You've just been in an accident on a Dallas freeway. Your car can't move, adrenaline is still running high, and someone at the scene is asking whether you want a tow truck called. Before you say yes, a fair question crosses your mind: will my insurance actually pay for this?
The answer depends on what coverage you carry — and not every driver in Texas knows the difference until they get the bill. Here's a clear breakdown of how auto insurance interacts with towing after a crash in the Dallas area, and what you can do to avoid an unexpected out-of-pocket charge.
Texas Auto Insurance Minimums Don't Include Towing
Texas law requires all drivers to carry a minimum of 30/60/25 liability coverage — meaning $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. That's it. Liability insurance covers damage you cause to others, not your own vehicle or towing costs.
If you're driving with only the state minimum and you're involved in an accident — whether you're at fault or not — your own policy will not pay to tow your car. You'll need to pursue the at-fault driver's insurance or pay out of pocket.
What Actually Covers Towing After an Accident
Two types of optional coverage can help pay for towing after a collision:
Collision Coverage
If your policy includes collision coverage, it typically covers the cost of towing your damaged vehicle from the scene to a repair shop after a crash. Collision applies regardless of who was at fault. You'll pay your deductible, and insurance covers the rest — including the tow.
Most lenders require collision coverage if you're financing or leasing a vehicle. If you own your car outright, it's optional — but valuable if you drive a newer vehicle.
Roadside Assistance / Towing Rider
Many insurers offer a low-cost roadside assistance add-on that covers towing for breakdowns, flat tires, dead batteries, and similar non-collision situations. However, coverage for accident towing varies by carrier. Some roadside plans only apply to mechanical breakdowns, not crash-related tows.
Check your policy documents or call your agent before the accident — not after — to know what your roadside rider actually covers.
If the Other Driver Was At Fault
Texas follows an at-fault insurance system. If the other driver caused the accident, their liability property damage coverage should pay for your tow and vehicle repairs. In practice, here's how it works:
- File a claim with the at-fault driver's insurer immediately
- Get the tow truck on scene and keep the receipt
- Submit the towing invoice to their property damage adjuster
- If they dispute it, your own collision coverage can step in — then subrogates (seeks reimbursement) against the at-fault carrier
Texas has a comparative fault rule: if you're found partially at fault, your recovery is reduced proportionately. A driver who is more than 50% at fault cannot collect from the other party.
What About USAA, AAA, or Membership Clubs?
Some drivers rely on AAA or USAA for roadside service. These programs typically include towing to the nearest service facility, but mileage limits apply (often 5–7 miles for basic plans). If your car needs to be towed further — to a specific repair shop, a storage facility, or your home — additional mileage charges may apply.
In a complex accident scene, time matters. Waiting on an AAA dispatch or navigating a program's network restrictions can cost you critical minutes, especially on a busy Dallas highway like I-75 or the North Dallas Tollway.
Storage Fees: The Cost That Surprises Drivers Most
If your car is towed by police dispatch (often called a non-consent tow), it goes to an authorized impound lot — not a shop of your choosing. Daily storage fees at Dallas impound facilities can run $35–$65 per day. Insurance does not always cover storage fees beyond the first few days, and delays in filing a claim can let those fees pile up fast.
Pro tip: If you're able to call your own tow company from the scene, you control where your vehicle goes. Texas law generally gives you the right to call a tow of your choice in a non-emergency situation — see our post on what to do after a car accident in Dallas for more detail on that process.
How Texas Tows Handles Accident Calls
At Texas Tows Inc., our TDLR-licensed operators (license #0654316VSF) handle crash-damaged vehicles with flatbed trucks specifically designed for recovery work. We've served the Dallas area since 2015, and we work with insurance adjusters regularly — so we know what documentation you'll need and can provide proper invoicing that insurers accept.
We pick up from the crash scene or the impound lot and transport to any repair facility in the DFW metro. If you need your vehicle moved quickly, call us at (817) 512-1024 — available 24/7.
Quick Insurance Checklist for Dallas Drivers
- ✅ Liability only? Towing after your own accident is not covered
- ✅ Collision coverage? Tow from crash scene is typically included
- ✅ Roadside rider? Check if it covers crashes, not just breakdowns
- ✅ AAA / USAA? Know your mileage limits before you need them
- ✅ At-fault accident? The other driver's liability covers your tow
- ✅ Impound concern? Request your own tow from the scene when possible
Summary
Whether your insurance covers towing after a Dallas accident comes down to your specific policy. Collision coverage is your most reliable option for crash-related tows. If the other driver was at fault, their liability coverage should cover it — but you may need to document and advocate with their adjuster. Roadside riders vary widely, so confirm the details with your agent.
Need a tow right now? Our accident recovery team is on call 24/7 throughout Dallas and the surrounding metro. Call (817) 512-1024 and we'll be there fast.
