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Towing Industry Insurance: What You Need to Know
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Shane Shoemaker
Account Executive

If you're in the towing industry, you know that every day on the road presents unique challenges. From recovering stranded vehicles to transporting heavy loads, your business operates in high-risk environments. That’s why having the right insurance is essential—not just to comply with regulations but to protect your company from costly claims.

What Specialized Insurance Coverage Does The Towing Industry Need?

Towing insurance is a specialized type of commercial auto coverage designed for tow trucks, wrecker services, and roadside assistance providers. It helps protect your business against financial losses from accidents, property damage, and liability claims.

Types of Insurance for the Towing Industry

1. Auto Liability Insurance

This is the foundation of your towing insurance program. It covers bodily injury and property damage if your tow truck is at fault in an accident. Many states require tow truck operators to carry higher liability coverage to stay compliant with the law.

2. On-Hook Towing Insurance

When you’re towing a customer’s vehicle, what happens if it gets damaged in transit? On-hook towing insurance covers damage to vehicles in your care due to collisions, fires, theft, or vandalism.

3. Garagekeepers Insurance

If you store customers' vehicles in a lot or garage, this coverage can protect against theft, fire, or vandalism while they’re in your possession.

4. Physical Damage Coverage

This covers your own tow trucks in case of damage from accidents, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. It can include:

  • Collision Coverage – Pays for damages to your tow truck after an accident.
  • Comprehensive Coverage – Covers non-collision damages like weather-related incidents or theft.

5. General Liability Insurance

Not all risks come from being on the road. General liability insurance covers injuries or property damage that happen at your business location—such as a customer slipping in your office.

6. Workers’ Compensation Insurance

If you have employees, workers’ comp is essential. It helps cover medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured while on the job.

7. Cargo Insurance

If you transport specialty vehicles, equipment, or other valuable cargo, this coverage protects against losses due to theft, accidents, or damage during transport.

Why Is Insurance Important To The Towing Industry?

Without the right insurance, your business could face the expense associated with lawsuits, repair costs, and potential financial ruin. Tow trucks operate in high-risk situations—navigating traffic, winching vehicles from ditches, and working in hazardous conditions. Even one accident could lead to costly claims if you’re not properly covered.

How to Choose the Right Insurance For Your Towing Business

  • Assess Your Risks: Consider the number of tow trucks you own, the types of vehicles you tow, and the risks your drivers face daily.
  • Check Legal Requirements: Each state has specific insurance requirements for tow truck businesses.
  • Compare Policies: Work with an experienced insurance provider who understands the towing industry and can tailor coverage to your needs.
  • Look for Discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for safe driving records, anti-theft devices, or bundling multiple coverages.

Protecting your towing business means having the right insurance in place before an accident happens. The last thing you want is to face unexpected costs that could jeopardize your company’s future.

Managing risk is a critical part of running a successful business. We work differently than other agents, we’re here to help ensure your company knows its options and can help arrange coverage to transfer potential risks from your operations to a trusted insurance carrier.

If your business assets or exposures require specialized coverage, consider a complimentary Commercial Insurance Review. This thorough assessment can identify gaps in your current policies and provide tailored solutions to help protect your business.

Take the first step towards comprehensive protection. Schedule your cost-free Commercial Insurance Review today!

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