Do you need auto insurance to be towed? (What You Should Know for 2024)
You do not need auto insurance to be towed. Regardless, ensure you carry your state's minimum requirement for insurance, as driving without insurance is illegal, with first-offense fines starting at $25. If you get towed because of a moving violation or accident at your fault, your insurance may change.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 17, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 17, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
You do not need auto insurance to be towed, and you can get your car towed for free through your auto insurance company if you have one of the best roadside assistance plans.
Getting your car towed is not the end of the world, but it can be a hassle. Without roadside assistance or similar insurance coverage for towing, you could pay a lot of money to get your car to the shop.
Keep reading to find out how to get your car towed and answers to common questions like Does getting your car towed affect your insurance? Want to shop for affordable insurance with roadside assistance today? Enter your ZIP in our free comparison tool.
- You can have your car towed without car insurance
- If you are in an accident and do not have insurance, you may face severe penalties
- Some car insurance companies offer roadside assistance plans with towing
Towing Your Car and Auto Insurance Explained
If your car has ever stalled out on the side of the road, or if you’ve ever been in a car accident, you may find that your car needs to be towed.
Can you tow a car without insurance? You are not required to have car insurance to get your vehicle towed.
In fact, most of the cheapest liability-only auto insurance policies do not include towing as a provided service. But do I need insurance to tow a car? If you need a tow and don’t have insurance, your best bet may be to choose a car shop for your vehicle. Then, you can find the right towing company to help.
If your car needs repairs, you will want to have it towed to a local shop that can do the job. Depending on the extensive nature of the repairs, you may need to do a good bit of research before deciding where your car should go.
Once you’ve chosen a shop, call and ask a mechanic or other representative if they have any recommendations on towing services. Some shops will provide a free tow if you live close enough, while others may recommend a local towing company with competitive rates.
Does a car need insurance to be towed or can you tow an uninsured car? Yes, and in fact, most people who have a car towed without insurance coverage typically tow a stored or classic car that needs some repairs and attention. However, if you are driving a car uninsured, you need to purchase car insurance immediately, regardless of whether you need a tow.
Car Towing Options
If you were in a car accident and need a vehicle tow, you may find that the police officers on the scene will decide which towing service to utilize.
When having your car towed from home — whether for planned repairs or emergency services — you will want to call a towing company and ask about rates.
Be sure you know where your vehicle will go and how many miles it is from your house to that location. If the rates with a towing company seem too high, don’t hesitate to call another company to compare.Brandon Frady Licensed Insurance Producer
If you’re nervous about having car trouble and ultimately needing a tow, you could look into a roadside assistance coverage plan such as the AAA towing policy (Read More: AAA Auto Insurance Review).
Plenty of companies offer roadside assistance options, and your current insurance company may have a roadside assistance plan that works well for you. If not, you can look into purchasing roadside assistance with one of the many options in your area.
Some of the most common auto insurance companies that offer roadside assistance plans, like AAA towing coverage, include:
- AAA
- Progressive
- USAA
- Geico
- Allstate
Roadside assistance plans with the companies listed above can cost anywhere from $20 to $800 a year. Be sure to read reviews about any roadside assistance plan you’re considering before purchasing towing car insurance.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Accidents Without Auto Insurance
While you are not required to carry car insurance to have your car towed, you could face legal trouble if you get caught driving without auto insurance.
The following table shows the penalties in each state for driving uninsured.
Driving Without Auto Insurance by State & Offense
State First Offense Second Offense
Alabama Fine up to $500; registration suspension with $200 fee Fine up to $1,000; six-month license suspension with $400 fee
Alaska License suspension for 90 days License suspension for one year
Arizona Fine $500+; license/registration suspension for three months Fine $750+; license/registration suspension for six months
Arkansas Fine $50-$250; suspended registration until proof of insurance Fine $250-$500; suspended registration until proof of insurance
California Fine $100-$200; car may be impounded Fine $200-$500; car may be impounded
Colorado Fine $500+; license suspension until proof of insurance Fine $1,000+; four-month license suspension
Connecticut Fine $100-$1,000; one-month suspension with $175 fee Fine $100-$1,000; six-month suspension with $175 fee
Delaware Fine $1,500+; six-month license suspension Fine $3,000+; six-month license suspension
Florida License suspension until reinstatement fee is paid; $150 fee License suspension until reinstatement fee is paid; $250 fee
Georgia Suspended registration; $25 lapse fee and $60 reinstatement fee Suspended registration; $25 lapse fee and $60 reinstatement fee
Hawaii $500 fine or community service; three-month license suspension $1,500 fine; one-year license suspension
Idaho Fine $75; license suspension until proof of insurance Fine up to $1,000; six-month license suspension
