Meta Title:
Does Full Coverage Car Insurance Cover Towing?
Meta Description:
Does Full Coverage Car Insurance Cover Towing? what it covers, and how to make the most of your policy. Learn essential tips to avoid costly surprises.
Outline
- Introduction
- What is Full Coverage Car Insurance?
- Does Full Coverage Include Towing?
- What’s Usually Included in Towing Coverage?
- How Much Does Towing Coverage Cost?
- Why Isn’t Towing Automatically Included in Full Coverage?
- Top Insurance Companies and Their Towing Coverage Policies
- Geico
- State Farm
- Progressive
- Allstate
- USAA
- How to Add Towing Coverage to Your Policy
- What to Do if You Don’t Have Towing Coverage and Need a Tow
- How to File a Towing Claim Through Insurance
- Common Misconceptions About Full Coverage and Towing
- When Is Towing Coverage Worth It?
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
When dealing with the stress of a breakdown or a roadside emergency, the last thing any driver wants is to be blindsided by unexpected costs. Full coverage car insurance is often viewed as the ultimate protection — but does it actually include towing? Let’s dive into the truth about towing and full coverage policies, so you know exactly what to expect and how to avoid paying out-of-pocket when your vehicle leaves you stranded.
What is Full Coverage Car Insurance?
Full coverage car insurance is a combination of several coverages that offer broad protection. It typically includes:
- Provides financial protection when you’re at fault for someone else’s injury or property damage.
- Collision insurance steps in to cover your vehicle’s damages after an accident.
- Comprehensive insurance – Covers non-collision-related damage, like theft or natural disasters.
However, many assume “full” means “everything.” Unfortunately, towing coverage isn’t always included.
Does Full Coverage Include Towing?
In most cases, standard full coverage policies do NOT automatically cover towing. Towing and roadside assistance are typically optional add-ons known as Roadside Assistance or Towing and Labor coverage. These extras can usually be included for a small monthly premium.
What’s Usually Included in Towing Coverage?
- Towing to the nearest repair shop
- Battery jump-start
- Flat tire change
- Lockout services
- Fuel delivery
Check with your insurer to confirm if these services are bundled in your full coverage package — in many cases, you’ll need to request and pay for them separately.
How Much Does Towing Coverage Cost?
Adding towing and roadside assistance to your policy is surprisingly affordable. Most major insurers offer it as a rider for $10 to $30 per year. Considering that a single tow can cost anywhere from $75 to $125, this add-on quickly pays for itself.
Why Isn’t Towing Automatically Included in Full Coverage?
Towing falls under convenience services and doesn’t provide the same risk protection as collision or theft coverage. Insurers categorize it separately and leave it up to the policyholder to add it. Including it by default could raise premiums across the board, even for those who don’t need it.
Top Insurance Companies and Their Towing Coverage Policies
Geico
- Offers Emergency Roadside Service as an optional coverage.
- Covers towing, lockouts, jump starts, and more.
State Farm
- Roadside Assistance available for a small fee.
- Includes towing to the nearest repair shop.
Progressive
· With optional roadside assistance, your vehicle can be towed up to 15 miles or to the nearest service center.
Allstate
- Offers a standalone Motor Club with extended benefits.
- Roadside coverage also available as a policy add-on.
USAA
- Offers Roadside Assistance at a low cost to military families.
- Includes towing, flat tire service, and more.
Pro tip: Always compare what’s covered and the distance limits. Some plans tow you only a few miles, while others will take you wherever you need — within reason.
How to Add Towing Coverage to Your Policy
Adding towing is easy:
- Contact your insurance provider.
- Ask if you already have towing or if it’s available as an add-on.
- Review the pricing and limitations (e.g., mileage limits, number of free tows per year).
- Add it to your policy and receive confirmation in writing.
You can also opt for third-party roadside assistance plans like:
- AAA
- AARP
- Good Sam
- Credit card perks (e.g., Amex, Visa Signature)
These may offer more generous services than your insurer, especially if you travel frequently or own multiple vehicles.
What to Do if You Don’t Have Towing Coverage and Need a Tow
If you’re caught without towing coverage:
- Call a tow service directly. You’ll pay out-of-pocket.
- Check your credit card benefits. Some cards offer free towing or reimbursements.
- Look into mobile apps like HONK or Urgently — they offer pay-as-you-go roadside help.
You may also be able to submit a reimbursement claim if you add towing coverage shortly after needing it — but this depends entirely on your insurer’s policies.
How to File a Towing Claim Through Insurance
If you have towing included:
- Call your insurance’s roadside assistance number (on your ID card or app).
- A tow truck is dispatched to your location.
- No payment is needed upfront in most cases — the service is billed directly to your insurer.
- If you paid out-of-pocket, submit a claim for reimbursement with a receipt.
Make sure to save:
- Towing receipts
- Breakdown details
- Location and time logs
Common Misconceptions About Full Coverage and Towing
Full coverage means everything is covered
→ Not true. It only covers specific types of damage.
Towing is free with all policies
→ It’s an optional add-on. Always double-check your documents.
Roadside help is expensive
→ Most plans are under $30/year and can save you hundreds.
When Is Towing Coverage Worth It?
Yes, it’s absolutely worth it — especially if you:
- Commute long distances
- Drive an older or less reliable vehicle
- Live in rural areas where tow services cost more
- Want peace of mind during road trips
It’s one of the best low-cost insurance add-ons you can get.
FAQs
Does full coverage include towing automatically?
· Towing services are not part of a standard full coverage policy and must usually be added separately.
· How do I know if I have towing included?
· Look over your policy’s declarations page or get in touch with your insurer for clarification.
Is towing coverage expensive?
Not at all. Most plans cost less than $30 annually, offering great value for peace of mind.
Can I get towing without car insurance?
Yes, through third-party services like AAA or standalone roadside assistance plans.
How far will insurance tow my car?
It varies — some plans offer towing up to 15 miles, others go as far as 100 miles. Always check your policy details.
Final Thoughts
While full coverage offers broad protection, it does not guarantee towing benefits unless you specifically opt in. For just a few extra dollars a year, towing and roadside assistance coverage can save you time, money, and stress when your vehicle fails you. Be proactive: check your policy today, and if it’s not included, add it — you’ll thank yourself the next time you’re stuck with a flat tire or dead battery.