Full coverage does not automatically include towing — you have to add it as a separate option
Full coverage means you have collision and comprehensive insurance, which protects your car from accidents and weather damage. Towing is not part of that bundle. Your insurer will pay to fix or replace your car after a covered loss, but they will not pay to haul it to the repair shop unless you have purchased roadside assistance or towing coverage as an add-on.
This matters because a single tow can cost $75 to $300 depending on distance and your location. If your car breaks down on the highway or you hit a pothole and damage the suspension, you will pay that bill yourself unless you have the coverage in place before it happens.
The confusion comes from the word "full." Full coverage protects the car itself. Towing protects you when the car cannot move on its own. They are two different things.
Key Takeaways
- Collision and comprehensive insurance (full coverage) pay to repair or replace your car, but not to tow it to the shop.
- Towing and roadside assistance are optional add-ons that cost $5 to $15 per month and cover the cost of a tow truck.
- You choose a tow distance limit when you buy the coverage — typically 50, 75, or 100 miles — and pay out of pocket for anything beyond that.
- Some credit card companies and auto clubs offer free or discounted towing as a membership benefit, which may make the insurance add-on unnecessary.
The difference between towing coverage and roadside assistance
Towing coverage pays only for towing. Roadside assistance is broader and usually cheaper. It covers towing, lockouts, jump-starts, fuel delivery, and tire changes. If you break down on the road, roadside assistance sends someone to help you first, and only calls a tow truck if the car cannot be fixed on the spot.
Most people get more value from roadside assistance because breakdowns are more common than accidents. A dead battery or flat tire can be fixed in minutes without a tow. Towing coverage alone leaves you paying for those service calls out of pocket.
Check what your insurer offers. Some bundle roadside assistance into their full coverage package at no extra cost, while others charge for it. A few insurers call it "emergency roadside service" or "roadside protection" — the name varies, but the coverage is the same.
How towing coverage works when you file a claim
When your car breaks down or is damaged and cannot be driven, you call your insurance company or their roadside assistance partner. You give them your location and the address where you want the car towed — usually a repair shop or your home.
The insurer dispatches a tow truck and pays the driver directly, up to your coverage limit. If you chose 75-mile coverage and the nearest shop is 50 miles away, you pay nothing. If it is 100 miles away, you pay the difference out of pocket.
The tow truck takes your car to the shop you named. If you have collision or comprehensive coverage, the insurer then pays the repair bill (minus your deductible). The towing is separate from the repair claim — you do not pay your deductible twice.
What towing coverage does not cover
Towing coverage pays to move your car from point A to point B. It does not pay for repairs, parts, or labor. It does not cover towing to a body shop if you were at fault in an accident and do not have collision coverage. It does not cover towing if your car was damaged by something your policy excludes — for example, if you have no comprehensive coverage and a tree falls on your car.
Some policies limit towing to once per year or once per claim. Read your policy documents to know your limits. If you break down twice in one year, the second tow might not be covered, or you might have to pay part of it.
Towing coverage also does not cover the cost of repairs or storage fees at the shop. If your car sits in a repair facility for weeks, you pay the storage charges. The insurance only paid to get it there.
When to buy towing coverage and when to skip it
Buy towing coverage if you drive an older car, drive long distances regularly, or live far from repair shops. Older cars break down more often, and long-distance drivers are more likely to need a tow. If you live in a rural area, the nearest shop might be 50 miles away, and a tow could easily exceed $200 without coverage.
Skip it if you have roadside assistance through your credit card, employer, or an auto club membership. Many premium credit cards include roadside assistance at no extra cost. AAA members get free towing as part of their membership. If you already have coverage through one of these sources, paying your insurer for duplicate coverage is waste.
Also skip it if you drive a new car under warranty. Many new-car warranties include roadside assistance and free towing for the first few years. Check your warranty documents before buying the insurance add-on.
How much towing coverage costs and what distance to choose
Towing coverage typically costs $5 to $15 per month, depending on your insurer and location. Roadside assistance costs about the same or slightly less. The price does not change based on the distance limit you choose — a 50-mile limit costs the same as a 100-mile limit.
Choose your distance limit based on where you drive and where you want the car towed. If you commute within a city, 50 miles is usually enough to reach any shop in the metro area. If you drive between cities or live in a rural area, choose 75 or 100 miles. The extra cost is zero, so there is no reason to choose a smaller limit if you might need it.
Some insurers offer unlimited towing for a slightly higher price. Ask your agent whether that option exists and whether it makes sense for your situation. If you frequently drive long distances or tow a trailer, unlimited coverage might be worth the extra few dollars per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my full coverage insurance pay for towing if I get in an accident?
Only if you have purchased towing or roadside assistance as an add-on. Full coverage (collision and comprehensive) pays to repair the car, but not to move it. You must add towing coverage separately to have the insurer pay for the tow truck.
What if I tow my car to a shop that is farther than my coverage limit?
Your insurer pays up to your limit — if you chose 75 miles and the shop is 100 miles away, you pay the difference. You can choose where the car goes, so pick a shop within your limit to avoid the extra cost, or upgrade to a higher limit before you need a tow.
Can I use towing coverage for a tow to my home instead of a repair shop?
Yes. You can direct the tow truck to take your car anywhere within your distance limit. Many people choose to have it towed home first, then arrange their own repair later. The coverage works the same way.
Does roadside assistance cost more than towing coverage?
Usually it costs the same or slightly less. Roadside assistance is broader — it covers lockouts, jump-starts, and fuel delivery in addition to towing — so it is often the better value. Ask your insurer what they offer and compare the prices.
What happens if I need a tow but do not have towing coverage?
You pay the full cost of the tow truck out of pocket. A single tow typically costs $75 to $300 depending on distance and location. After the car is at the shop, your collision or comprehensive coverage pays for repairs (minus your deductible), but the tow is your expense.