Does Insurance Cover Towing In An Accident?
steve adams • August 4, 2025

August 4, 2025

When you’re involved in a car accident, the aftermath can be stressful and overwhelming. From dealing with injuries to managing repairs and paperwork, there’s a lot to handle. One important—but often overlooked—aspect is towing. If your car becomes inoperable after a collision, you may be wondering: Does insurance cover towing in an accident?

The answer isn’t always straightforward. It depends on the specifics of your insurance policy, the nature of the accident, and the services rendered. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about towing coverage, types of insurance, common exclusions, and how Car Accidental Tows Experts in Anaheim can help you navigate this process efficiently.


Understanding Towing Coverage in Auto Insurance

Towing is typically part of Roadside Assistance or Towing and Labor Coverage , which are optional add-ons to most auto insurance policies. However, in the event of an accident, towing costs might be covered under collision coverage or the at-fault driver’s liability insurance .

Let’s break down each scenario.

1. Your Own Insurance Covers Towing

If you carry collision coverage , your insurer may cover towing expenses if the accident made your car undrivable. This often applies regardless of who was at fault.

  • Roadside Assistance Add-on : This is the most direct way to ensure your towing is covered. It typically includes:
    • Towing
    • Battery jumpstarts
    • Tire changes
    • Lockout service
  • Towing and Labor Coverage : Covers towing and basic repairs at the breakdown site, such as changing a tire or restarting a dead battery.

2. The At-Fault Driver Pays

If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance might be responsible for your towing fees. However, this could take time as fault needs to be established and claims processed.


What Does Towing Coverage Usually Include?

Towing coverage can vary by provider, but generally includes:

  • Towing to the nearest repair shop
  • Distance limits (e.g., up to 25 miles)
  • Labor at the scene of the accident
  • 24/7 emergency services

Check with your insurer to confirm limits and approved service providers. Hiring towing companies outside the insurer’s network may reduce or nullify reimbursement.


How Much Does Towing Cost Without Insurance?

Towing fees can add up quickly:

Service Type Average Cost in Anaheim, CA
Hook-up Fee $75 – $125
Per Mile Fee $2.50 – $5.00
Long-Distance Towing $200 – $1,000+
Storage Fees (daily) $20 – $50

Without coverage, these costs are your responsibility upfront. That’s why having reliable assistance from the Car Accidental Tows Experts in Anaheim can make all the difference.


Who Decides Where the Vehicle Gets Towed?

After an accident, your vehicle is typically towed to:

  1. A body shop chosen by you
  2. A location recommended by the insurance company
  3. A tow yard or storage facility (especially if police request towing)

If your car is towed to a yard and you delay in moving it, storage fees can quickly accumulate. Always coordinate with your insurer and towing service as soon as possible.


When Does Insurance NOT Cover Towing?

There are situations where towing may not be covered:

  • You don’t have collision or comprehensive coverage.
  • You lack roadside assistance or towing add-ons .
  • The vehicle was towed by choice, not necessity.
  • You used a non-approved towing company without prior approval.

These nuances underline the importance of working with Car Accidental Tows Experts in Anaheim , who understand local insurance protocols and ensure you’re not left footing unnecessary bills.


What To Do Right After an Accident

To ensure your towing is covered:

  1. Contact Emergency Services (if needed)
  2. Document the Scene – take photos of damage
  3. Exchange Information with other driver(s)
  4. Call Your Insurance Provider
  5. Request Approved Towing through your insurer or roadside service

Tip: Some insurers may reimburse towing after-the-fact, but it’s safer to get their approval before the vehicle is moved.


How Mondragon Towing Helps

At Mondragon Towing , we understand that post-accident scenarios can be chaotic. That’s why we offer:

  • 24/7 Emergency Towing
  • Insurance Coordination
  • Local & Long-Distance Tows
  • Accident Scene Recovery
  • Fast Dispatch in Anaheim

Our team of Car Accidental Tows Experts in Anaheim ensures your vehicle is transported safely, and we help you navigate the claims process with minimal hassle.


Real-Life Scenarios

Case 1: Minor Fender Bender, No Towing Needed

A driver rear-ends you in traffic. Your car is drivable but needs minor repairs. Towing isn’t necessary, and insurance only covers repairs.

Case 2: Major Collision, Car Undrivable

Your car is totaled. You have collision insurance. Your insurer covers towing to a nearby repair shop. Since the other driver was at fault, they eventually reimburse your insurer.

Case 3: Car Towed Without Your Consent

Police arrange a tow because your vehicle is blocking traffic. You later receive a bill from the tow yard. Unless your insurance covers impound or storage, you may be liable.

In such cases, calling Car Accidental Tows Experts in Anaheim like Mondragon Towing ensures you retain control over where and how your vehicle is transported.


Why Local Expertise Matters

Anaheim has unique traffic patterns, tow zones, and insurance trends. Working with a local service like Mondragon Towing provides benefits like:

  • Familiarity with Anaheim police & traffic laws
  • Experience with local insurance claim processing
  • Quicker response time
  • Personalized service

Trusting Car Accidental Tows Experts in Anaheim means your vehicle—and peace of mind—are in the right hands.


Tips To Avoid Towing Surprises

  • Review your insurance policy annually
  • Add towing and roadside coverage
  • Save emergency numbers on your phone
  • Choose your preferred body shop in advance
  • Always request a towing receipt


Conclusion

Towing after an accident can be stressful, especially if you’re unsure whether your insurance will cover the cost. The good news? Many policies do provide towing coverage—if you’ve opted in. However, it’s crucial to understand the fine print, know your rights, and act fast.

Partnering with reliable and trusted Car Accidental Tows Experts in Anaheim like Mondragon Towing ensures you receive the help you need without delays or unexpected costs. From the moment of the accident to final vehicle delivery, we’re by your side.


FAQs

1. Does liability insurance cover towing after an accident?
Only if the other driver is at fault and you’re filing a claim through their liability coverage.

2. Will my insurance cover storage fees if the car is towed?
Sometimes. Check your policy; storage fees are often limited or excluded unless you act quickly.

3. How do I know if my policy includes towing?
Look for “Roadside Assistance” or “Towing & Labor” in your insurance documents or ask your agent directly.

4. What if the police ordered the tow?
You’ll likely have to pay the initial cost unless your insurance covers police-initiated tows.

5. Can I choose my own towing company after an accident?
Yes, but some insurers require towing from approved vendors to guarantee reimbursement.

6. How much can I be reimbursed for towing?
Varies by policy—could range from $50 to $150 or more. Excess charges may not be covered.

7. Do I have to pay the tow truck driver upfront?
Sometimes. If using an insurance-approved service, the insurer might pay directly.

8. What documents should I keep after towing?
Always get an itemized receipt showing towing distance, cost, and company info.

9. Can I get towing coverage without full auto insurance?
Yes, many providers offer towing as a standalone or add-on service, even with basic coverage.

10. Why choose local towing in Anaheim?
Local services like Mondragon Towing offer faster response, better knowledge of local traffic routes, and can work directly with Anaheim insurers.

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