Towing and Labor Coverage: What It Is and Why You Need It

 

If you’ve ever experienced a car breakdown, you know how stressful and expensive it can be. You might have to wait for hours for a tow truck, pay a hefty fee for the service, and then deal with the repair costs. That’s why having towing and labor coverage on your auto insurance policy can be a smart move. In this article, we’ll explain what towing and labor coverage is, what it includes, what are its benefits, and how to choose the best option for your needs.

What is Towing and Labor Coverage?

Towing and labor coverage, also known as roadside assistance or emergency road service coverage, is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy that covers some of the costs associated with unexpected breakdowns, such as towing, tire changes, battery assistance, and lockout service. It’s different from roadside assistance programs that you can buy separately from companies like AAA or Allstate Motor Club, which offer more comprehensive benefits but also charge higher fees.

Towing and labor coverage can help you in situations where your car is unable to be driven due to mechanical failure, flat tire, dead battery, running out of gas, or locking your keys inside. Depending on your provider, you can either call a toll-free number or use a mobile app to request assistance. A service provider will be dispatched to your location and either fix your car on the spot or tow it to the nearest repair shop.

The average cost of towing and labor coverage is about $5 to $10 per month, depending on your provider and the level of coverage you choose. Some providers may offer it as part of a package deal with other coverages, such as collision or comprehensive. Others may offer it as a standalone option that you can add or remove at any time.

What Does Towing and Labor Coverage Include?

The exact services that are covered by towing and labor coverage vary by provider, but they typically include:

• Towing expenses from where your car broke down
• Labor expenses for repairs where the breakdown occurred
• Lockout service
• Fuel/oil delivery
• Loaned battery
• Tire change

However, there are also some limits and exclusions that you should be aware of, such as:

• Distance or number of tows per year: Some providers may limit how far or how often they will tow your car. For example, they may only cover up to 15 miles or four tows per year. If you exceed these limits, you may have to pay extra fees.
• Out-of-pocket costs for parts or fuel: Some providers may not cover the cost of parts or fuel that are needed to fix your car. For example, if you need a new tire or a gallon of gas, you may have to pay for them yourself.
• Vehicles that are not eligible: Some providers may not cover certain types of vehicles, such as motorcycles, RVs, trailers, or commercial vehicles. They may also exclude vehicles that are too old, too new, or too modified.

What Are the Benefits of Towing and Labor Coverage?

Towing and labor coverage can offer several benefits for drivers who want to avoid stress and expenses in case of a breakdown. Some of these benefits are:

• Peace of mind and convenience: You don’t have to worry about finding a reliable tow truck or mechanic when you’re stranded on the roadside. You can simply call your provider and get help quickly and easily.
• Savings on potential towing and repair costs: You don’t have to pay out of pocket for towing and labor services that can be quite expensive. According to JD Power, the national average tow cost is $109, or between $2.50 and $7 per mile. With towing and labor coverage, you can save hundreds of dollars on these fees.
• Access to a network of reliable service providers: You don’t have to risk getting scammed or overcharged by shady tow truck drivers or mechanics. Your provider will connect you with reputable and trustworthy service providers who are licensed and insured.
• Enhanced protection for older or high-mileage vehicles: If you drive an older or high-mileage vehicle that is more prone to breakdowns, towing and labor coverage can provide extra protection and security. You can avoid costly repairs or replacements by getting your car fixed as soon as possible.

How to Choose the Best Towing and Labor Coverage for Your Needs?

If you’re interested in adding towing and labor coverage to your auto insurance policy, here are some tips on how to compare different options and find the best one for your needs:

• Check your existing auto insurance policy for coverage or discounts: Some auto insurance policies may already include towing and labor coverage as part of their standard features. Others may offer discounts if you bundle it with other coverages. Check your policy details or contact your agent to find out if you have towing and labor coverage or if you can get a better deal.
• Compare the cost, coverage, and limits of different providers: Shop around and get quotes from different providers to see how much they charge for towing and labor coverage and what services they include. Also, pay attention to the limits and exclusions that they impose, such as distance, number of tows, or eligible vehicles. Choose the provider that offers the best value for your money and meets your needs.
• Read reviews and ratings of service quality and customer satisfaction: Before you sign up for towing and labor coverage, do some research on the provider’s reputation and performance. Read online reviews and ratings from other customers who have used their services. Look for feedback on their response time, professionalism, courtesy, and quality of work. Avoid providers that have a lot of complaints or negative reviews.
• Consider your driving habits, vehicle condition, and travel plans: Finally, think about how often you drive, what kind of vehicle you drive, and where you drive. If you drive frequently, drive an older or high-mileage vehicle, or drive in remote or unfamiliar areas, you may benefit more from towing and labor coverage than someone who drives rarely, drives a new or low-mileage vehicle, or drives in urban or familiar areas.

Conclusion

Towing and labor coverage is an optional but useful add-on to your auto insurance policy that can cover some of the costs associated with unexpected breakdowns. It can provide peace of mind, convenience, savings, access to reliable service providers, and enhanced protection for your vehicle. To choose the best towing and labor coverage for your needs, you should check your existing policy, compare different providers, read reviews and ratings, and consider your driving habits, vehicle condition, and travel plans.

If you want to learn more about towing and labor coverage or get a quote for your auto insurance policy, contact us today. We’ll help you find the best option for your budget and needs.