Does Auto Insurance Cover Towing and Roadside Assistance

Author

Reads 986

Oxes Towing Man on Road
Credit: pexels.com, Oxes Towing Man on Road

Auto insurance can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations, but do you know what it covers when it comes to towing and roadside assistance? In many cases, yes, it does.

Some standard auto insurance policies include roadside assistance as an added feature, which can cover towing costs up to a certain limit. For example, if you're stuck on the side of the road with a dead battery, your insurance might cover the cost of a tow to a nearby repair shop.

However, not all policies are created equal, and the specifics can vary greatly depending on your insurance provider and policy terms. It's essential to review your policy documents to understand what's covered and what's not.

Towing costs can add up quickly, but with the right insurance coverage, you can avoid unexpected expenses and get back on the road sooner.

Additional reading: Does My Insurance Cover Plan B

What Insurance Covers Towing

Insurance can provide invaluable protection and peace of mind in the event of a breakdown or roadside emergency.

Credit: youtube.com, Does Auto Insurance Cover Towing? - InsuranceGuide360.com

While insurance policies don't require towing coverage, it can be a good idea to carry towing coverage in certain situations.

Some insurers offer the option to add trailer coverage to your existing auto policy, especially if the trailer is used for personal use and meets certain conditions.

You should check with your insurer for specific endorsements or riders that can be added to cover your trailer.

Liability insurance might extend to damages caused by a trailer, but it generally does not cover the trailer itself.

Considering insurance for physical damage to the trailer or for specific cargo might be necessary, depending on what you are hauling.

Temporary trailer insurance is available for those who need coverage for a short period, such as for a specific trip or event.

This type of insurance can cover the same types of risks as regular trailer insurance, including liability, collision, and comprehensive damage.

See what others are reading: Does State Farm Insurance Cover Towing

When Insurance Covers Towing

Insurance policies can provide invaluable protection and peace of mind in the event of a breakdown or roadside emergency.

Credit: youtube.com, What Does Towing Insurance Cover? - InsuranceGuide360.com

While insurance policies do not require towing coverage, it can be a good idea to carry it for certain situations. For example, if you have a camper trailer, you'll likely need to insure it, especially if you plan to use it on public roads or for prolonged journeys.

Towing coverage can reimburse you for towing expenses not related to a collision with another car. This coverage helps when your car is disabled due to a mechanical problem and needs to be brought somewhere safe.

Your regular car insurance policy may not cover damages specifically to a camper trailer, so it's essential to consider separate insurance for it. You can research options from providers like Geico for car trailer insurance quotes and utility trailer insurance.

Temporary trailer insurance is also available for those who need coverage for a short period, such as for a specific trip or event. This type of insurance can cover the same types of risks as regular trailer insurance, including liability, collision, and comprehensive damage.

Roadside assistance, or emergency road service coverage, is a car insurance coverage option that covers you in case you’re stranded on the road. This can include services like flat tire changes, jump starts, fuel or battery delivery, and towing.

For more insights, see: Collision Coverage California

Credit: youtube.com, Does Car Insurance Cover Towing?

Here are some common services covered under roadside assistance:

  • Flat tire changes
  • Jump starts
  • Fuel or battery delivery to your car
  • A locksmith if your key is lost, stolen, or locked in your vehicle
  • Towing (often only up to a certain distance)

The specific services covered depend on your insurance carrier, but some auto providers offer multiple tiers of roadside assistance coverage. For example, Nationwide has two coverage options, including a basic roadside assistance package that covers towing up to 15 miles and its “Nationwide Roadside Assistance Plus,” which covers towing up to 100 miles.

Scenarios where towing is covered will vary depending on your insurance policy, but it typically helps when your car is disabled due to a mechanical problem and needs to be brought somewhere safe.

Insurance Coverage for Towing

Insurance coverage for towing can be a bit confusing, but let's break it down simply. Comprehensive coverage is an optional insurance coverage that pays for damage to your car not related to a collision, such as natural disasters, fires, theft, vandalism, and damage caused by animals.

Comprehensive coverage alone may not cover towing costs, so you may need additional towing or roadside assistance coverage. Towing coverage is typically an additional coverage you can purchase on top of comprehensive coverage.

