Navigating Auto Insurance After a Tow or Roadside Incident in Ottawa

A tow or roadside incident is often when Ottawa drivers find out exactly what their auto insurance policy does and does not cover. The moment your car is hooked up to a flatbed or you are standing on the shoulder of the 417 waiting for a truck, is not the best time to start reading your policy documents. This guide explains how insurance intersects with towing and roadside service so you know what to expect before you need it.

Does Ontario Auto Insurance Cover Towing

Standard auto insurance in Ontario does not automatically include towing or roadside assistance. The Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule covers medical costs and income replacement after a collision, but it does not pay for the tow truck that moved your car. Towing coverage is an optional endorsement that must be added to your policy.

If you purchased a comprehensive or all-perils policy and added roadside assistance as an endorsement, you likely have some towing coverage. The dollar limit and distance limit vary by insurer. Some policies cover up to $200 per tow. Others set a maximum tow distance. Read your policy declarations page to find out what you have.

What to Do When Insurance Covers the Tow

If your insurance includes towing coverage, you typically pay Ontario Towing directly at the time of service and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Some insurers have preferred towing vendors and may require you to call a specific dispatch number to have the tow covered under the claim.

Ontario Towing provides a detailed invoice for every service call. The invoice includes the date and time, the pickup and drop-off locations, the service type, and the total charge. This is the documentation your insurer needs to process a reimbursement. Call (613) 619-4545 and let the dispatcher know you plan to submit the call to insurance. The paperwork will be ready when you need it.

Towing After a Collision and the At-Fault Question

If your vehicle is towed following a collision in Ottawa, the at-fault determination affects which insurance company handles the claim but not necessarily whether the tow is covered. If the other driver is at fault, their property damage liability coverage may cover your tow. If you are at fault, your own collision coverage handles the vehicle damage from that point forward.

Ontario operates under a direct compensation model for property damage, meaning you deal with your own insurer regardless of fault. Your insurer then handles the subrogation process with the at-fault driver insurance. You should not be paying out of pocket for a tow that results from another driver hitting your vehicle.

What Roadside Assistance Insurance Endorsements Actually Cover

Roadside assistance endorsements in Ontario typically cover battery boosting, flat tire changes, fuel delivery up to a small amount, lockout service, and towing up to a set distance or dollar value. They usually do not cover the cost of repairs at the destination shop, the cost of a replacement tire, or the cost of additional fuel beyond the emergency delivery.

Ontario Towing provides all of these services directly. If you have coverage for the service you need, bring your policy information when the truck arrives or have it ready to provide by phone. The company will document the call and provide everything needed for your claim.

When to Call Your Insurer First vs Calling Ontario Towing First

If the situation is an immediate safety issue, call Ontario Towing first at (613) 619-4545. The truck gets moving while you sort out the coverage question. A 20-minute delay while on hold with your insurer is 20 minutes longer you are on the shoulder of a highway.

If the situation is not urgent and you have time to confirm your coverage before committing, call your insurer first to understand exactly what is covered and whether they have a preferred dispatch process. This can save you the step of seeking reimbursement after the fact.

Keeping Records After a Tow or Roadside Incident

Take photos of your vehicle before and after the tow. Note the exact time you called, the truck arrival time, and the name of the driver. Keep the invoice Ontario Towing provides. If the incident involved another vehicle, get the other driver insurance information, plate number, and name before anyone leaves the scene. All of this documentation makes the insurance process faster and reduces the chance of a dispute.

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