Insurance & Towing in Ontario: Does Your Car Insurance Cover Towing? (2026 Guide)
Does car insurance cover towing in Ontario? It depends on your policy. Accident-related towing is typically covered under your collision/comprehensive coverage. Breakdown towing is only covered if you have the optional OPCF 35 roadside assistance endorsement β which most drivers do not realize they need to add separately. This guide explains every coverage type, what is and is not included, and how insurance billing towing works with Brantford Towing.
Need towing with insurance billing? (226) 493-1377
It is 11 PM. You have just been rear-ended on Highway 403. Your car cannot be driven. A tow truck arrives and the driver says it will be $250 to get you to a body shop. The first question that runs through your mind: “Will my insurance pay for this?”
Or maybe it is a Tuesday morning and your engine will not start. You need a tow to the mechanic β no accident involved. Same question: “Am I covered?”
The answer is more nuanced than most Ontario drivers realize. Insurance coverage for towing depends entirely on the type of incident, the specific endorsements on your policy, and whether the tow service you call works with your insurer. This guide from Brantford Towing breaks it all down β in plain language, not insurance jargon β so you know exactly what you are covered for before an emergency happens.
The Short Answer: When Insurance Does and Does Not Cover Towing
Here is the quick reference β then we will break down each scenario in detail:
The key takeaway: accident towing is almost always covered. Breakdown towing is almost never covered unless you have added OPCF 35. Most Ontario drivers assume their insurance covers all towing β it does not.
Accident Towing: How Collision Coverage Works
If your vehicle needs towing because of a collision β whether you were at fault or not β the tow is typically covered as part of your collision claim. Here is how it works in Ontario:
π‘οΈ At-Fault Collision
Your collision coverage pays for the tow as part of the overall claim. The towing cost is bundled with your vehicle repair expenses and subject to your deductible (typically $500 to $1,000).
β Not-at-Fault Collision
Under Ontario’s Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD) system, your own insurer covers your vehicle damage and towing when the other driver is at fault. You deal with your insurer β not theirs.
π¦ Comprehensive Claims
If your vehicle is damaged by something other than a collision β hitting a deer, storm damage, vandalism, flood β towing is covered under comprehensive coverage as part of the repair claim.
The critical detail: accident towing costs are not paid to you directly β they are part of the claim that your insurer processes with the repair facility. This is where insurance billing towing from Brantford Towing simplifies everything. We bill your insurer directly so you may pay nothing out of pocket at the scene. More on this below.
OPCF 35: Ontario’s Roadside Assistance Insurance Endorsement
If you want your auto insurance to cover towing for breakdowns, flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and fuel delivery β not just accidents β you need to add the OPCF 35 endorsement (Ontario Policy Change Form 35) to your policy. Here is what every Ontario driver should know about it:
π OPCF 35 β Key Facts
What it is: An optional add-on endorsement that provides roadside assistance coverage through your auto insurance policy
What it covers: Towing, battery boost, flat tire change, lockout service, fuel delivery β for non-accident breakdowns
Typical reimbursement: Up to approximately $50β$100 per incident (varies by insurer)
Annual cost to add: Approximately $20β$40 per year (varies by insurer)
How it works: You pay the tow service upfront, then submit the receipt to your insurer for reimbursement up to the coverage limit
β οΈ OPCF 35 Is NOT Included by Default
Most Ontario drivers do not have OPCF 35 because it must be specifically requested and added to your policy. Many assume their insurance covers breakdown towing β they discover the truth when they are stranded and their insurer says “not covered.” Call your insurer or broker today and ask: “Do I have OPCF 35?” If not, adding it costs about the same as a single coffee per month.
CAA Membership vs Insurance Towing Coverage: What’s the Difference?
Many Ontario drivers rely on CAA membership for towing β but it is important to understand how CAA differs from insurance coverage and from calling a car towing service near me directly:
*Brantford Towing offers direct insurance billing for accident-related tows β you may pay $0 at the scene.
Many drivers maintain both CAA and OPCF 35 for maximum coverage. But if you are choosing one or the other, OPCF 35 is far cheaper. And for the fastest response with the most control, calling a local tow service like Brantford Towing directly gives you the best combination of speed, quality, and flexibility.
How Insurance Billing Towing Works With Brantford Towing
One of the most stressful parts of an accident is figuring out how to pay for the tow when you are already dealing with the collision itself. That is where insurance billing towing eliminates the hassle. Here is exactly how it works when you call Brantford Towing for accident towing with direct insurance billing:
You Call Us After an Accident
Call (226) 493-1377 and tell us you need accident towing. We ask for your insurance company name and policy number (check your pink slip).
We Tow Your Vehicle
We dispatch a truck, recover your vehicle from the accident scene, and transport it to the body shop, dealership, or destination you choose β your choice, always.
We Bill Your Insurer Directly
Instead of charging you at the scene, we submit the towing invoice directly to your insurance company as part of your collision claim. You may pay nothing out of pocket.
Documentation Provided
We provide complete tow receipts and documentation that your insurer and the collision reporting centre require for your claim file.
