Most car insurance does not cover towing unless you add it
Standard car insurance — liability, collision, and comprehensive — does not include towing. If your car breaks down or you get into an accident, you will pay the tow truck operator out of pocket unless you have purchased roadside assistance as an add-on to your policy, or you belong to an auto club like AAA.
The confusion happens because roadside assistance sounds like something insurance should cover by default. It is not. You have to ask for it when you buy or renew your policy, and it costs extra — usually between $10 and $30 per year depending on your insurer and the coverage limits you choose.
Some insurers bundle roadside assistance into higher-tier policies or offer it free for the first year. Others make it a separate line item. The only way to know what you have is to look at your declarations page or call your agent and ask directly.
Key Takeaways
- Roadside assistance is an optional add-on that you must purchase separately; it does not come with standard car insurance.
- Coverage typically includes towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-starts, with limits on how far the tow truck will go.
- AAA membership and some credit cards offer roadside assistance as an alternative to buying it through your insurer.
- If you do not have roadside assistance and need a tow, you pay the full bill to the tow company yourself.
- Towing limits vary widely — some policies cover only 5 miles, others cover 100 miles or more.
What roadside assistance actually covers
Roadside assistance is not just towing. Most policies include a package of services you can call on when you are stranded. The standard bundle covers towing, lockout service (if you lock your keys in the car), fuel delivery, jump-starts, and tire changes. Some insurers add winching or extraction if your car is stuck in a ditch.
The catch is the mileage limit. Many policies cover towing only up to 5 or 10 miles, which might get you to the nearest repair shop in town but not across the state. Higher-tier plans go to 50, 75, or 100 miles. If you live far from a major city or do a lot of highway driving, check the mileage limit before you buy — a 5-mile tow can cost $200 to $400 out of pocket if you need to go farther.
You also need to know whether the policy covers towing to any shop you choose or only to a network shop your insurer has partnered with. Network shops are usually cheaper for the insurer, so they may push you that direction. Read the fine print or ask your agent.
How much roadside assistance costs and what to compare
Roadside assistance through your car insurance typically runs $10 to $30 per year for basic coverage. A single tow truck call can cost $150 to $500 depending on distance and your location, so the math is simple: if you need one tow every few years, the add-on pays for itself.
Before you buy through your insurer, check whether you already have coverage elsewhere. AAA membership includes roadside assistance — basic membership starts around $50 to $70 per year and covers up to 100 miles of towing. Some credit cards, especially premium travel cards, include roadside assistance as a cardholder benefit at no extra cost. If you have either of those, you may not need to buy it from your insurer.
Compare the mileage limits and what services are included. A $15 add-on that covers only 5 miles is not the same value as a $25 add-on that covers 100 miles. Write down the limits for each option and decide based on how far you typically drive from home and how old your car is — older cars break down more often and may justify the higher tier.
What happens if you do not have roadside assistance
If you get stranded and do not have roadside assistance through your insurer, AAA, or a credit card, you call a tow truck directly and pay the bill yourself. The cost varies by region and distance but typically ranges from $150 to $500 for a local tow. Longer distances cost more — a 50-mile tow can run $400 to $800.
Some repair shops offer free towing if you bring your car to them for service, but you have to know which shops do this before you break down. If you are stranded on the highway with no coverage and no shop lined up, you are calling a random tow company and paying whatever they charge.
This is why roadside assistance is worth buying if you drive an older car, live in a rural area, or take long road trips. The peace of mind costs less than a single emergency tow.
Adding roadside assistance to your existing policy
You can add roadside assistance to your policy at any time — you do not have to wait for renewal. Call your insurer or log into your account online and look for the roadside assistance or roadside service option. Most insurers let you choose the coverage level (usually based on towing distance) and add it immediately.
The change takes effect right away or within 24 hours, depending on your insurer. You will see the new charge on your next bill. If you are adding it because you are about to take a long road trip, do it at least a few days before you leave so you have time to receive your updated policy documents and know the phone number to call if you break down.
Towing after an accident versus a breakdown
Roadside assistance covers breakdowns — your engine dies, you get a flat tire, you run out of gas. It does not cover towing after a collision. If you are in an accident, your collision coverage pays for the damage to your car, but it does not automatically pay for the tow.
However, many insurers will arrange and pay for a tow after an accident as part of their claims process. When you call to report the accident, ask whether they will send a tow truck or reimburse you if you arrange one yourself. This varies by insurer and by policy, so do not assume — ask directly.
If you cause an accident and the other driver's car needs towing, your liability coverage does not pay for that either. The other driver's insurance or their roadside assistance covers their own tow. You are only liable for damage to their vehicle, not for their service costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use roadside assistance more than once per year?
Yes. Roadside assistance is not a one-time benefit — you can call as many times as you need it during the year. There is no limit on the number of calls, though some policies may have an annual cap on the total dollar amount they will pay. Check your policy or ask your agent about any caps.
Does roadside assistance cover towing if I run out of gas?
Yes, most policies include fuel delivery as part of the roadside assistance package. The tow truck operator will bring you a small amount of fuel to get you to the nearest gas station. You typically pay for the fuel itself, but not for the delivery service.
What if the tow truck operator charges more than my policy covers?
If you use an in-network shop your insurer has partnered with, the cost should be covered up to your policy limit. If you use an out-of-network operator, you may have to pay the difference yourself. Always ask the tow company what they charge before they hook up your car, and call your insurer if the price seems high.
Do I need roadside assistance if I have a new car under warranty?
Your car's warranty covers repairs, not towing. If your new car breaks down, the warranty pays to fix it, but you still need roadside assistance to get the car to the dealership. New cars break down less often, so the risk is lower, but the cost of roadside assistance is still cheap insurance.
Can I add roadside assistance after I have already broken down?
No. Roadside assistance must be active on your policy before you need it. You cannot add it retroactively to cover a tow that already happened. Add it now if you do not have it, especially before a long trip.