When your car breaks down or is involved in an accident, getting it safely off the road is usually the first priority. But once the immediate stress settles, another question often comes up:
“Will my insurance cover the towing cost?”
The answer depends on your insurance policy, the type of incident and the circumstances surrounding the tow. Some policies include roadside assistance or towing as part of the cover, while others may have different arrangements for accident recovery.
Understanding how towing and insurance work together can help you avoid unexpected costs and make the claims process easier.
Important: Insurance policies differ between providers and products. Always check your current Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), policy documents and insurer instructions before assuming a towing cost will be covered.
Does Car Insurance Cover Towing?
It can, but towing isn’t automatically covered under every car insurance policy.
Your cover may depend on why the vehicle needs to be towed.
For example, your policy may treat these situations differently:
- Accident damage
- Theft recovery
- Mechanical breakdown
- Flat tyre
- Battery failure
- Flood or storm damage
- Vehicle recovery after another insured event
Some policies include roadside assistance separately, while others may offer it as an optional extra.
The important thing is to check exactly what your policy covers rather than assuming all towing is included.
Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Include Towing?
Comprehensive insurance can provide cover for towing in certain circumstances, but the exact conditions vary between insurers.
For example, towing may be covered when your vehicle is damaged in an insured accident and needs to be transported for assessment or repairs.
However, comprehensive insurance does not necessarily mean every breakdown-related towing expense is covered.
Mechanical failure that isn’t caused by an insured event may be treated differently.
Read your policy wording or contact your insurer if you’re unsure.
Does Third-Party Car Insurance Cover Towing?
Third-party property damage insurance generally provides a different level of protection from comprehensive insurance.
It is primarily designed to cover damage you cause to another person’s property, subject to the terms and limits of the policy.
That means you shouldn’t automatically expect your own vehicle’s towing costs to be covered simply because you have third-party insurance.
If your vehicle requires towing after an incident, check your policy and ask your insurer what assistance may be available.
Does Roadside Assistance Cover Towing?
Roadside assistance and car insurance are often separate products, although some insurance policies include roadside assistance or offer it as an optional feature.
Roadside assistance may provide help for issues such as:
- Battery problems
- Flat tyres
- Lockouts
- Running out of fuel
- Minor roadside faults
- Towing when the vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside
The exact services, limits and conditions vary between providers.
Before a long trip, it’s worth knowing whether you have roadside assistance and what your membership or policy actually includes.
Is Accident Towing Covered by Insurance?
It can be, particularly when the accident falls within your policy’s insured events.
If your vehicle is damaged and cannot be safely driven, your insurer may arrange or approve towing to an assessment centre, repairer or another nominated location.
However, don’t assume that every towing provider or destination will automatically be covered.
Your insurer may have specific procedures for accident recovery.
If you’re involved in an accident, contact your insurer as soon as practical and follow their instructions.
Should You Call Your Insurer Before a Tow Truck?
If you’re dealing with an insured accident and the situation is safe, contacting your insurer before arranging towing can help you understand the claims process and whether they will organise the recovery.
Some insurers have preferred towing networks or specific arrangements for accident recovery.
If you’re in an unsafe location, don’t delay necessary assistance just to make a phone call.
Your safety comes first.
Once you’re in a safe position, contact the relevant insurer or roadside assistance provider and ask what you should do next.
What If the Police Are at the Accident?
Follow the instructions of police and other emergency personnel.
After a serious collision, police may manage traffic and the scene while the vehicles involved are assessed and recovered.
Don’t interfere with the recovery process.
If police or another authority directs that the vehicle be removed, keep records of what happened and contact your insurer as soon as practical.
The towing process following an accident can also differ from an ordinary breakdown tow.
What Is an Insurance Claim for Towing?
A towing expense may form part of a broader motor vehicle insurance claim when the towing is connected to an insured event.
For example, if an insured collision leaves your vehicle undriveable, the towing may be associated with the claim for the accident damage.
Your insurer will determine whether the cost is covered under the policy.
This is why keeping towing documentation is important.
Ask for a receipt or invoice showing relevant details of the service.
What Information Does an Insurer Need for a Towing Claim?
The insurer may ask for information about the incident and the towing service.
Useful records can include:
- Date and time of the incident
- Location
- Vehicle registration
- Vehicle make and model
- Towing company details
- Towing invoice
- Destination
- Accident details
- Photographs
- Police event details, if applicable
- Names and contact details of other parties involved
Keep everything related to the incident in one place.
Having the information ready can make the claims process much easier.
Should You Keep the Tow Truck Receipt?
Yes.
Keep the towing invoice or receipt until your insurance claim has been finalised.
The document may show:
- Towing date
- Pickup location
- Destination
- Vehicle details
- Service provided
- Charges
- Additional fees
- Towing company information
Your insurer may request this information when assessing the claim.
