Insurance Towing After an Accident: What Is Covered and How to Use It

How auto insurance covers post-accident towing

Post-accident towing is typically covered under your collision or comprehensive coverage rather than a separate towing rider. Here is how it works.

When you file a collision claim after an accident, the towing cost to get the vehicle to a repair facility is generally included as part of the claim. Your insurer pays the towing cost (minus your deductible) along with the repair costs.

This is different from roadside assistance coverage, which covers non-accident situations like a dead battery, flat tire, or running out of fuel. Roadside assistance riders typically have a separate per-incident fee or limit and do not apply to accident towing.

If you have collision coverage and your accident tow cost is $200, that $200 is applied toward your deductible. If your deductible is $500, you pay the $200 tow and the insurance covers the remaining repair costs above the deductible.

Calling your insurance before the tow

Calling your insurance company before your car is towed after an accident is one of the most valuable steps you can take. Here is why.

Many insurers have preferred towing providers with negotiated rates. Using a preferred provider may mean the tow is fully covered with no out-of-pocket cost, or at a pre-negotiated rate that is lower than what a random tow company charges.

Your insurer can also advise on where to have the vehicle towed — to an approved direct repair facility that can start the claims process immediately, or to a storage facility while the claim is being evaluated.

If the accident was the other driver fault, their liability insurance covers your towing costs. Your insurer can help coordinate with the at-fault driver insurance company to ensure towing costs are billed to the right policy.

What insurance does not cover for towing

Understanding the gaps in insurance towing coverage prevents surprises.

Storage fees after a reasonable period: Insurance typically covers towing to a facility and initial storage, but extended storage fees that accumulate because you delayed making repair decisions may not be covered. Move the vehicle to a repair shop promptly to avoid uncovered storage charges.

Towing from a location not related to the accident: If you drove the damaged car home after the accident and then want to tow it to a shop, some insurers may not cover the tow since it did not happen at the accident scene.

Multiple tows for the same vehicle: Insurance generally covers one tow per claim to get the vehicle to a repair facility. If you tow to one shop and then decide to move the vehicle to another, the second tow may not be covered.

Towing above the policy limit: Some policies cap towing reimbursement at a fixed dollar amount (often $50-100). If your actual tow costs more, you pay the difference. Check your policy limits before assuming full coverage.

At-fault vs not-at-fault accidents: who pays for towing

Who pays for towing after an accident depends significantly on fault determination.

If you are not at fault: The at-fault driver liability insurance should cover your towing costs as part of the property damage claim. You typically do not pay anything out of pocket, and the cost does not affect your own insurance premium. Your insurer can help coordinate with the at-fault driver carrier.

If you are at fault: Your collision coverage pays for towing (and repairs) minus your deductible. Your premium may increase at renewal as a result of the at-fault claim.

If fault is disputed: File a claim with your own collision coverage to get the vehicle repaired quickly. Your insurer will pursue subrogation against the other driver insurance if fault is later determined. See who pays for towing after an accident for the full fault scenario breakdown.

How to file an insurance towing claim

Filing an insurance claim for post-accident towing is straightforward if you have the right documentation.

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible — most policies require prompt notification. Provide the police report number, photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, the other driver information, and the towing company name, cost, and receipt.

If you paid for the tow out of pocket, keep the receipt and submit it with your claim. Most insurers reimburse covered towing costs quickly as part of the overall claim settlement.

If your insurance dispatched a preferred provider, the tow cost is typically handled directly between the tow company and insurer — you may not pay anything at the scene. See who pays for towing after an accident. See how to file an insurance claim for towing.