Does my car insurance cover towing and roadside assistance?
Standard car insurance doesn't cover towing and roadside assistance. To ensure you're covered for these events, you'll need to add roadside assistance coverage to your policy for an additional $5–$10 per month. Learn more about how roadside assistance works and other options you can explore to have towing covered by insurance.
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Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management degree with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Au...
Insurance Operations Specialist
UPDATED: Feb 8, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 8, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Roadside assistance coverage helps pay for roadside emergencies
- This type of coverage is usually an add-on that you can get for as low as $5–$10 per month
- You can also get roadside coverage from club memberships, your car manufacturer, or cellphone and credit card providers
If your car breaks down on the road, you may need immediate help to get you and your vehicle to safety. This help includes towing or locksmith services, flat tire repairs, and more.
These services can be costly, and you may wonder if your car insurance covers towing and roadside assistance. Standard car insurance requirements do not include these services.
To avoid the out-of-pocket costs for these services, you’ll need roadside assistance coverage, which can also be called towing, labor, or emergency road service coverage.
Having roadside assistance coverage lowers the cost of unexpected breakdowns and provides peace of mind, knowing that it is always there for you to count on. Read on to learn more about how this type of coverage works.
Car Insurance for Roadside Assistance and Towing
Roadside assistance coverage applies to any emergency services you receive when your car breaks down and leaves you stranded on the side of the road. Let’s say, for example, you get a flat tire or are locked out of your car and need a tire change or locksmith services.
With roadside assistance, these types of expenses will be paid for. This type of insurance coverage typically includes:
- Towing services: If your car breaks down unexpectedly, you may need towing services to the nearest repair shop.
- Tire changes: Flat repairs on the side of a busy interstate can be dangerous. With the right coverage, you can have someone do this for you quickly and safely.
- Fuel delivery: If you run out of gas and can’t easily get to a gas station, someone can bring you enough gas to get you there.
- Locksmith services: If you lock yourself out of your car, you may need help from a locksmith.
- Jump-starts: If you’re having battery troubles, you may need a mechanic to give you a jump to get to a shop for a new battery.
If you need any of these services and have roadside assistance coverage, your insurance company will send a mechanic to help, usually at no cost.
Read more: Can I get car insurance for a car that is used for towing or hauling?
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How to Get Towing and Roadside Assistance Car Insurance Coverage
Roadside assistance coverage is usually an optional add-on. It’s separate from standard types of insurance coverage such as liability, collision, or comprehensive insurance.
You typically need collision and comprehensive car insurance coverage to get roadside assistance from your insurance company. Most insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an add-on to these standard policies.
To find affordable quotes and services that match your needs, you should shop around and compare policies among insurance companies in your area.
The Cost of Roadside Assistance Car Insurance Coverage
The price of roadside assistance will vary based on several factors, such as location, company, or coverage details. However, from most insurance companies, roadside assistance costs less than $100 annually.
For instance, Stonewood Insurance roadside assistance insurance is comparable to other insurers.
Read more: Stonewood Insurance Review & Complaints: Car Insurance
Other Options for Roadside Assistance Coverage
You can also get roadside assistance coverage from third parties besides your insurance company. These include your credit card company, membership organizations such as AAA, car manufacturers, and some cell phone providers.
Check with your various providers for options on roadside assistance and compare them to your insurance company’s policy to decide which is a good fit.
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Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Towing and Roadside Assistance
Case Study 1: Comprehensive Coverage With Roadside Assistance
John had comprehensive car insurance coverage that included roadside assistance. When his car broke down on the side of the road, he called his insurance company for help. They dispatched a tow truck to tow his car to the nearest repair shop and covered the cost of the service. This coverage provided him with peace of mind knowing that help was just a phone call away.
Case Study 2: Basic Liability Coverage Without Roadside Assistance
Amy had basic liability car insurance that did not include roadside assistance coverage. Unfortunately, her car experienced a flat tire while she was driving. Without roadside assistance, she had to call a towing service and pay out-of-pocket for the towing and tire change. She realized the importance of having roadside assistance coverage to avoid unexpected expenses in such situations.
Case Study 3: Emergency Roadside Assistance for Lockout
Tom locked himself out of his car one day while running errands. Luckily, he had roadside assistance coverage as part of his car insurance policy. He called his insurance company, and they sent a locksmith to help him regain access to his vehicle. The locksmith’s services were covered, and Tom was relieved to have quick and professional assistance in his time of need.
Car Insurance for Towing and Roadside Assistance: The Bottom Line
Getting an emergency road service plan can mean one less thing to worry about while on the road. Considering the low cost of these plans, it’s usually a good idea to ensure you won’t be stranded on the side of the road.
Explore options with your insurance company and other providers to determine the best coverage choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does roadside assistance pay for my car getting towed if I get hit by someone else?
Roadside assistance insurance doesn’t generally apply to accidents. In this case, the other driver’s liability insurance covers these services.
How long does it take to get roadside assistance?
Most companies try to get you help immediately, but the exact timing depends on the quality of the roadside mechanics your insurance company contracts.
Is roadside assistance coverage free?
Roadside assistance is not free, but it’s generally an inexpensive add-on for your insurance policy.
Are you looking for free insurance quotes?
Your one-stop online insurance guide. Get free quotes now!
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Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management degree with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Au...
Insurance Operations Specialist
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.