Auto insurance
How to determine whether your policy includes coverage for towing and storage fees incurred after an uninsured motorist incident.
A practical guide to deciphering your insurance policy’s language on towing and storage costs after an uninsured motorist crash, with steps to verify coverage, necessary documentation, and negotiation tips.
Published by
Daniel Cooper
July 22, 2025 - 3 min Read
Understanding whether your auto policy covers towing and storage after an uninsured motorist incident begins with a careful review of the policy language. Start by locating sections labeled “towing,” “roadside assistance,” “vehicle storage,” or “uninsured motorist coverage.” Some insurers bundle towing and storage into a broader roadside assistance benefit, while others treat them as separate add-ons. Look for definitions that specify which situations trigger coverage, such as a crash caused by an uninsured driver or a tow from a collision scene to a repair facility. Keep in mind that even if uninsured motorist coverage exists, it may not automatically extend to towing or storage unless the policy explicitly includes those costs. Precision matters here.
Gather critical documentary details before calling your insurer. Photograph the scene, obtain the other party’s information if possible, and note the exact location and time of the incident. Request the police report number if a citation was issued, and collect all invoices from the tow company and storage facility. Some policies cap the payout for towing and storage per incident or per day, with separate sublimits that could affect eligibility. Write down any communications you have with your insurer along with the dates. Prepared documentation streamlines the claim process and reduces back-and-forth questions that delay reimbursement. Thorough records also help you challenge any denial or partial payment.
Identify the specific steps to submit proof and support your claim.
Start by checking whether your policy includes a mandatory towing and storage benefit or if those costs are contingent on an added endorsement. Some providers require you to use a preferred provider network or a list of approved tow services. Others permit any licensed operator but impose repayment terms if the provider charges above standard rates. If you find a separate “uninsured motorist” clause, examine whether it mentions incidental charges like tow fees or storage charges arising from a collision with an uninsured driver. The core objective is to determine if the incident qualifies for coverage, what the reimbursement formula is, and what receipts you must attach to the claim. Don’t assume; verify every prerequisite.
After confirming that towing and storage might be covered, inspect the reimbursement mechanics carefully. Policies often reimburse based on reasonable and customary charges, with per-incident limits and daily storage caps. If the tow was expensive due to being in a remote area or after-hours service, your claim may still be subject to standard rate schedules. Some insurers require you to use an approved storage facility, while others allow you to choose freely but limit the reimbursement to the prevailing market rate. Note any deductibles, depreciation, or administrative fees that could reduce the amount paid. Understanding these factors helps you set realistic expectations.
Clarify how disputes and denials are resolved with your carrier.
When you prepare to file, assemble the critical pieces: a copy of your policy declaration page, the incident report or police summary, tow invoices, storage bills, and any correspondence with the tow company. If you were not at fault, you might also provide evidence of the other driver’s uninsured status, such as a citation or police determination. Your insurer may request a statement detailing the sequence of events and the damages incurred. Prepare a concise narrative that explains why the tow and storage were necessary and how the costs relate to the uninsured motorist incident. Clear explanations can reduce delays and improve certainty of coverage determination.
In some cases, insurers may designate the towing and storage costs as “residual” or non-covered items even when uninsured motorist protection exists. If this happens, request a written explanation that cites the policy language and the relevant exclusions. You have a right to appeal the decision and may pursue alternative dispute resolution if needed. When negotiating, reference any applicable state laws that support consumer rights to recover reasonable, necessary expenses arising from a collision with an uninsured driver. Often, persistence paired with precise documentation yields a more favorable outcome. Always keep copies of every submission for your records.
Understand the role of state law and consumer protections.
If the claim is denied or partially paid, request a formal denial letter that specifies the exact reason codes and policy provisions used to justify the decision. Review whether the insurer considered the location, storage duration, and the license status of the tow operator. Some carriers separate your main collision or UM coverage from ancillary charges, which can create confusion about which portion is payable. Ask for a supervisor review or escalation to a special claims unit tasked with analyzing uninsured motorist-related expenses. Document the dates of all reviews and responses, and keep a running file of any new documentation that strengthens your position.
Engage in a proactive dialogue with the claims adjuster to resolve gaps in coverage. Use a calm, factual tone and present your receipts in an organized format. If there’s a discrepancy in the rate charged by the tow firm versus the standard rate schedule, request a rate justification from the provider and compare it to your policy limits. Some insurers allow a third-party appraisal of the disputed charges. Be prepared to negotiate toward a fair settlement that respects the policy’s intent: to cover necessary, reasonable expenses incurred due to a crash involving an uninsured motorist. Patience and well-documented evidence often replace uncertainty with a clear resolution.
Practical tips to maximize success with towing and storage claims.
In many jurisdictions, uninsured motorist coverage inherently supports reasonable costs tied to injuries and property damage, including towing and storage if the incident arises from such a driver. However, states vary in how these expenses are treated and capped. Some regions have explicit rules about storage charges that begin at a certain hour or after a fixed period, while others defer to the terms in your contract. It’s wise to familiarize yourself with your state’s insurance regulations and consumer protection laws. This knowledge equips you to identify potential violations and seek appropriate remedies without delay.
Supplementary coverage might influence your eligibility for storage reimbursement. Some policies bundle roadside assistance or rental reimbursement that can indirectly affect how towing charges are treated. If you carry comprehensive or collision coverage with a robust UM component, you may gain leverage when negotiating the final amount. Consider the total cost of the incident, including towing, storage, and any related fees, to understand the policy’s overall impact. A comprehensive approach helps you avoid surprises and ensures you’re pursuing all legitimately recoverable charges.
Create a clear, chronological summary of events from the moment the incident occurred to the final reimbursement decision. Include who authorized the tow, where your vehicle was stored, and the dates the vehicle remained in facility custody. This narrative should align with the supporting invoices and police documents. To strengthen credibility, verify the storage facility’s rates and the tow company’s licensing. If you notice inconsistencies, highlight them in your claim packet and request correction. A well-documented submission reduces ambiguity and improves your odds of a timely, fair payout that reflects the actual costs you incurred after an uninsured motorist incident.
Finally, consider preventative steps for future incidents to protect yourself from ambiguity. Review your policy annually to ensure it aligns with your needs, and ask about explicit inclusion of towing and storage costs if they aren’t clearly covered. Maintain a running file of policy amendments, endorsements, and any changes in state law that could affect coverage. When renewing, request a written declaration of what is covered and any caps or exclusions that could apply. By staying proactive, you’ll be ready to handle uninsured motorist events confidently, knowing exactly what your policy will fund for towing and storage.
