When a car breaks down on the road or gets into an accident, many drivers ask the same question: will insurance cover the tow? The answer depends on the type of policy, the specific terms of your contract, and the circumstances of the breakdown. Here's what comprehensive and liability coverage actually pay for in practice, and how to make sure you get reimbursed instead of paying for the tow out of pocket unnecessarily.
What comprehensive coverage usually includes
Comprehensive auto insurance typically includes towing as part of the coverage in most plans, but the details vary a lot between insurers and even between different tiers of the same insurer.
- Towing after an accident. Almost always included in standard comprehensive coverage, unless the accident involved a serious breach of the policy terms (like driving under the influence);
- Towing for a mechanical breakdown. Many extended comprehensive plans include this too, but not all, worth checking your specific policy;
- Annual limits on the number of tows. Most insurers cap this, for example no more than 2 to 4 tows per policy period;
- Distance limits. Free towing often applies within a certain radius of the incident, and beyond that the customer pays the difference.
What about liability-only coverage
Mandatory liability insurance works fundamentally differently from comprehensive coverage. It covers the at-fault driver's responsibility toward the other party, not the policyholder's own vehicle expenses.
- If you're the injured party in an accident, the cost of towing your car from the scene can be included in the compensation paid by the at-fault driver's insurer;
- If you're at fault, towing your own car usually isn't covered under liability-only insurance, since this type of policy protects other road users, not you;
- To get towing reimbursed under liability coverage, you need to prove the costs were actually incurred and directly tied to the accident.
When insurance pays for towing, and when it doesn't
| Situation | Comprehensive | Liability (for the injured party) |
|---|---|---|
| Accident not your fault | Usually covered | Covered by the at-fault driver's insurer |
| Accident your fault | Usually covered (barring aggravating factors) | Not covered |
| Mechanical breakdown, no accident | Depends on the plan | Not applicable |
| Driving under the influence | Usually not covered | Not covered |
| Vehicle used outside its stated purpose (e.g. as an unregistered taxi) | Can be grounds for denial | Depends on circumstances |
How to file for tow truck reimbursement
- Contact your insurer as quickly as possible after the incident: many policies require notification within 24 to 72 hours;
- Ask whether your insurer has a partner towing service. In that case, they arrange the tow directly and you won't need to pay anything upfront;
- If there's no partner service available in your area, order a tow truck yourself and keep every receipt and document for reimbursement later;
- Gather your documentation: the tow truck receipt, a copy of your claim, and accident paperwork if applicable;
- Submit your reimbursement request within the timeframe set by your policy.
Which documents you absolutely need to keep
- The tow truck receipt, showing the date, route, and amount paid;
- A service agreement or work order, if the tow was performed under a written contract;
- Photos and video from the scene confirming the tow was necessary;
- A copy of the accident report or joint statement, if the accident was documented that way.
We always provide a receipt and, if needed, additional documentation confirming towing from an accident scene: this makes your later dealings with the insurer much easier.
What to do if your claim is denied
A denied reimbursement claim happens fairly often, and it isn't always justified. Here's what to do if it happens:
- Request an official written denial that states the specific reason: a verbal explanation isn't enough for a later dispute;
- Review the exact wording of your policy, sometimes a denial is based on a misreading of the terms;
- If you have reasonable grounds to dispute the denial, file a complaint directly with the insurer, and escalate to the relevant regulator or court if there's no response;
- Keep every document and piece of correspondence with the insurer: you'll need them if the case goes further.
Bottom line
Whether you can get towing costs reimbursed through insurance depends heavily on the type of policy, the specific plan, and the circumstances of the breakdown. Check your policy terms in advance, before you actually need to file a claim. If it does come down to an actual accident recovery call, you can sort out the compensation details once the car is safe. It'll save you time and stress at the exact moment your car can't move on its own. And we can arrange the tow either way, regardless of how the reimbursement question gets resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get approval from my insurer before calling a tow truck to be reimbursed?
This depends on your specific policy. Some insurers require pre-approval or only work with their partner services, while others accept receipts from any towing company. Check this in advance using the number on your policy.
Can I still get reimbursed if the tow happens at night and my insurer is only open during the day?
Yes, in most cases you can order a tow truck yourself at any time, keep the documentation, and submit it for reimbursement later once your insurer is available.
Does comprehensive coverage include towing if the car is stuck in snow or mud without any mechanical issue?
It depends on the specific plan. Some comprehensive policies include this as part of roadside assistance, others don't. Check the description of your specific coverage.
What if the amount my insurer paid is less than what I actually spent on towing?
You can request a breakdown of how the reimbursement amount was calculated, and dispute it if needed by providing additional documentation showing the actual cost of the service.
Does comprehensive coverage extend to towing a rental car?
Usually not, unless explicitly stated in the rental agreement or a separate insurance policy. Check this directly with the rental company before your trip.
How quickly do I need to submit reimbursement paperwork for a tow?
Timeframes vary by insurer, but it's usually anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after the incident. The exact deadline is stated in your policy.