Picture this — your car has broken down on the side of the road. What could it be? A flat tire? An accident that made your car undriveable? It doesn’t matter what happened because if you can’t drive your car on the road, you’re going to need a tow truck. Your first thought is probably about how much a tow truck will cost and whether or not car insurance will cover it.
Those are all great questions and valid things to be concerned about. Regardless of whether you were injured in a car accident or not, you probably want to get your car safely off the road without the many frustrations of dealing with tow truck companies during an accident. You’re probably wondering if your car insurance policy will cover the costs of towing. It’s time to find out.
Will car insurance cover hiring a tow truck?
In short, the answer is sometimes. Depending on your car insurance policy, they may or may not cover towing after an accident or if your car breaks down in general. Getting into common car accidents happens, and you will sometimes end up reporting a car accident. It comes down to the types of car insurance coverage you have. If you get into a car accident and require a tow truck, you will need to have purchased one of the three optional coverages we discuss below:
Roadside assistance coverage
If your vehicle broke down for a reason other than an accident, roadside assistance is your best option. It’s an endorsement you can add to your insurance policy that can help you if you are stranded on the side of the road 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It gives you access to a towing service or a plethora of other services on demand. All you have to do is pick up the phone and request the service you need while letting the operator know your location and the nature of your trouble. This will save you from the massive payment of hiring a tow truck.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage can be added to your policy. Essentially, it protects the policyholder from the expenses that come with colliding with another vehicle or object on the road. It doesn’t matter who was at fault because you will still receive coverage and pay less out of pocket.
This part of your car insurance policy ensures you will receive compensation if a collision causes property damage. In this case, towing your vehicle after an accident will be covered. Ask your insurance company if they have a preferred towing company before calling one yourself.
All perils coverage
You can also opt for all perils coverage. It will protect your vehicle from losses outlined in your policy but has exclusions. All perils will cover loss or damage if your vehicle is stolen or damaged, no matter who was driving at the time.
Essentially, it combines the best parts of collision and comprehensive coverage and protects drivers from perils such as theft, fires, water damage, and damage caused by inclement weather (e.g., lightning, wind, hail, etc.). If the accident was a result of an insured peril, towing can be covered.
How much does it cost to hire a tow truck?
Depending on the towing company, the cost of hiring a tow truck will likely vary. However, there are common factors that affect the price of towing. As a result, answers will vary depending on your situation. Here’s what’s taken into account when calculating the costs of a towing service:
How far you need to go
Distance makes a difference. Tow trucks will usually charge you a base fee and additional cost per kilometre you have to go until you reach a repair shop. In other words, the further away you are, the higher the price you have to pay. This is unfortunate if you’re a victim of one of the common causes of collisions.
Time of day and year
There’s a big difference between your car breaking down in the middle of the day and in the middle of the night. That’s because fewer drivers are working at certain times, especially on holidays and odd hours of the evening. As a result, you will pay more at inconvenient times.
Size of your vehicle
Driving a pickup truck is a practical choice because of its storage capacity and off-roading capabilities. However, everything is bigger when it comes to these vehicles, including the cost of towing. This is something you can’t change even if your deductible is low.
Vehicle condition
If you get into a car accident and your vehicle is totalled, towing costs can add up quickly. This is because additional services may be required, including new tires and special equipment, if you end up in a deep ditch. If you follow our safe driving tips, you will minimize your chances of getting into an accident.
Contact BrokerLink to learn more about car insurance
If you’re stuck on the side of the road and don’t feel safe, calling a tow truck is a logical solution. However, it’s best to confirm the costs before you do so. You should consult your insurance provider to prevent paying the price for a service you aren’t covered for. Even if you find yourself in a desperate situation after one of the most common types of car insurance, you should hold back a little.
You might think you have everything figured out after you purchase liability car insurance and other types of mandatory car insurance coverage. Despite this, you are probably missing out on the benefits of combining them with optional types of coverage. Common types of car insurance coverage include:
Are you still looking for answers? Take note of the advantages of working with a licensed insurance broker. At BrokerLink, we are here to help you get the insurance coverage you need at an affordable price. Call, use our online quote tool or visit one of our community branches across Canada today.
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