Standard auto insurance in Georgia does not automatically cover towing. Georgia law only requires drivers to carry liability insurance, which pays for damages or injuries caused to others in an accident. Because liability insurance protects the other party, it provides no financial assistance for a driver’s own towing needs. To have towing costs covered, a policyholder must typically purchase optional add-ons such as roadside assistance or towing and labor coverage.
While collision coverage may assist with transport after an accident, coverage for mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, or dead batteries depends entirely on whether the driver added a specific roadside endorsement to their policy before the incident occurred. Understanding the specifics of these policy options helps drivers avoid unexpected expenses during a vehicle emergency. Observations from years of assisting motorists across the state confirm that many drivers only realize their lack of coverage when a breakdown happens. Navigating how Georgia insurance providers structure these benefits ensures that vehicle owners can make informed choices about their financial protection.
Auto Insurance Requirements in Georgia
The state of Georgia follows a traditional tort system for car insurance. This means the person responsible for an accident is liable for the damages. According to the Georgia Department of Insurance, drivers must maintain minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 for property damage. None of these state-mandated minimums pays for a tow truck if a vehicle stalls on the side of the road due to a mechanical failure.
Insurance companies offer several layers of optional protection that go beyond these legal minimums. While liability is the only required component, lenders often require comprehensive and collision coverage if a vehicle is financed or leased. Even in these cases, towing for non-accident events remains an optional feature that requires a separate selection during the sign-up process.
Roadside Assistance Add-ons
Most major insurance carriers in Georgia offer a roadside assistance endorsement. This is often an inexpensive addition to a monthly premium. Data from MarketWatch indicates that adding roadside assistance to an existing car insurance policy typically costs between $5 and $25 per year. This is significantly cheaper than paying for a single tow out of pocket.
These plans generally cover more than just towing. Common inclusions are:
- Battery jump-starts if the car fails to start.
- Fuel delivery if the tank runs dry.
- Lockout services if keys are trapped inside the vehicle.
- Flat tire changes using the vehicle’s spare tire.
- Winched recovery if the car is stuck in mud or a ditch near a public road.
Bonus Tip: Drivers should check if their vehicle manufacturer or credit card provider already offers roadside assistance. Many new cars come with three to five years of free coverage, which may make an insurance add-on redundant.
Collision Coverage and Accident Towing
When an accident occurs, the rules for coverage are different. If a driver carries collision insurance, the policy usually treats the tow as part of the overall claim. When a vehicle cannot be driven safely from the scene, insurance companies generally approve towing services in Georgia to move the car to a repair facility or a secure storage location.
In situations where another driver is at fault, their liability insurance should eventually cover the towing and storage fees. However, the at-fault carrier may take days or weeks to accept liability. In the meantime, the owner of the vehicle is often responsible for the initial costs to prevent the car from accruing daily storage fees at an impound lot.
Towing and Labor Cost Comparisons
The financial benefit of insurance coverage becomes clear when looking at the standard market rates for services. A report by Forbes Advisor notes that the average out-of-pocket cost for a tow ranges from $75 to $125 for short distances, with additional per-mile fees for longer trips.
The table below outlines how different policy types handle various roadside scenarios in Georgia.
| Coverage Type | Accident Towing | Mechanical Breakdown | Battery/Fuel/Flat Tire | Typical Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liability Only | No | No | No | $0 (Base Requirement) |
| Collision/Comprehensive | Yes | No | No | Varies by vehicle value |
| Roadside Assistance | Yes | Yes | Yes | $5 to $25 per year |
| Towing and Labor | Yes | Yes | No | $10 to $30 per year |
Specific Limits and Restrictions
Policyholders must read the fine print of their roadside assistance endorsements. Many Georgia insurers set a mileage limit for covered tows. For example, a policy might cover towing to the nearest qualified repair shop or up to a 15-mile radius. If a driver requests a tow to a specific mechanic 40 miles away, they must pay the difference for the extra mileage.
Another factor is the number of “service calls” allowed per year. Some plans limit the driver to three or four uses of roadside assistance within a twelve-month period. Frequent use can lead to the insurance company removing the coverage or, in some cases, increasing the overall policy premium because the driver is viewed as a higher risk.
