Can you tow a car that doesn’t have insurance?

You can tow a car without insurance because you only need insurance for an operational vehicle. Check out Liberty Mutual Tow if you are looking for an insurance policy that can help more than hurt.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate
AllstateState FarmNationwideLiberty MutualFarmers Insurance
Sara Routhier

Sr. Director of Content

Sara Routhier, Senior Director of Content, has professional experience as an educator, SEO specialist, and content marketer. She has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. As a researcher, data nerd, writer, and editor, she strives to curate educational, enlightening articles that provide you with the must-know facts and best-kept secrets within the overwhelming world of insurance....

Written by
Sara Routhier
Zach Fagiano

Insurance & Finance Analyst

Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...

Reviewed by
Zach Fagiano

Updated September 2024

Liberty Mutual Tow is a great insurance policy, to begin with, if you are looking to get insured after needing a tow. 

can you tow a car that doesn't have insurance?

Needing a tow for your vehicle typically means it’s inoperable, even if only for a brief time. However, you will pay towing expenses out of your own pocket without a specific type of car insurance. 

Some insurance companies offer towing as part of policy coverage. For example, Liberty Mutual tow is a component of the company’s roadside assistance program.

Common sense may lead you to believe that you shouldn’t pay for insurance when you can’t use your vehicle. However, that’s not always the case. Before you decide to change or cancel a car insurance policy, you may benefit from learning more about the potential consequences.

Here's what you should know...

  • You can get insurance to cover a vehicle during a tow in case of damages
  • Some insurance policies offer roadside assistance, which often includes a towing service
  • Driving a car without the minimum insurance coverage is illegal in every state

Is it legal to tow a car without insurance?

Technically, your vehicle is on the road while in tow. However, it’s not operating independently and doesn’t need insurance coverage.

When your vehicle is in tow, no one can file a liability claim against you if the tow truck driver causes an accident. In that case, the owner of the tow truck would be liable for the damages suffered by the other vehicle in the accident. Similarly, you could potentially file a claim with the tow company’s insurance if your car sustained damages during the tow.

Should I insure a towed vehicle for potential damages?

In most cases, a vehicle needs a tow following a wreck or a breakdown on the road. When that happens, your car should have the minimum insurance coverage required by state law. However, a vehicle not in use doesn’t need insurance coverage and would therefore have no insurance during a tow.

If you have concerns about potential damages during the towing of your uninsured vehicle, you can purchase insurance to protect your car during a tow. You would need to search for the right car insurance and compare quotes from multiple companies to find the policy you need.

Some towing companies allow you to purchase coverage directly from them for the duration of the tow. However, you’ll likely be liable for damages if you decline that coverage.

When do I need to file a liability claim for a tow?

To file a liability claim, you need to determine who is responsible for the damages. For example, you wouldn’t file a claim with the tow company’s insurance for damages incurred in a wreck before the tow. Instead, you would file a claim with the other driver’s insurance.

Additionally, as the person filing the claim, the responsibility for proving fault falls on you. You may have a hard time proving that the tow truck driver is at fault for damage to your vehicle. Consider taking pictures of your vehicle before it’s hooked up to the tow truck as proof of its condition if you need to file a claim.

Can I cancel insurance when my vehicle is inoperable?

You could technically cancel your insurance coverage while your car isn’t working correctly or isn’t in use, regardless of the company.

Before you choose to cancel car insurance, you should consider the potential effects. For example, if you plan to use the car again in the future, some companies allow you to pause or suspend all or part of your policy until you begin driving it again.

What are the consequences of canceling insurance?

If your vehicle needs repairs, you could technically cancel or pause your insurance policy while it’s inoperable. However, you shouldn’t drive your vehicle off the lot after repairs without the minimum amount of required insurance. 

Some possible penalties for driving without insurance include:

  • Suspension of your driver’s license and license plates
  • Impoundment of your vehicle
  • Fines for driving or parking while uninsured
  • Reinstatement fees

Most states mandate a minimum of liability coverage because of the type of protection it provides. Liability insurance covers the property and bodily damages to the other driver and vehicle when you’re at fault for an accident. 

You can calculate the cost of insurance based on the amount of coverage you purchase. If you are caught driving without car insurance and fail to get the proper coverage before your court date, you risk even further punishment. 

Vehicles still under finance from a lender are also subject to further insurance requirements set by the lender. For example, most lenders require you to keep an active full coverage policy, regardless of the state minimums. Failure to comply with the standards of your contract could result in costly fees or even repossession.

Read more:

When might a driver not need to insure a car?

Not all drivers own vehicles. When you commonly drive a rented or borrowed car, you want to insure yourself rather than the vehicle. Non-owner car insurance rates are typically very affordable, and a basic policy provides bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.

