How We Help When Your Car Needs a Tow

So what if you have a breakdown on the road and need a tow? It could happen because of engine trouble, a blown tire, or dead battery. We know of someone whose tire flew off his car while driving on the thruway! Fortunately he was near an exit and was able to quickly get help.

If this happens to you, the first thing that crosses your mind is, “Do I have towing insurance? Will it pay for the mechanic’s labor on the scene?” With some policies, you might have $25 under your Comprehensive Coverage, but will that be enough?

You will be in much better shape if you have added Towing and Labor Costs Coverage to your car insurance policy. We offer up to $50, $75, or more of coverage. So not only is your tow covered, but also labor costs on the scene.

The insurance companies we represent will add towing insurance only if you have physical damage coverage. That is, either just Comprehensive (Fire and Theft) or Comprehensive coverage and Collision (damage from an accident).

Many of our insurance companies are also offering much broader coverage in addition to just towing and labor. They often call the endorsement Roadside Assistance and we encourage you to ask us about it.

One of our company’s Roadside Assistance programs will pay for towing and labor, but also for emergency fuel and fluid delivery. So, if you run out of gas, you can get more delivered and all you have to do is pay for the gas. We pay the delivery.

It will also pay for locksmiths or lockout coverage if you’ve locked yourself out of the car. Or you need a battery jump-start, flat tire change, or winching for up to 100 feet from the road.

You get a toll free number to call a local towing service contracted with the company. This means that when your car breaks down, you don’t have to look for local dealers on your cell phone to find a service near you. This is especially helpful when you’re out of town and unfamiliar with your surroundings.

There are some limits to how often you can use this coverage depending on your car insurance carrier. For example, it may be twice for a six month policy (four times with annual term) with no more than two occurrences per vehicle.

It is frustrating to experience a breakdown of your car, so ask us about towing and labor coverage or complete Roadside Assistance. It will help make a difficult situation just a little bit better.

Until next time,
The SZW Team

Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Inc. is your New Hartford area independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here.