Does my car insurance cover towing and roadside assistance?

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?

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.

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.