If you receive an electronic receipt, save it somewhere you can access later.
What If You Arrange Towing Yourself?
Sometimes you may need to organise a tow yourself, particularly during a breakdown when roadside assistance isn’t available.
Before agreeing to the service, ask about the expected cost and what is included.
If you believe the expense may be claimed through insurance, contact your insurer as soon as practical and keep all documentation.
Don’t assume that arranging your own towing automatically means the insurer will reimburse you.
The policy terms and circumstances of the tow will determine whether the expense is covered.
Can an Insurer Refuse to Pay a Towing Cost?
Potentially.
Whether a towing expense is covered depends on the policy wording and circumstances.
Possible issues could include:
- The tow wasn’t related to an insured event
- The service wasn’t covered
- The cost exceeded a relevant limit
- Required approval wasn’t obtained
- The towing arrangement didn’t meet policy conditions
- The incident wasn’t covered under the policy
This is why it’s important to understand your policy before a problem occurs.
If you’re unsure, ask your insurer for clarification.
Are There Towing Limits Under Insurance Policies?
Some policies can include limits, conditions or specific arrangements relating to towing and roadside assistance.
The details can vary significantly between insurers.
For example, a policy might specify where a vehicle can be towed, which services are covered or whether certain assistance is subject to a limit.
Don’t rely on what a friend or family member’s insurance covers.
Your own policy is the relevant document.
Can Insurance Cover Towing to Any Repairer?
Not necessarily.
Some insurers allow you to choose your repairer, while others may have preferred repairers or specific processes for directing vehicles after an accident.
Your policy and claim instructions will determine what options are available.
Before telling the tow truck operator where to take the vehicle after an accident, check whether your insurer has provided a specific destination.
This can help avoid unnecessary transport costs or delays.
What Happens After an Accident Tow?
Once the vehicle has been recovered, the next step usually depends on the insurance claim.
The vehicle may be taken to:
- An approved repairer
- Assessment centre
- Storage facility
- Dealership
- Another location nominated by the insurer
The insurer may then assess the damage and determine whether the vehicle should be repaired or treated as a total loss, depending on the circumstances and policy.
The towing company generally handles the transport. The insurer and repairer deal with the claim and vehicle assessment.
What If the Car Is Declared a Total Loss?
If an insurer determines that a vehicle is a total loss, the claim process can move in a different direction.
The vehicle may be transported to a salvage or assessment facility depending on the insurer’s arrangements.
The towing cost associated with the insured incident may be handled as part of the broader claim, subject to the policy.
Keep all towing and recovery documentation until the claim is fully resolved.
Who Pays for Towing After a Not-at-Fault Accident?
This can depend on the circumstances, the insurers involved and the arrangements made after the accident.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your own insurer may handle the claim according to your policy and later pursue recovery from the responsible party’s insurer where appropriate.
If you don’t have comprehensive cover, the process can be different.
Don’t assume that being “not at fault” automatically means you won’t need to pay anything upfront.
Ask the relevant insurer or claims representative how towing will be handled.
What If the Other Driver Offers to Pay for the Tow?
Be cautious about making informal arrangements after an accident.
You may need to exchange details, document the scene and notify your insurer according to your policy requirements.
If another driver offers to pay towing costs directly, don’t assume that accepting the offer resolves all potential insurance issues.
Keep records of the incident and follow your insurer’s instructions.
What If Your Car Breaks Down Without an Accident?
This is where insurance and roadside assistance can differ significantly.
A mechanical breakdown isn’t necessarily an insured event under your car insurance policy.
For example, an engine failure caused by normal wear and tear may not be covered by comprehensive insurance.
However, roadside assistance may provide towing or other support depending on your membership or policy.
Check which type of cover you have before assuming the tow will be paid for.
Does Insurance Cover Towing After a Flat Tyre?
Not necessarily.
A flat tyre caused by a puncture or normal wear may not be covered under standard car insurance.
However, roadside assistance may include tyre assistance or towing if the tyre can’t be safely changed.
Again, the answer depends on your specific policy or membership.
If you’re on a dangerous Melbourne roadside, don’t risk changing a tyre yourself simply because you’re unsure whether assistance is covered.
Contact your roadside assistance provider and ask what is included.
Does Insurance Cover Towing After a Dead Battery?
The same principle applies.
A battery that has gone flat isn’t automatically an insured event under every car insurance policy.
Roadside assistance programs commonly deal with battery-related breakdowns, but the exact service depends on the provider.
If the battery can’t be restarted or the vehicle has another fault, towing may be required.
Check your roadside assistance terms to understand what you’re entitled to.
Does Insurance Cover Towing After Flood Damage?
Flood or storm damage may be covered under some comprehensive insurance policies, depending on the policy and circumstances.
If your vehicle has been exposed to floodwater, don’t automatically try to drive it.