You may also choose to purchase some of the following:

  • Rental car coverage through the rental company
  • Personal injury protection insurance
  • Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage

Licensed drivers without a vehicle would never need collision or comprehensive insurance because those specifically cover the car. Additionally, a non-owner insurance policy only covers the policyholder, regardless of their household size.

Towing a Car Without Insurance: What You Need to Know

Car Towed for No Insurance

  • If your car is towed due to lack of insurance, it’s important to contact local authorities or towing companies to understand retrieval procedures and potential penalties.
  • Having insurance coverage can prevent your car from being towed for lack of proof of financial responsibility.

Cheap Towing Service for Up to 100 Miles for Free

  • Some roadside assistance programs, like AAA Plus or Premium memberships, offer up to 100 miles of towing for free as part of their services.
  • Other local towing companies may offer promotional deals or discounts for long-distance towing needs.

Cheapest Car Towing Service Near Me

  • Finding the cheapest car towing service near you involves researching local towing companies, comparing prices, and reading customer reviews to ensure reliability and quality of service.
  • Consider contacting multiple companies to get quotes and inquire about any hidden fees or additional charges.

How to Tow a Car That Doesn’t Run

  1. Assess the Situation

    • Determine if the car is safe to tow and if it requires special equipment or procedures due to its condition.
  2. Gather Necessary Equipment

    • Obtain a tow strap, tow dolly, or flatbed truck depending on the car’s condition and towing requirements.
  3. Secure the Car

    • Attach the towing equipment securely to both vehicles and ensure all connections are tight and safe.
  4. Tow the Car

    • Slowly and carefully tow the car, following all local traffic laws and ensuring the safety of both vehicles and other road users.

What to do if you need a tow?

If you need a tow, contact a local towing company or roadside assistance provider to arrange for service. Provide details about your location, the condition of your vehicle, and any specific towing requirements to ensure swift and appropriate assistance. When you need a car towed, consider factors like distance, towing method (flatbed, dolly, etc.), and urgency to select the most suitable towing service. Verify the towing company’s credentials and insurance coverage before entrusting them with your vehicle.

Finding a Tow Truck Company Near Me

Search online or use local business directories to find a tow truck company near your location. Check customer reviews, pricing, and availability to ensure prompt and reliable towing service.

This topic covers essential aspects of towing without insurance, costs associated with towing services, and practical steps for towing a car that doesn’t run, addressing the keywords provided.

Free Insurance Comparison

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate

Exploring AAA Towing Rates

When it comes to roadside assistance, understanding AAA towing rates can help you make informed decisions about your coverage options. AAA offers different levels of membership, each providing varying degrees of towing benefits. Depending on your membership tier—whether it’s Basic, Plus, or Premier—you may have access to different towing limits and rates. For example, Basic members typically receive a certain number of miles of free towing, while Plus and Premier members often enjoy more extensive coverage, including longer towing distances at no additional cost.

Knowing the AAA towing rate for each membership level allows you to evaluate whether upgrading your plan might be beneficial. If you frequently drive long distances or live in an area where roadside assistance is critical, investing in a higher tier may offer better value. Additionally, it’s essential to review the specifics of what each membership includes, as some plans cover additional services beyond standard towing, such as battery jumps and fuel delivery. Understanding these details ensures that you’re adequately prepared for any roadside emergencies while avoiding unexpected costs.

AAA Towing Costs and Policies

When considering AAA towing services, it’s important to understand the costs associated with their memberships, particularly the AAA basic membership towing cost. AAA offers various membership tiers, each with different benefits and limits on towing distances. Will AAA tow an unregistered car? while AAA will generally tow a car that is unregistered, it’s essential to check their specific policies regarding vehicle registration requirements to avoid any complications during a roadside assistance request. Understanding these details can help ensure you receive the necessary assistance without unexpected fees or limitations.

When utilizing AAA towing services, it’s important to be aware of their charges, including AAA towing charges and AAA towing rates. Typically, AAA provides a set number of miles for free depending on your membership level, but additional fees apply for distances beyond this limit. If your tow exceeds 100 miles, understanding AAA towing cost after 100 miles is crucial, as rates can vary. It’s advisable to check your AAA membership details or contact them directly to clarify any questions about AAA tow mark and ensure you understand the charges associated with their towing services.

Liberty Mutual Towing Services and Insurance

Liberty Mutual offers towing services as part of their comprehensive insurance packages, including Liberty Mutual towing insurance. Their towing service is designed to assist policyholders in situations where their vehicle needs to be towed due to a breakdown or accident. If you’re considering Liberty Mutual tow truck insurance, it’s advisable to review their coverage options and policy details to ensure it meets your needs, including specific inquiries like comprehensive insurance quotes from Liberty Mutual for a Tesla. Understanding these aspects can help you determine if Liberty Mutual is the right insurer for your towing and insurance needs.

