Getting stranded on the side of a busy Toronto highway or in the middle of a Mississauga intersection is stressful enough. The last thing you want to be thinking about is whether your tow truck bill is going to be covered — or if you’re about to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket.
The short answer is: it depends on your insurance policy. Towing coverage in Ontario is not automatic. It comes down to the type of coverage you have and the circumstances of your breakdown or accident.
At Norman Towing, we have been helping Ontario drivers since 2005. We get these questions from customers every single day. So in this guide, we are breaking down everything you need to know about towing and insurance coverage in Ontario.
| Quick Answer Towing IS covered by insurance in Ontario — but only if you have the right add-ons. Standard liability insurance does NOT cover towing. Comprehensive or collision coverage may cover towing after an accident. Roadside assistance add-ons usually cover towing for breakdowns. Always call your insurer first — then call Norman Towing at 647-244-1129. |
What Types of Car Insurance Exist in Ontario?
To understand towing coverage, you first need to understand the different types of car insurance available to Ontario drivers. Ontario has mandatory minimum insurance requirements, but towing coverage typically falls under optional add-ons.
Mandatory Coverage in Ontario
- Third-Party Liability: Covers damage you cause to others. Does NOT cover your towing costs.
- Accident Benefits (SABS): Covers medical costs after an accident. Does NOT cover towing.
- Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD): Covers damage to your vehicle when another driver is at fault. May cover towing in some cases.
- Uninsured Automobile Coverage: Protects you if hit by an uninsured driver. Does NOT directly cover towing.
Optional Coverage in Ontario
- Collision Coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle in a collision, including possible towing to a repair shop.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision damage such as theft, fire, or weather. May include towing.
- Roadside Assistance / Emergency Road Service: The most common add-on that explicitly covers towing. Highly recommended for all Ontario drivers.
Does Car Insurance Cover Towing in Ontario?
Here is the clear breakdown of when your car insurance will — and will not — cover towing in Ontario:
| Situation | Towing Covered? |
| Breakdown (no accident) | Only with Roadside Assistance add-on |
| Accident where you are at fault | Only with Collision Coverage |
| Accident where other driver is at fault | Possibly under DCPD — check your policy |
| Vehicle stolen and recovered | Possibly under Comprehensive Coverage |
| Flat tire on the highway | Only with Roadside Assistance add-on |
| Dead battery | Only with Roadside Assistance add-on |
| Ran out of gas | Only with Roadside Assistance add-on |
| Flood or weather damage | Possibly under Comprehensive Coverage |
| Standard liability only policy | NOT covered — you pay out of pocket |
What is Roadside Assistance Coverage in Ontario?
Roadside Assistance (also called Emergency Road Service) is an optional add-on you can purchase through your auto insurance provider. It is one of the most affordable add-ons available, typically costing between $20 and $60 per year and it can save you hundreds of dollars when you need it most.
Whether you drive a standard sedan, an SUV, or even a high-value electric vehicle — Norman Towing handles them all with the same care and professionalism.
What Does Roadside Assistance Insurance Typically Cover?
- Towing to the nearest repair facility (usually up to a set distance limit)
- Battery boost or jump start
- Flat tire change (using your spare)
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Car lockout service
- Winching if your vehicle is stuck
It is important to note that most insurance-based roadside assistance plans have distance limits. For example, towing up to 50 km or towing to the nearest service centre. If you need your vehicle towed further, or to a specific location, you may need to pay the difference.
| Norman Towing Tip Always read the fine print of your roadside assistance plan. Know the towing distance limit before you need it. Keep your insurance policy number and roadside assistance phone number saved in your phone. If your insurer’s wait time is too long, call Norman Towing at 647-244-1129 — we respond faster. |
Does CAA Cover Towing in Ontario?
CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) is not car insurance; it is a separate membership-based roadside assistance service. Many Ontario drivers have both car insurance with a roadside add-on AND a CAA membership, which gives them double coverage.
CAA Towing Coverage Levels
- CAA Classic: Towing up to 10 km per call (4 calls per year)
- CAA Plus: Towing up to 200 km per call
- CAA Premier: Towing up to 500 km per call
CAA is a popular option for Ontario drivers who want reliable towing coverage beyond what their insurance provides. Norman Towing works with CAA dispatches across the Greater Toronto Area — so if CAA sends us to assist you, you are in great hands.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Towing Coverage in Ontario?