Water can damage electrical and mechanical components, and attempting to restart a flood-affected vehicle may create additional problems.
Contact your insurer and follow their instructions regarding recovery and assessment.
What Should You Do if Your Vehicle Is Unsafe to Drive?
Don’t drive it simply because you want to avoid a towing charge.
If the vehicle has serious steering, braking, suspension, tyre or engine problems, continuing to drive could put you and others at risk.
Arrange appropriate roadside assistance or towing.
Tell the towing provider exactly what is wrong so they can send suitable equipment.
Safety should take priority over trying to save the cost of a tow.
How Can You Avoid Unexpected Towing Costs?
There are several practical steps you can take.
Before arranging a tow, ask:
- Is towing covered by my insurance or roadside assistance?
- Do I need approval before arranging it?
- Is there a preferred towing provider?
- Where should the vehicle be taken?
- Are there limits on the towing distance?
- Are additional charges possible?
- What documentation do I need?
If you’re arranging the tow yourself, ask the towing company for a clear explanation of the expected charges.
Don’t assume that insurance will automatically cover every amount on the invoice.
What Should You Check in Your Insurance Policy?
You don’t need to read every page of your policy every week.
But it’s worth knowing where to find information about:
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Accident recovery
- Emergency repairs
- Repairer choice
- Excess
- Claim procedures
- Vehicle transport
- Rental vehicle benefits
- Total loss arrangements
Your insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement and policy documents are the best sources for the specific terms that apply to you.
What Is an Excess and Does It Affect Towing?
An excess is an amount you may need to contribute towards an insurance claim, depending on your policy and the circumstances.
Whether an excess applies to a towing expense depends on how the towing is treated within the claim and the policy terms.
For example, a towing expense associated with an insured accident may form part of the overall claim.
Don’t assume that because towing is covered, there will never be an out-of-pocket amount.
Ask your insurer how the excess and towing costs interact.
What If You Don’t Have Insurance or Roadside Assistance?
You can still arrange towing directly from a towing company.
In this situation, you’re generally responsible for the towing cost unless another party or arrangement covers it.
Ask for pricing information before agreeing to the service.
Provide accurate information about the vehicle and location so the towing company can determine the appropriate equipment and expected cost.
If you’re dealing with an accident involving another driver, keep records of the incident and seek appropriate insurance or legal guidance regarding your circumstances.
Can Towing Companies Help With Insurance Claims?
A towing company can generally provide documents such as invoices and details of the towing service.
However, the insurer determines whether a particular towing expense is covered under the insurance policy.
Don’t rely on a towing operator’s statement that “insurance will cover it” as confirmation of coverage.
If you’re unsure, ask your insurer directly.
This distinction can prevent misunderstandings.
What Should You Do Immediately After an Accident?
Your first priority should be safety.
If there are injuries or an immediate danger, seek emergency assistance.
If the situation is safe, exchange relevant details with other drivers and document the incident where appropriate.
Take photographs if it is safe to do so.
Then contact your insurer or roadside assistance provider and follow their instructions regarding towing and recovery.
Don’t stand in traffic to take photographs or inspect damage.
How Can You Make an Insurance Towing Claim Easier?
Good records can make a significant difference.
Keep:
- Towing receipts
- Photos
- Incident details
- Police information where applicable
- Repairer details
- Insurance claim number
- Communication with the insurer
- Any other relevant documents
Write down what happened while the details are still fresh.
If the insurer asks questions later, you’ll have accurate information available.
What Are Common Mistakes With Towing and Insurance?
Some common mistakes include:
- Assuming all towing is covered
- Not checking roadside assistance limits
- Arranging expensive towing without asking about coverage
- Choosing an unsuitable destination
- Losing the towing receipt
- Failing to notify the insurer
- Driving an unsafe vehicle to avoid towing
- Assuming third-party insurance covers your own vehicle
- Accepting an informal payment arrangement without understanding the implications
Most of these problems come from assumptions.
A quick call to your insurer can often clarify what you should do.
A Little Preparation Can Save a Lot of Stress
Towing and insurance can seem complicated when you’re standing beside a broken-down or damaged vehicle, but the basic approach is straightforward.
Stay safe first, understand what type of assistance you need, contact your insurer or roadside assistance provider when appropriate, and keep clear records of the towing service.
Most importantly, don’t assume that having comprehensive insurance means every towing situation is automatically covered. Insurance policies differ, and roadside assistance is often subject to separate terms and conditions.
Knowing what your policy covers before you need it can save time, money and frustration when something goes wrong.
And if you do need a tow, give the towing provider accurate information about your vehicle, location and condition. It helps them send the right equipment and makes the recovery process much smoother.
If you are in Doncaster, and looking for a nearby towing service, this is the best way to visit us.
Reservoir Towing
58 Anstey Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
(03) 7046 4990
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