Free Insurance Comparison

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate

Understanding Progressive Car Towing Insurance

When considering roadside assistance for your vehicle, Progressive car towing is an essential feature to review. Progressive offers various levels of coverage, including options for towing services, which can be invaluable in emergencies. With Progressive car towing coverage, policyholders can have peace of mind knowing that if their vehicle breaks down, they will receive prompt assistance. This coverage typically includes towing to the nearest repair facility, which can be crucial if your car experiences a mechanical failure or is involved in an accident.

A common question that arises is, “Do you need insurance to tow a car?” The answer is nuanced. While towing a vehicle might not be strictly illegal without insurance, having coverage can protect you from potential financial liabilities. If you’re towing a vehicle, whether as part of a roadside assistance plan or for another reason, insurance can cover any damage that occurs during the towing process. Progressive’s towing coverage ensures that you’re not only protected while driving but also when you need to transport your vehicle under stressful circumstances.

Case Studies: Towing a Car Without Insurance

Case Study 1: Sarah’s Uninsured Car

Sarah’s car broke down on the side of the road, and she needed to have it towed to the nearest repair shop. However, Sarah’s car didn’t have insurance coverage at the time. She contacted a towing company and explained the situation.

The towing company agreed to tow her car despite the lack of insurance. During the tow, the tow truck driver accidentally caused damage to another vehicle. The towing company’s insurance was responsible for covering the damages suffered by the other vehicle.

Case Study 2: Mark’s Uninsured Car in an Accident

Mark’s car was involved in an accident, and it was no longer drivable. He called a towing company to have his car towed to an auto body shop for repairs. However, Mark didn’t have insurance on his car at the time.

The towing company informed him that they could tow his car, but he would be responsible for any damages that occurred during the tow. Mark decided to purchase insurance coverage directly from the towing company to protect his car during the towing process.

Case Study 3: Jenna’s Inoperable Car

Jenna’s car was inoperable due to mechanical issues, and she had no immediate plans to have it repaired. Since the car was not in use, Jenna considered canceling her insurance coverage to save money. She contacted her insurance company and discussed her options.

They informed her that she could suspend her policy while her car was not in use and reactivate it when she planned to start using the car again. This allowed Jenna to avoid canceling her insurance entirely and potentially facing penalties for driving without insurance in the future.

Final Thoughts on Towing a Car Without Insurance

Ultimately, you don’t need car insurance on a car towed from one place to another because it’s not operating during the tow. In theory, you don’t need insurance on an operable vehicle unless you intend to drive it on public roads. Driving on private property without insurance carries no penalty.

Apart from the two scenarios mentioned above, your registered vehicle must have insurance coverage. Otherwise, you face fees and penalties far more expensive than the cost of monthly car insurance rates. 

So does car insurance cover a tow? If you think you could benefit from a service such as Liberty Mutual tow, you may also want to consider a policy with roadside assistance. Compare Liberty Mutual quotes to other companies in your area to find the insurer with the most affordable roadside assistance rates. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tow a car that doesn’t have insurance?

Can you tow an uninsured vehicle? Yes, it is generally possible to tow a car that doesn’t have insurance. However, the specifics may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the towing company’s policies.

Legal requirements vary by jurisdiction. In some places, there may not be specific laws that prohibit towing an uninsured car. However, it’s essential to check with local authorities and towing companies to ensure compliance with any applicable regulations.

Can a towing company refuse to tow a car without insurance?

Yes, towing companies have the discretion to refuse service to a car that doesn’t have insurance. It’s advisable to contact towing companies in advance to inquire about their policies regarding uninsured vehicles.

How much does a tow truck cost without insurance?

The cost of a tow truck service can vary widely depending on factors like distance, location, and the type of vehicle being towed. Typically, insurance coverage is not a direct factor in determining the cost of a tow.

How to get a towing contract with Geico?

To get a towing contract with GEICO, you would typically need to contact GEICO directly and inquire about their towing service provider requirements and application process.

Can I buy a car without insurance?

Yes, you can purchase a car without insurance. However, you typically need insurance to legally drive the car on public roads. Insuring the car before driving it is recommended.

Can I get my car towed to my house?

Yes, you can arrange for your car to be towed to your house. Many towing companies offer options for towing to specific locations based on your needs.

Can I tow a car that’s not covered by my insurance?

Yes, you can tow a car that is not covered by your insurance. However, it’s advisable to check with your insurance provider about any potential liabilities during towing.

Can I tow a car with my car?

Towing another car with your own car is possible, but it depends on factors like your vehicle’s towing capacity and local towing laws. Using proper towing equipment and techniques is crucial for safety.

Can I tow another car with my insurance?

Your insurance policy may include coverage for towing another car, especially if it’s part of a roadside assistance or towing coverage option. Check your policy details or contact your insurer for specifics.

More FAQs

Get a FREE Quote in Minutes

Insurance rates change constantly — we help you stay ahead by making it easy to compare top options and save.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate
AllstateState FarmNationwideLiberty Mutual