Things to Consider Before Making a Decision
Choosing whether to add towing coverage involves more than just looking at the price. Several factors influence the practical value of the protection.
- Vehicle Age and Reliability: Older cars are more prone to mechanical failures such as cooling system leaks or alternator issues. For these vehicles, roadside assistance provides a safety net that pays for itself after a single use.
- Daily Commute Distance: A driver with a 50-mile daily commute across metro Atlanta faces higher risks than someone who only drives a few miles to a local train station. Longer commutes increase the likelihood of needing a long-distance tow.
- Mechanical Skills: Drivers who are comfortable changing a tire or jump-starting a battery may find less value in a full roadside plan, though they still face the risk of major engine or transmission failures.
- Available Cash Reserves: Paying $100 for a tow out of pocket might be a minor inconvenience for some, while for others, it could disrupt a monthly budget. Insurance allows for small, predictable payments instead of large, sudden expenses.
Common Questions About Georgia Towing Coverage
Drivers often wonder if using roadside assistance counts as an insurance claim. In Georgia, most insurance companies record a roadside service call as a “non-accident claim.” While one or two calls usually do not impact rates, a high frequency of calls can affect the driver’s insurance score.
Geographic location also plays a critical role in coverage eligibility. Most policies only cover towing if the car is on or immediately adjacent to a maintained public road. If a vehicle breaks down while off-roading or on a remote private trail, the insurance company might deny the claim or require the driver to pay a significant “recovery fee” for specialized equipment.
Bonus Tip: Check the “Towing and Labor” limit on the policy declarations page. Some older policies provide a fixed dollar amount, such as $50 per event. With modern towing rates, a $50 limit often leaves the driver paying a balance out of pocket.
Questions and Answers About Insurance Towing
Does full coverage include towing for mechanical issues?
Not necessarily. Full coverage is a term people use to describe having both collision and comprehensive insurance. While these cover towing after an accident or a fallen tree hits the car, they do not cover a car that simply will not start in a driveway. A separate roadside assistance or towing and labor rider is required for mechanical issues.
Can I add towing coverage after my car breaks down?
No. Insurance is designed to cover future risks. If a vehicle is already disabled, an insurance company will not allow a driver to add coverage to pay for that specific tow. The coverage must be active at the time the incident occurs.
Will insurance pay for towing if my car is impounded?
Generally, no. If a vehicle is impounded due to parking violations, expired registration, or legal issues, the insurance company will not cover the towing or storage fees. These expenses are the responsibility of the vehicle owner.
Does the insurance follow the driver or the car?
This depends on the provider. Some roadside assistance plans are tied to the specific vehicle listed on the policy. Other plans, especially those through motor clubs, follow the individual, meaning the person is covered even if they are a passenger in someone else’s car. It is important to verify this detail with the insurance agent.
Summary of Georgia Towing Coverage
Towing coverage remains an optional but highly practical addition to auto insurance in Georgia. While the state only mandates liability protection, the reality of road travel means that mechanical failures or accidents can happen at any time. Standard collision coverage handles towing after a crash, but a dedicated roadside assistance endorsement is necessary for mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, and dead batteries.
Drivers should review their current policy declarations to see if they have “Towing and Labor” or “Roadside Assistance” included. If these are missing, adding them is usually a low-cost way to avoid the high price of a private tow. Experienced providers like ALTA RUNS TOWING support motorists by delivering reliable information on how to handle these roadside events effectively. Evaluate vehicle age, commute length, and current financial flexibility to decide if this coverage fits the budget.
Assistance With Vehicle Emergencies
When a vehicle becomes disabled on Georgia roads, quick action helps maintain safety. ALTA RUNS TOWING offers professional support for various vehicle needs. For questions about service options or to request help with a vehicle, individuals can call (470) 684-2913 or send an email to tobb1018@gmail.com. Clear communication and reliable service ensure that drivers spend less time stranded and more time reaching their destinations safely.
Sources
Georgia Department of Insurance – Georgia Department of Insurance
MarketWatch – MarketWatch
Forbes Advisor – Forbes Advisor
