on the side of the road. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, your policy’s collision likely covers the cost of towing your car to a certified mechanic for repairs.
Roadside assistance insurance kicks in when your vehicle breaks down during a drive. It often covers the cost of the towing service and per-mile fees up to a specified amount in your contract. If you pay the towing company at the time of service, your insurance company reimburses you after it processes your claim.
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Any time you can’t drive your vehicle, you can take advantage of your roadside assistance insurance.
Most insurance companies cover towing for a limited number of miles. If you need your vehicle towed further, you’re often responsible for the excess costs.
Here’s how your roadside assistance might apply to everyday breakdowns and situations.
You run out of gas | You’re locked out of your car | Your stolen vehicle is found | You’re too drunk to drive |
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No, it’s not the same as making a claim, so you won’t pay a deductible. Activating your towing coverage won’t raise your rates like making a claim would either.
Typically you’ll pay between $5 to $10 per month to add roadside and towing if it’s not included for free.
The cost of roadside assistance — which covers more than just towing — depends on your specific vehicle, your driving history and the state you live in. But if you can afford comprehensive and collision coverage, roadside assistance can be worth its towing coverage alone, which can be expensive to pay for out of pocket.
Not every insurance provider requires comprehensive and collision coverage to qualify for roadside assistance add-ons. State Farm, Allstate and Progressive don’t require more than basic coverage if you’re looking for roadside assistance, and Esurance allows you to use its roadside assistance even if you aren’t officially signed up for it.
Call your insurer if you’re interested in roadside assistance and want to know what you’ll be charged.
You have a few options to pay for a tow.
When getting a tow, you decide where it will end up, unless the police request to have towed somewhere specific. You usually have the choice between your own home or a mechanic. You can have your car towed to a repair shop even if it’s closed for the day.
You have the option of sending your car to the towing company’s holding yards, but there are some things to be aware of. Depending on its charges, you might have a couple of days before you start accruing storage costs between $30 to $80 a day. If there are any delays in dealing with your insurer or arranging repairs, these storage costs can add up quickly.
If you’re unsure where you want your car to go, have it taken to your home. Assuming you have somewhere to put it, you won’t have to worry about any extra storage fees while you’re figuring out the next steps. However, keep in mind that you may have to arrange for a second tow to get it repaired, which may or may not be covered.
If you’re thinking about getting roadside assistance, think about the likelihood of needing a tow and costs of all your options.
Kevin’s Honda Accord broke down on the interstate. The car was safely towed and repaired, but Kevin is worried his Accord might break down again. He wants to compare the costs of getting roadside assistance coverage through his car insurance or AAA.
Cost of towing up to 40 miles | One-time cost | Annual coverage cost |
---|---|---|
Independent tow | $125 | $0 |
AAA (Plus membership) | $0 | $100 |
Insurance | $0 | $36 |
Kevin decides that since he’s had other issues with the car and he doesn’t need any of the extra benefits from getting a AAA membership, adding roadside assistance to his existing car insurance policy makes the most sense for his situation.
If you own a vehicle that’s prone to stalling out or breaking down, look into the protection that roadside assistance coverage offers. And compare your car insurance rates to find affordable comprehensive and collision coverage.
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I have towing coverage. My car broke down and I had it towed to a shop but now I do not want that shop to fix the car and want another shop to fix it. If I have it towed from the shop to another shop will my insurance pay for both tows?
Hi Glenda,
Thanks for reaching out to finder.
Most insurance companies cover towing for a limited number of miles and if you need your vehicle towed further, you’re often responsible for the excess costs.
While there are some insurance companies who will tow your vehicle to the nearest dealer repair shop for the make of the car you have (whatever the distance is) and if you choose to take your car to another repair shop, you have to pay for the towing service at your own expense.
Your towing coverage will depend on the inclusions of your insurance policy. If you have your policy booklet, you can review it so you will know exactly what is included in your coverage. If you don’t have your policy booklet, you can also contact your insurance provide directly for further assistance.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Charisse