Your car insurance might cover towing services, but it depends on your policy. Many insurers offer towing as part of a roadside assistance package, an optional add-on you can include with your coverage. However, sometimes a tow following a covered car accident would allow for the related costs to be covered under your collision or comprehensive insurance.
Around 55,000 cars are towed every day in the US.* That means it’s worth it for you to know how towing coverage works and what to do if you’re stranded.
TL;DR
- Car insurance can cover towing after an accident or with added roadside assistance coverage.
- Roadside assistance coverage typically covers towing to a destination up to 10 to 15 miles away. Places farther than may cost extra.
- The cost of a tow depends on many factors, but you can expect it to be around $2.50 to $7 per mile.
- At Lemonade, drivers with roadside assistance coverage are eligible for up to three services for each car listed on a Lemonade Car policy during a six-month term.
How does car insurance cover towing?
Let’s take a look at what car insurance coverages can help cover the costs to tow your car:
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance can help with non-accident-related towing, like when your car breaks down, you get a flat tire, or you lose your keys. Your insurer typically covers the tow up to a specific mileage, usually 10 to 15 miles, but you may need to pay extra for longer distances.
Each car on a Lemonade Car policy that’s covered with roadside assistance is eligible for up to three services during a six-month term, anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, up to a distance of 15 miles.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage can help cover towing expenses if your car needs to be transported after an accident with another vehicle or stationary object—like a guardrail. This includes towing your car to a repair shop for assessment or repairs. Typically, this coverage will handle towing costs, though you’ll need to pay your deductible first. Collision deductibles usually range between $500 and $1,000.
Comprehensive coverage
Similar to collision coverage, comprehensive coverage can help cover the cost of towing if your car is damaged by an event beyond your control that isn’t a collision. For instance, if a tree falls on your car in a severe wind storm, comprehensive coverage could assist with towing expenses to get your car to a repair shop. Deductibles for this type of coverage typically range from $100 to $1,000.
Does car insurance cover towing after an accident?
We hope you’re never in an accident, but collision coverage can give you some extra peace of mind. It usually covers services like towing your car to a repair shop if it’s not drivable after an accident with another vehicle or stationary object.
For instance, if your car is rear-ended at a red light and too damaged to drive, collision coverage could help cover the costs. Let’s say the tow to the nearest repair shop costs $100, and the estimate for repairs comes to $3,000. If you have a $500 deductible, you would pay that amount out of pocket, and your insurance could cover the remaining $2,600 to cover the costs of the tow and repairs.
What does roadside assistance cover?
If you’ve added roadside assistance to your car insurance policy, your insurance company can cover towing under specific non-collision incidents like:
- Towing
- Dead batteries
- Fuel
- Tire changes
- Lockout services
Picture this: You’re driving on the highway, and your car unexpectedly breaks down due to engine failure. If you’ve opted for roadside assistance on your insurance policy, your insurance carrier might arrange a tow truck to take your car to the nearest repair shop, covering the cost up to the mileage limit stated in your policy. Most insurers typically cover the first 10 to 15 miles, while additional mileage may be an out-of-pocket expense.
How much does towing cost?
Towing costs can vary widely depending on the distance, size of your car, and other factors. On average, it costs about $109 nationwide, with rates usually falling between $2.50 and $7 per mile. Here’s a quick look at how the miles driven can affect the overall cost of a tow:
| Miles driven | Average cost to tow |
|---|---|
| Five miles or less | $35 to $125 |
| 40 miles | $125 to $175 |
| 100 miles | Up to $600 |
Adding roadside assistance to your car insurance is a great way to steer clear of costly surprises.
What should I do if I need to tow my car?
If you ever need a tow, follow these easy steps to make sure everything goes smoothly.
- Get to a safe spot: Pull over to the side of the road or park in a safe location if your car breaks down. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Assess your situation: Identify if you need a tow, and why it’s is necessary (accident, flat tire, etc.) and whether it’s covered by roadside assistance, collision, or comprehensive coverage.
- Gather documentation: Take note of the exact location and nature of the issue. If you’ve been in an accident, take pictures of the car’s condition, and any damages.
- Notify your insurance company: Depending on the nature of the tow you need, whether it’s due to a breakdown or an accident, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. If you need a tow because of a mechanical failure, your insurer can help get a tow truck to you as long as you have roadside assistance coverage.
At Lemonade, we’ve made it easy for you to contact us and get help. Just open the app and file a claim—though the kind of claim depends on what situation you’re dealing with.
- If you’re dealing with a flat tire, dead battery, or need a tow due to a breakdown, select the ‘Roadside Assistance’ icon on the top left of the screen.
- If you were just in an accident and still on the scene, select the ‘Report a Crash’ icon in the top center of the screen.
- For any scenario where your car was affected—like if you were in a crash but already left the scene, or your car was dented after a tree fell on top of it, select ‘File a Claim’ further down on the right (in bright pink).
Once you submit your claim, with the help of our friendly chatbot, AI Jim, you’ll be paired up with one of Lemonade Car’s claims adjusters to help you with the rest of the process.
Before we go…
Towing coverage—like roadside assistance, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage—is a valuable safety net, but understanding what’s included in your car insurance policy is key. Whether it’s a breakdown or roadside emergency, knowing your options makes sure you’re prepared. With services like Lemonade’s roadside assistance, you can enjoy peace of mind and focus on the road ahead.
Ready to get started? Get your quote today.
FAQs
Can I choose where my car is towed?
It depends on your insurer. Many policies allow you to specify the repair shop or destination within a set distance, but extra miles beyond your policy limits may come out of pocket.
Lemonade Car partners with HONK Technologies, Inc., so we have access to their entire network of independent roadside assistance and towing service providers. That means you get roadside assistance that work with the approved terms and conditions when you use the services.
Does liability insurance cover towing?
No, liability insurance only covers damages or injuries you may cause to others. It doesn’t include coverage for towing your car. To cover towing costs, you’d typically need roadside assistance, collision, or comprehensive coverage.
What happens if my car is towed after an accident, and I don’t have comprehensive or collision coverage?
Without collision or comprehensive coverage, you’d likely be responsible for paying towing expenses out of pocket.
Does insurance cover towing after a weather-related issue?
Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance can help cover towing costs caused by weather-related incidents, such as flooding or hail damage. However, you’ll still need to meet your deductible before your insurer issues reimbursement.
Does my insurance cover towing if I run out of gas?
If you have a roadside assistance plan, it may cover towing or fuel delivery if you run out of gas. The terms of your roadside assistance coverage vary by insurer, so it’s best to review your plan.
With Lemonade Car and roadside assistance included in your policy, running out of gas doesn’t have to disrupt your journey. We’ll deliver up to 2 gallons of standard fuel (gas or diesel) to get you back on the road quickly and hassle-free. Unfortunately, we can’t deliver hydrogen or biodiesel. If you have an Electric Vehicle, we can even set up a tow to bring you to an EV charging station. (Keep in mind that these services won’t include the cost of the battery charge.)
*https://www.lookupaplate.com/blog/towing-industry-statistics/
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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