Illinois License plate suspension until $100 reinstatement fee paid Four-month license plate suspension with $100 fee
Indiana License suspension for 90 days to one year One-year license suspension within three years
Iowa Fine $500 if in accident; $250 otherwise NA
Kansas Fine $300-$1,000; license suspension Fine $800-$2,500; license suspension
Kentucky Fine $500-$1,000; one-year license suspension Fine $1,000-$2,500; one-year license suspension
Louisiana Fine $500-$1,000; license suspension for 180 days if in accident NA
Maine Fine $100-$500; license suspension until proof of insurance NA
Maryland Loss of plates and registration; penalty fees NA
Massachusetts Fine $500-$5,000; one-year license suspension License suspension for one year
Michigan Fine $200-$500; 30-day license suspension NA
Minnesota Fine $200-$1,000; license suspension up to 12 months NA
Mississippi Fine $1,000; one-year license suspension NA
Missouri License suspension until $20 reinstatement fee paid 90-day license suspension with $200 fee
Montana Fine $250-$500; up to 10 days imprisonment Fine $350; up to 10 days imprisonment
Nebraska License suspension; $50 reinstatement fee NA
Nevada Fine $250-$1,000; registration suspension with $250 reinstatement fee Fine $500-$1,000; registration suspension with $500 fee
New Hampshire No mandatory insurance; SR-22 may be required after a conviction NA
New Jersey Fine $300-$1,000; one-year license suspension Fine up to $5,000; two-year suspension
New Mexico Fine up to $300; 90-day license suspension NA
New York Fine up to $1,500; one-year license suspension NA
North Carolina Fine $50; 30-day suspension if in accident Fine $100; 30-day suspension if in accident
North Dakota Fine up to $1,500; 14 points against license Fine up to $1,500; plates impounded
Ohio License suspension; $100 reinstatement fee One-year suspension; $300 reinstatement fee
Oklahoma Fine $250; 30 days jail time or license suspension NA
Oregon Fine $130-$1,000; one-year license suspension NA
Pennsylvania Registration suspension for three months; $88 reinstatement fee NA
Rhode Island Fine $100-$500; three-month license suspension Fine $500; six-month suspension
South Carolina Fine $100-$200 or 30 days jail time; registration suspension Fine $200; 30-day jail or suspension
South Dakota Fine $100; 30-day license suspension NA
Tennessee Pay $25 coverage failure fee or registration suspension NA
Texas Fine $175-$350; pay up to $250 surcharge for three years Fine $350-$1,000; surcharge and license suspension
Utah Fine $400; license suspension until proof of insurance Fine $1,000; license suspension until proof of insurance
Vermont Fine up to $500; license suspension NA
Virginia Pay $500 uninsured fee or license suspension NA
Washington Fine up to $250 NA
West Virginia Fine $200-$5,000; 30-day license suspension Fine $200-$5,000; 90-day suspension
Wisconsin Fine up to $500 NA
Wyoming Fine up to $750 or six months in jail NA
As you can see, you could end up paying thousands of dollars and even spending time in jail if you get caught driving uninsured. Regardless of how much you drive, you need at least your state’s required amount of minimum liability coverage on your vehicle.
How Towing Affects Auto Insurance
Does getting towed affect insurance? In most cases, having your car towed is unlikely to impact your insurance rates. Depending on your towing needs, your car insurance company may not even know that your vehicle got towed. The exception may be if you purchased a roadside assistance plan or another towing service provided through your car insurance company.
But does getting your car towed affect your record? Does towing affect car insurance rates? Having your car towed may affect your auto insurance rates if your car gets towed because of a moving violation that will go on your driving record, like a DUI. The violation would be what made your insurance rates increase.
Learn More: Factors That Affect Auto Insurance Rates
Another way you might see an increase in car insurance rates is if you take advantage of towing services through your insurance company’s roadside assistance plan too frequently. If you know the AAA towing cost per mile without looking it up, or if you have the Allstate roadside number memorized, you might be using that service too much.
If you have roadside assistance and want to know more about does getting your car towed affect insurance, you should call your insurance company to speak with an agent.
Determining if You Need Auto Insurance for Car Towing
So, ultimately, can you get your car towed without insurance? Yes, but if you need to have your car towed, it can be a bit of a headache when towing a car without insurance. As long as you carry the state minimum auto insurance requirements on any vehicle you drive, you don’t have to stress about getting into any trouble.
Anyone who worries about being stranded in their vehicle should consider purchasing a roadside assistance plan that includes tow insurance for cars.
Before having your car towed, speak to the towing company and ask about the cost. If you find that the tow will be more expensive than you thought, you can call around and speak with representatives from other local companies to see if you could get a cheaper tow elsewhere.
To find an affordable auto insurance policy with towing auto insurance coverage today, compare rates with our free tool.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need auto insurance to be towed?
Does insurance cover towing a car? Yes, in most cases, you will need auto insurance when you think, “I have to get my car towed.” Auto insurance typically covers various aspects of owning and operating a vehicle, including situations where your vehicle needs to be towed. The specific car towing insurance coverage and requirements may vary depending on your insurance policy and the circumstances of the towing.
What does auto insurance cover when it comes to towing?