Credit: youtube.com, What Is Towing Coverage? | Car Insurance

Some insurers offer the option to add trailer coverage to your existing auto policy, especially if the trailer is used for personal use and meets certain conditions. You should check with your insurer for specific endorsements or riders that can be added.

If you only have comprehensive coverage, it doesn't automatically cover a trailer you're towing. If something damages your car while you have a trailer attached, your comprehensive insurance will only pay for damage to your vehicle.

In most cases, standard auto insurance policies do not provide coverage for damage to the trailer itself while it is being towed. Coverage for the trailer typically requires additional insurance, such as trailer insurance or a specialized recreational vehicle (RV) policy.

Here are some common coverages offered through towing insurance policies:

  • Physical Damage Coverage: May cover wrecker damage occurring during accidents
  • Comprehensive Coverage: May cover wrecker damage occurring during other incidents
  • On-Hook Towing Coverage: May cover damage to vehicles while they’re towed
  • Garage Services Coverage: May cover damage to vehicles while they’re stored
  • Tow Truck Liability Coverage: May cover third-party injuries and/or property damage
  • Medical Payments Coverage: May cover injuries’ medical costs from accidents
  • Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage: May cover accidents with uninsured drivers

It's worth noting that workers' compensation is often required when a business has employees, and it may be included in a towing policy's coverages or available as a standalone policy.

Types of Insurance That Cover Towing

Credit: youtube.com, Does car insurance cover towing expenses?

Insurance policies can provide valuable protection and peace of mind in the event of a breakdown or roadside emergency. You can add towing coverage to your existing auto policy, especially if the trailer is used for personal use and meets certain conditions.

Some insurers offer the option to add trailer coverage to your existing auto policy, especially if the trailer is used for personal use and meets certain conditions. You should check with your insurer for specific endorsements or riders that can be added.

Temporary trailer insurance is available for those who need coverage for a short period, such as for a specific trip or event. This type of insurance can cover the same types of risks as regular trailer insurance, including liability, collision, and comprehensive damage.

Here are some common types of insurance that cover towing:

  • Fifth-wheel trailer insurance
  • Conventional trailer insurance
  • Toy hauler insurance
  • Travel trailer insurance

You'll also need separate insurance policies for vehicles you tow, such as boats, dirt bikes, ATVs, or other off-road vehicles. Those policies not only cover you while you're using them, but the coverage also applies during transit.

Camper Insurance

Credit: youtube.com, Ep. 252: RV Insurance: Everything You Need to Know | Travel Camping RVlife fulltimeRV

Camper trailers require separate insurance policies, similar to RV insurance, that cover physical damage while parked and liability while being towed.

If you plan to use your camper trailer on public roads or for extended periods, it's essential to get insurance that specifically covers the trailer itself, not just liability from your vehicle's policy.

Utility trailer insurance, which covers camper trailers, can provide tailored protection against unique risks like theft, vandalism, and accident-related damages.

Commercial trailers used for business purposes require commercial trailer insurance, which can cover a wider range of scenarios and higher liability limits.

Here are some key types of insurance to consider for your camper trailer:

  • Liability insurance to cover damages to others or their property
  • Collision insurance to cover damages to the trailer itself
  • Comprehensive insurance to cover non-collision damages, such as theft or vandalism

Temporary trailer insurance is also available for short-term coverage, which can be a convenient option if you only need to insure your camper trailer for a specific trip or event.

USAA U-Haul

USAA auto insurance typically extends liability coverage to rental trailers, such as U-Haul, when used with an insured vehicle.

However, this coverage is for liability only, so you won't have protection against physical damage to the rental trailer itself under the standard auto policy.

You may need to purchase additional coverage from the rental company to protect against damage to the U-Haul trailer.

For another approach, see: Does Car Insurance Cover Rental Trucks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of towing reimbursement?

Towing reimbursement is a coverage that helps pay for towing expenses when your vehicle breaks down. It can save you money and stress by covering the cost of towing, which is often charged by the mile.

Mike Kiehn

Senior Writer

Mike Kiehn is a seasoned writer with a passion for creating informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in the financial sector, Mike has established himself as a knowledgeable authority on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), particularly in the UK market. Mike's expertise extends to providing in-depth analysis and insights on REITs, helping readers make informed decisions in the world of real estate investment.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.