A dead battery in a grocery store parking lot. A flat tire on a dark highway. Running out of gas two exits from the station. Towing and labor coverage — often sold as part of roadside assistance — exists for exactly these moments. It costs very little, but is towing coverage car insurance actually worth adding to your policy? For most drivers, the answer depends on your car’s age, your driving habits, and what backup plans you already have.
Let’s break down what it covers, what it costs, and how to decide.
Towing coverage car insurance at a Glance
Is towing coverage worth it? Learn what towing and labor coverage includes, what it costs, and when to buy it vs roadside plans. Below, we break down towing coverage car insurance in detail so you can act with confidence.
Table of Contents
What Towing and Labor Coverage Includes
Towing and labor (sometimes called “towing and labor costs coverage” or bundled into “roadside assistance”) typically pays for:
- Towing to the nearest repair facility after a breakdown or accident-related disablement
- Battery jump-starts when your car won’t turn over
- Flat tire changes using your spare
- Fuel delivery — enough gas to reach the nearest station
- Lockout service — getting you back in when keys are locked inside
- Winching — pulling your car out when stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch (within limits)
What it doesn’t cover
- The actual repairs once you’re at the shop — it gets you there, nothing more
- Towing beyond the policy’s mileage or dollar limit (you pay the difference)
- Routine maintenance or pre-existing mechanical issues
- Towing for vehicles not listed on the policy
What It Costs
Towing and labor coverage is one of the cheapest add-ons in auto insurance — typically just a few dollars per vehicle per policy term. For that price you get a set number of service calls per term (often around 3–4) up to a per-incident dollar limit.
Compare that to standalone roadside plans from auto clubs, which charge an annual membership fee many times higher — though they usually include extras like trip planning, travel discounts, and longer tow distances.
When It’s Worth It
Older vehicles
Cars past their reliable prime break down more often. If you drive a high-mileage vehicle, this coverage pays for itself with a single tow — a tow truck ride without coverage can easily cost well over $100, sometimes several times that for longer distances.
Long commutes and road trips
More miles mean more exposure. If you regularly drive highways, rural roads with sparse services, or take long road trips, cheap towing coverage is excellent peace of mind.
New or young drivers in the household
Teens and new drivers are the most likely to need a jump-start, lockout help, or a tow — and the least equipped to handle it alone. Adding the coverage to their vehicle is inexpensive insurance against a stressful situation.
No existing roadside plan
If you don’t have an auto club membership, manufacturer roadside assistance, or a credit card that includes it, the insurance add-on is the cheapest way to get covered.
When You Can Skip It
Your car is brand new
Most new cars include manufacturer roadside assistance for several years or a set mileage. Check your warranty booklet — you may already be covered, making the insurance add-on redundant.
You already have a roadside plan
Auto club memberships and some credit cards include towing and lockout services. Stacking a second plan rarely makes sense unless you want the extra service-call allowance.
You drive very little, locally
If your car rarely leaves a small radius and you have family nearby who can help, the risk is low enough that self-insuring (paying out of pocket if it ever happens) is reasonable.
Your insurer’s limits are too low for your needs
If you live in a rural area where the nearest shop is far beyond the policy’s tow limit, the coverage may leave you paying most of the bill anyway. In that case, a plan with longer tow distances might serve you better.
Towing Coverage vs. Roadside Assistance Plans: How to Choose
| Factor | Insurance add-on | Standalone roadside plan |
|—|—|—|
| Cost | Very low (a few dollars per term) | Annual membership fee |
| Tow distance | Limited per-incident cap | Often longer distances included |
| Service calls | Limited per term | Usually more generous |
| Extras | None | Travel discounts, trip routing |
| Claims impact | Roadside claims are generally not surcharged like accident claims, but ask your insurer | No insurance involvement |
Many drivers carry both without realizing it — check what you already have before buying either.
How to Use It When You Need It
1. Call your insurer’s roadside number (save it in your phone now — it’s usually on your ID card or app)
2. Give your location, policy details, and the problem
3. The insurer dispatches a local provider; you typically pay nothing up front within coverage limits
4. If you arrange your own tow, keep the receipt — most insurers reimburse up to the policy limit
Filing concerns
Using towing coverage is a roadside service call, not an accident claim. Insurers generally don’t raise rates for roadside use the way they do for at-fault accidents — but frequent use in a short period could draw attention, so it’s worth asking your insurer about their policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does towing coverage cover the cost of repairs?
No. It covers getting your vehicle to a repair shop (plus minor roadside fixes like jump-starts and tire changes). The repair bill itself is separate — and not covered unless the damage stems from a covered comprehensive or collision event.
How many times can I use towing coverage per year?
Most policies allow a set number of service calls per policy term (commonly 3–4), each up to a dollar limit. Check your declarations page for your exact numbers.
Will using roadside assistance raise my insurance rates?
Generally no — roadside service calls are treated differently from accident claims. However, policies vary, so ask your insurer directly whether roadside usage factors into renewal pricing.
Does towing coverage work if someone else is driving my car?
Usually yes — the coverage follows the vehicle, not the driver. Anyone driving your insured car with permission can typically use the roadside benefit.
Should I get towing coverage if I have an auto club membership?
Probably not — that’s paying twice for the same service. Pick the one with better tow distances and service-call limits for your driving habits, and drop the other.
Towing and labor coverage is the definition of cheap peace of mind: a few dollars a term for help when your car leaves you stranded. It’s most worthwhile for older cars, long-distance drivers, and households with new drivers — and easiest to skip when a manufacturer warranty or existing roadside plan already has you covered. Check what you already carry, add it where there’s a gap, and save the roadside number in your phone before you need it. Then compare quotes to make sure the insurer offering it is still giving you the best overall rate.
Want the full picture on towing coverage car insurance? Start with the Insurance Information Institute’s coverage guide for the official rules, then work through the related guides below for practical towing coverage car insurance money-saving steps.
Shopping for towing coverage car insurance? Start by comparing quotes from at least three insurers — drivers who compare save significantly on towing coverage car insurance every year.