When You Need a Tow, Costs Add Up Fast
A breakdown or accident is stressful enough without worrying about the bill. One of the most common questions we get at Speed’s Towing is:
“Will my insurance cover this tow?”
If you’ve ever wondered about your insurance coverage for towing in Missoula MT, you’re not alone. The answer depends on your policy type, coverage options, and what caused the tow. Here’s what you need to know before you find yourself stranded on the side of the road.
1. Check for Roadside Assistance Coverage
Most insurance companies offer optional roadside assistance, but it’s not automatically included in basic liability or collision coverage.
- If you’ve added roadside assistance, it usually includes:
- Towing to the nearest repair shop (within a mileage limit)
- Jump starts or battery service
- Flat tire changes
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout assistance
Common Coverage Limits
- 5–15 miles of towing
- $50–$150 reimbursement cap per incident
- One tow per disablement
Tip: Ask your insurance agent whether towing is “reimbursed” (you pay up front and get paid back) or “direct-billed” (the towing company bills your insurer). That detail can make a big difference when using your insurance coverage for towing in Missoula MT.
2. Accident vs. Breakdown: What’s Covered
Insurance handles accidents and mechanical breakdowns differently, and it’s important to understand how that affects your insurance coverage for towing in Missoula MT.
If your vehicle needs to be towed after an accident, that tow is typically covered under your collision or comprehensive insurance. Your insurer will usually pay for your car to be towed from the scene to a repair facility or storage yard.
If your car breaks down from something like an engine failure, dead battery, or overheating, that’s only covered if you have roadside assistance as part of your policy. Without that add-on, you’ll likely need to pay for the tow yourself.
Tows related to illegal parking or impound situations are never covered by insurance—those are considered your responsibility.
If your vehicle gets stuck in a ditch, snowbank, or off-road area, towing may or may not be covered. Some comprehensive or roadside assistance plans include off-road recovery, but others don’t. It’s best to confirm this with your provider before you need help.
Finally, if your vehicle is recovered after being stolen, that tow is generally covered under comprehensive coverage since it’s directly tied to a covered theft claim.
4. How to Avoid Coverage Surprises
- Review your policy every year—especially before winter.
- Ask about adding roadside assistance or towing and labor coverage.
- Keep your insurer’s roadside number and Speed’s Towing contact saved in your phone.
- Store your proof of coverage in your glovebox.
These small steps can save you a lot of frustration when you need insurance coverage for towing in Missoula MT the most.
Towing Help in Missoula, 24/7
- Accident recovery
- Light & Medium-Weight towing
- Off-road winch-outs & Heavy Duty Tows
- Roadside assistance across Western Montana
Call us anytime at (406) 529-7801 or visit our Contact Page
to request help fast. We’ll get you back on the road safely—and help you understand exactly what your insurance covers before the tow.
When to Choose Speed's Towing
Choose Speed’s every time if you want the best of both world’s. We offer 24/7 towing because we know Montanans can need the best towing services day or night, rain or chine. For a local, trusted, and experienced tow truck company call speed’s, and the decision becomes much easier.