You want to know, does car insurance cover towing? Auto insurance policies usually offer coverage for towing expenses as part of their comprehensive or roadside assistance coverage. This coverage can help pay for the costs associated with towing your vehicle if it breaks down or is involved in an accident.
However, it’s important to review your policy to understand the specific coverage limits and any conditions or exclusions that may apply when you need to tow a car. And check with your agent if you’re wondering, does getting my car towed increase insurance.
Are towing services always covered by auto insurance policies?
Not all auto insurance policies automatically include towing coverage. It depends on the type of policy you have and the coverage options you’ve selected when you need your car towed. Some policies offer towing coverage as a standard inclusion, while others may require you to add it as an optional coverage or purchase it separately as part of a roadside assistance package.
Review your policy documents or contact your insurance provider to confirm whether towing services are covered and if you need to find other ways for how to get your car towed to a mechanic (Learn More: How much car insurance do I need?).
What if I don’t have towing coverage in my auto insurance policy?
Can I tow a car without insurance? If your auto insurance policy does not include towing coverage, you may have to pay for towing expenses out of pocket. In such cases, it can be beneficial to explore alternative options like standalone roadside assistance programs offered by automobile clubs or specialized towing service providers.
These programs often offer towing services and other roadside assistance benefits for a fee. When you need to know, can I tow an uninsured car, you can check out some of these programs.
Are there any situations where towing may be covered even without auto insurance?
So, can you tow an uninsured car? While auto insurance is typically the primary source of coverage for towing, there may be instances where towing services are covered by other entities. For example, some vehicle manufacturers offer complimentary roadside assistance programs that may include towing services during the warranty period.
Additionally, certain credit cards or auto club memberships may provide limited towing benefits. It’s essential to review the terms and conditions of these programs to determine if towing is included and under what circumstances. You should know what to do when you get your car towed before the actual situation arises.
Will my auto insurance cover towing if my vehicle is impounded?
So you want to know, does insurance cover impound fees? And you also might want to know, does getting your car impounded affect your insurance? And if so, how does the impound of a car affect insurance? Auto insurance typically does not cover towing expenses related to impoundment. Impoundment usually occurs as a result of legal or law enforcement actions, such as parking violations or driving without proper documentation.
These situations are typically not covered by standard auto insurance policies, and you will likely be responsible for the costs associated with impoundment and towing. And there are some instances when the answer to the question, “can your car be impounded for no insurance?” is yes. Make sure you know how to get a car out of impound without insurance if you ever find yourself in this case.
Can I get towed even if I don’t have auto insurance?
Many drivers wonder, can your car get towed if you don’t have insurance? Yes, you can still get your vehicle towed even if you don’t have auto insurance. Towing services are generally available to anyone who needs assistance, regardless of their insurance status.
However, you will be responsible for covering the costs associated with the towing service if you don’t have insurance coverage or if towing services are not included in your policy. Shop for auto insurance today with our free quote tool.
What should I do if my vehicle needs to be towed?
If your vehicle needs to be towed, the first step is to contact your insurance provider to determine if towing services are covered under your policy. If towing is covered, they will provide guidance on how to proceed and may have a list of authorized towing service providers you can contact.
But can your car be towed for no insurance? If towing is not covered by your insurance, you can search for reputable towing companies in your area and inquire about their services and pricing.
Are there any restrictions on towing coverage in auto insurance policies?
Yes, there may be restrictions and limitations on towing coverage within auto insurance policies. These restrictions can include factors such as distance limits (e.g., coverage only up to a certain number of miles), service provider limitations (e.g., coverage only if using authorized towing companies), or restrictions based on the cause of the towing (e.g., coverage only for mechanical breakdowns and not for accidents).
It’s crucial to carefully review your policy or contact your insurance provider to understand any restrictions that may apply.
Is towing covered if my vehicle is stolen?
In most cases, towing expenses related to a stolen vehicle are covered by comprehensive auto insurance. Comprehensive coverage protects against theft, vandalism, and other non-collision incidents. If your vehicle is stolen and later recovered, your insurance company may arrange for it to be towed to a designated location for assessment.
However, it’s essential to review your policy or consult with your insurance provider to understand the specific coverage and any deductible that may apply.
Can your car get towed for no insurance?
Some drivers might ask, can you get your car towed for no insurance? And the answer is yes, there are some cases where you can find your car being towed if you have no insurance. You should not drive uninsured, as that could cause serious financial and legal repercussions.
Can I get my car towed without being present?
You might find yourself in a situation where you have to ask, can I get my car towed without being there? Maybe your car broke down on the side of the road, but you had a friend come pick you up instead of calling a tow truck.
You may have to figure out how to check if you are covered by towing car insurance so you don’t end up with a car towed and no insurance to pay for the cost. Each state has different laws about towing, and whether or not you have to be there while it’s towed. So check the requirements for where you live.
How much is a tow truck without insurance?
The cost of a tow truck will vary according to the company you use for towing your car.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.