If you do not have roadside assistance coverage, you will be responsible for paying the full cost of towing out of pocket. Here is what you can expect to pay in the Toronto and GTA area:
| Towing Service | Estimated Cost in Toronto / GTA |
| Local tow (under 10 km) | $150 – $250 |
| Standard tow (10–50 km) | $200 – $400 |
| Long distance tow (50+ km) | $400 – $800+ |
| Heavy duty tow (truck, RV, trailer) | $500 – $1,500+ |
| After-hours / emergency tow | Additional $50 – $150 surcharge |
| Winching / off-road recovery | $200 – $500+ |
Given that a roadside assistance add-on costs as little as $20–$60 per year, one tow can cost more than a decade of coverage premiums. It is one of the smartest investments an Ontario driver can make.
How to Make a Towing Insurance Claim in Ontario
If you need to use your insurance for a towing claim in Ontario, here is the step-by-step process to follow:
- Step 1: Stay safe — move your vehicle off the road if possible and turn on your hazard lights.
- Step 2: Call your insurance company’s roadside assistance line and explain your situation.
- Step 3: Confirm towing is covered under your policy and get a claim number.
- Step 4: If your insurer dispatches a tow truck, wait for the assigned driver. If not, call Norman Towing at 647-244-1129.
- Step 5: Keep all receipts and documentation for reimbursement if you paid out of pocket.
- Step 6: Submit your claim to your insurer with the towing receipt, claim number, and any relevant photos.
Important: If your insurer’s tow truck is taking too long, you have the right to call your own tow truck company and submit for reimbursement afterward. Always confirm reimbursement eligibility with your insurer first.
Tips to Make Sure You’re Always Covered in Ontario
- Add roadside assistance to your policy today: It costs as little as $20/year and covers towing, battery boosts, flat tires, lockouts, and fuel delivery.
- Know your coverage limits: Understand how many km your towing coverage includes and how many service calls per year are allowed.
- Save important numbers: Keep your insurer’s roadside assistance number and Norman Towing’s number (647-244-1129) saved in your phone before you ever need them.
- Review your policy annually: Coverage needs change — especially if you get a new vehicle or move to a new area of Ontario.
- Consider a CAA membership: As a backup to your insurance roadside coverage, CAA gives you additional calls and longer towing distances.
- Take photos after any incident: Document everything with your phone camera. This helps when making a towing claim with your insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Towing and Insurance in Ontario
No. Basic Ontario car insurance (third-party liability only) does not cover towing. You need either a roadside assistance add-on, collision coverage, or comprehensive coverage depending on the situation.
Generally, using your roadside assistance add-on for a tow does not affect your insurance premiums. However, using your collision or comprehensive coverage for towing after an accident may impact your rate at renewal. Always confirm with your insurer.
Response times vary widely by insurer and how busy road conditions are. In the GTA during rush hour or severe weather, wait times can exceed 60–90 minutes. Norman Towing typically arrives within 30–60 minutes anywhere across the GTA.
Yes. In Ontario, you have the right to choose your own tow truck company. Your insurer may suggest a preferred provider, but you are not required to use them. If you prefer Norman Towing, you can request us and submit the receipt for reimbursement.
Running out of gas is generally covered under roadside assistance add-ons — usually as emergency fuel delivery rather than a tow. If you need a tow because of an empty tank, check your specific policy as coverage varies.
Towing for RVs and trailers depends on the policy. Most standard roadside assistance plans cover passenger vehicles only. If you regularly tow a camper or trailer, ask your insurer specifically — or call Norman Towing, as we specialize in RV and trailer towing across Ontario.
Whether your insurance covers your tow or not, Norman Towing is the fastest, most reliable towing service in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. We have been serving Ontario drivers since 2005 with a fleet of 25+ trucks and a team of 70+ trained professionals — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
| Contact Norman Towing — Available 24/7 Phone: 647-244-1129 Website: www.normantowing.ca Address: 77 City Centre Dr, Unit 501, Mississauga, ON L5B 1M5 Serving: Toronto | Mississauga | Richmond Hill | Vaughan | Markham | Scarborough North York | Brampton | Oakville | Burlington | Hamilton | Barrie | All of Southern Ontario We tow cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, EVs, RVs, trailers, semis, buses & more. Fully insured. Family-owned since 2005. Always near you. |
About Norman Towing
Norman Towing is a family-owned towing and roadside assistance company serving Toronto and all of Southern Ontario since 2005. With 25+ trucks, 70+ team members, and 19+ years of experience, we are Ontario’s most trusted tow truck company. Available 24/7/365 — we are always near you.