Does car insurance in South Carolina cover towing? 

My car broke down on the freeway last week and I had to have it towed. I didn’t realize that towing could be so expensive, and that I might have had coverage under my South Carolina auto insurance policy. Does car insurance in South Carolina cover towing? When is towing covered, and how much of my towing bill would it pay? 

Answer:

If your car breaks down or has some other mechanical issue, towing is not automatically covered under your auto insurance in South Carolina. But towing is usually available as an option for just about anyone. You’ll need to understand the towing coverage option and make the decision to purchase it if you want coverage. 

Are there any cases where I will be covered in South Carolina?

A: Keep in mind that there are some cases where your auto insurance will cover towing expenses. Let’s say you’ve been in an accident and your car is not drivable. If you have collision coverage on your car, it may cover towing expenses. If you’re not at fault for the accident, the other driver’s liability insurance will likely cover your towing expenses. 

But in the case of a breakdown or a mechanical issue, you’d need to have optional towing and roadside assistance coverage in order to be reimbursed for towing and other related expenses.

If you add it to your auto insurance policy in South Carolina, it typically pays for help if you are locked out of your vehicle, run out of gas, or face some other type of problem while out on the road. Your insurance company will help you contact tow trucks, locksmiths, or other forms of assistance as needed, and will reimburse you for the costs of these services up to certain limits. 

What are some additional benefits of car insurance in South Carolina?

A: While programs vary among insurers, you can expect at least some of the following benefits:

• Towing coverage
• Flat tire service
• Jump-start or mechanic service
• Emergency fuel and fluid delivery
• Locksmith service
• Help freeing your vehicle if it is stuck

Typically, you simply need to call the roadside assistance number that is provided to you and the service will come to you, wherever you are. Some services will be free of charge, while there may be a small or discounted fee for others. 

Will my South Carolina car insurance rates go up if I use my towing coverage? 

A: Any time you use your South Carolina auto insurance to pay for covered expenses, it’s considered a claim. But some claims are more of a problem than others. For most insurance companies, using your towing and roadside assistance coverage won’t lead to an increase in rates at your next renewal. 

But your insurance company will likely take note of when and how often you use the services. If you’re getting towed more than normal (let’s say more than once or twice per year) or abusing the other roadside assistance services (getting a jump in your driveway every morning, not just when you have an emergency), it could affect your rate down the road. 

Some insurance policies may have limits on how often you can use your towing and roadside assistance services, so be sure to know exactly what your policy covers and what it does not before you attempt to file any claim. 

What if my vehicle is damaged while it is being towed in South Carolina?

A: It’s not uncommon for a vehicle to sustain damage while it’s being towed. Scratches, dents, deflated tires, and even alignment issues can all result from a tow. Now what? You’ll need additional repair work done, and who will pay?

In general, if you have collision coverage on your vehicle, it will pay for towing-related damages. Collision coverage pays for damage caused by objects or other vehicles that collide with or otherwise harm your vehicle. But it’s an optional coverage that you have to select when you purchase your policy. 

What am I responsible for in South Carolina?

A: Remember, you’ll have to pay your deductible (the amount you must pay out-of-pocket) before the insurance company will chip in. So if your car has $400 worth of damage from the towing mishap and your deductible is $500, your insurance won't pay anything towards your repairs. But if your repair costs are $1,000, insurance would pick up the remaining $500. 

If the tow truck driver was somehow negligent and the negligence led to your vehicle damage, you can also attempt to collect payment for the damages from the towing company. In a case like this, it’s important to have proof that the tow truck driver was at fault, or it’s likely you wouldn’t be able to collect.