Does Car Insurance Cover Towing? Lowering Your Expenses with the Right Coverage

A breakdown can happen when you least expect it. One minute you're cruising along, and the next you're pulling over with a car that won’t budge. In that moment, knowing what your insurance policy includes can bring serious peace of mind. Many drivers aren’t sure what’s covered when it comes to towing, but taking a closer look at your options can help you stay prepared for the unexpected.

Key Takeaways

  • Towing is not typically included in standard car insurance policies.
  • You can add towing coverage with Emergency Roadside Service (Labor and Towing Coverage) from GEICO.
  • Towing coverage may apply after breakdowns, but not all incidents qualify.
  • You can request a tow through the GEICO Mobile app or website.

Is Towing Covered by Standard Car Insurance?

Towing typically isn’t covered by standard car insurance policies. However, if you want towing added to your policy, you can purchase additional coverage known as Emergency Roadside Service. This coverage also includes things like jump starts, flat tire changes, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery. It’s an affordable way to make sure you’re protected in case of a breakdown.

How Towing Coverage Works

Towing coverage is an optional part of your car insurance that helps cover or reimburse the cost of moving your vehicle when it can’t be driven. In most cases, GEICO will dispatch a service provider directly to you. If you arrange your own towing, you may need to pay out of pocket first and then submit a claim for reimbursement.

Towing costs vary, but can quickly add up depending on distance, time of day, and location. GEICO Emergency Roadside Service pays for towing expenses up to your policy limit. It’s also worth noting that in some accidents, towing may be covered by the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, not your own.

Other Types of Insurance Coverage that May Include Towing

While Emergency Roadside Service is the most common way to get towing coverage, certain types of car insurance may also help cover towing costs in specific situations. These coverages usually apply when your vehicle is damaged and needs to be moved after a covered event, not for mechanical breakdowns or flat tires. Keep in mind, however, that coverages vary, so it’s always best to review your policy or speak with a GEICO Insurance specialist for details.

  • Collision Coverage: May cover towing if your vehicle is damaged in an accident and needs to be transported from the scene.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: May apply if your car is damaged by events like theft, fire, flooding, or falling objects and needs to be towed.
  • Liability Coverage (from another driver): If someone else causes an accident, their liability insurance may cover your towing expenses as part of the damage they caused.
  • Emergency Road Service with Trip Interruption: This includes towing for breakdowns, roadside services like tire changes and lockouts, and trip interruption coverage that helps pay for lodging and meals if you're far from home and your car can’t be driven.

How to Request a Tow with GEICO

If your car breaks down, GEICO makes it simple to get the help you need. You can request a tow 24/7 directly through the GEICO Mobile app or website by following these steps:

  1. Open the GEICO Mobile app or visit geico.com: Log in to your account, then go to the Emergency Roadside Service section.
  2. Start a new service request: Select the type of assistance you need, such as towing, jump start, or fuel delivery.
  3. Enter your vehicle’s location: Make sure to provide the most accurate address or use location services to pinpoint where your car is.
  4. Describe the issue: Share a brief explanation of what’s wrong, like a flat tire or engine trouble.
  5. Confirm your contact and vehicle info: Make sure your phone number, vehicle details, and policy information are correct before submitting.

Once your request is submitted, GEICO will send a service provider to your location and keep you updated every step of the way.

Ready for Reliable Towing Coverage? GEICO Can Help

Breakdowns and unexpected car trouble can happen at any time, but knowing you have towing coverage through GEICO can make the situation a lot less stressful. With Emergency Roadside Service, help is always just a few taps away.

Want to prepare for the road ahead? Get a fast, free Emergency Roadside Service quote online today!

FAQs About Car Insurance and Towing

  • Does GEICO auto insurance include towing automatically?

    Towing is not included in a standard GEICO auto policy, but it can be added by purchasing Emergency Roadside Service coverage. It’s an affordable add-on that covers towing and other common roadside issues, like flat tires, lockouts, fuel delivery, and more.

  • Can I use GEICO’s Emergency Roadside Service if someone else is driving my car?

    Yes. As long as the vehicle listed on your policy is the one that’s disabled, Emergency Roadside Service typically applies no matter who is driving.

  • Is there a mileage limit on towing coverage?

    Towing is usually covered up to a certain number of miles or to the nearest qualified repair facility. Specific mileage limits may vary, so check your policy details to confirm what’s included.

  • How often can I use GEICO’s roadside assistance?

    There may be a limit to how many times you can use Emergency Roadside Service per policy term. For full details on your specific coverage, log in to your GEICO account or review your policy documents.

  • Does towing after an accident count under roadside assistance?

    No. If your car needs to be towed after a covered accident, that typically falls under collision coverage. Coverage applies if the claim is approved and the tow is related to accident damage.

Please Note:

In North Carolina, Emergency Roadside Service is called Towing and Labor Coverage.