π‘ Why Direct Insurance Billing Matters
After an accident, you are dealing with injuries, police, the other driver, and stress. Adding a $250 towing bill on top of that β then having to file for reimbursement yourself β is an unnecessary burden. Direct billing means one less thing to worry about at the worst possible moment.
Accident Towing With Direct Insurance Billing
We Bill Your Insurer. You May Pay $0.
All major Ontario insurers accepted. Complete documentation provided.
Manufacturer Warranty Roadside Assistance: The Free Coverage Most Drivers Forget
If you bought or leased a new vehicle in the last 3 to 5 years, you likely have free roadside assistance included in your manufacturer warranty β and most drivers never use it because they do not realize it exists:
π What’s Typically Included
Towing, battery boost, flat tire change, lockout service, and fuel delivery β for the duration of the manufacturer’s warranty (usually 3 to 5 years or 60,000 to 100,000 km, whichever comes first).
π How To Use It
Call the manufacturer’s roadside assistance number β usually found in your owner’s manual, on a card in the glove box, or on the manufacturer’s app. They dispatch a local tow company on their behalf.
β±οΈ The Downside
Wait times can be longer than calling a local car towing service near me directly β the manufacturer’s dispatch may send a company from farther away. You also lose the choice of provider.
Towing Company Insurance: Why It Protects YOU
Beyond your own auto insurance, the towing company insurance carried by your tow provider is equally important β because it protects your vehicle against damage during transport:
Licensed & Insured Company
Carries $2M+ commercial liability. If your vehicle is scratched, dented, or mechanically damaged during towing, the company’s insurance covers the full repair cost β not your personal auto insurance.
Unlicensed / Uninsured Operator
No commercial coverage means you pay for any damage out of your own pocket β or face a legal battle against an operator who may have no assets. Learn more about protecting yourself in our tow truck scams guide.
At Brantford Towing, we carry full towing company insurance with $2M+ in commercial liability β compliant with Ontario’s TSSEA regulations. Proof available on request. For complete details on your legal protections, read our Ontario towing laws guide.
5 Things To Check on Your Ontario Auto Insurance Policy Today
Do not wait until you are stranded to find out what your policy covers. Call your insurer or broker today and ask these five questions β FSRA’s auto insurance guide can help you understand the basics:
“Do I have OPCF 35 roadside assistance?” β If yes, confirm the reimbursement limit per incident. If no, ask what it costs to add.
“Is accident towing covered under my collision coverage?” β It almost always is, but confirm. Ask if there is a separate towing sub-limit.
“What is my collision deductible?” β This is what you pay before insurance kicks in. Typical: $500 to $1,000. The towing cost is part of this claim.
“Can my tow company bill you directly?” β Some insurers accept direct billing from tow companies. Brantford Towing works with all major Ontario insurers for direct billing.
“Is storage covered if my vehicle is held after an accident?” β Daily storage fees ($40β$60/day) can accumulate fast. Confirm if your policy covers post-accident storage.
Towing Costs vs Insurance Coverage: What You’ll Actually Pay
Here is a practical guide to what different towing scenarios cost and how much your insurance typically covers:
*With Brantford Towing’s direct insurance billing, accident tow costs are billed to your insurer as part of your collision claim β you typically pay $0 at the scene. Deductible applies to the overall claim, not the towing specifically.
For complete pricing across all services, see our Brantford towing cost guide and affordable towing tips.
Insurance Billing Towing Service Areas
Brantford Towing provides accident towing with direct insurance billing towing across the full region: Brantford, Paris, Caledonia, and St. George, Burford, Scotland, Mount Pleasant, Ancaster, Cambridge, Woodstock, Hamilton, and Simcoe β plus all Highway 403, 24, 401, and Highway 2 corridors. View our service area map.
Why Brantford Drivers Trust Us for Insurance-Related Towing
π₯
Direct Insurance Billing
We bill your insurer β you may pay $0 at the scene.
π
Complete Documentation
Tow receipts ready for your claim and collision report.
π‘οΈ
$2M+ Liability Insurance
Your vehicle is covered during transport.
β‘
20β45 Min Response
Faster than CAA or insurer dispatch in most cases.
π
You Choose Destination
Your body shop. Zero referral kickbacks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance & Towing
Does car insurance cover towing in Ontario?
It depends on the situation. Accident-related towing is typically covered under your collision or comprehensive coverage as part of the overall claim. Breakdown towing (mechanical failure, flat tire, dead battery) is only covered if you have the optional OPCF 35 roadside assistance endorsement on your policy.
What is OPCF 35 and do I need it?
OPCF 35 is an optional Ontario auto insurance endorsement that adds roadside assistance coverage β including towing, battery boost, flat tire change, lockout, and fuel delivery for non-accident breakdowns. It costs approximately $20 to $40 per year and reimburses up to about $50 to $100 per incident. It is not included by default.
What is insurance billing towing?
Insurance billing towing means the tow company bills your insurance company directly for accident-related towing instead of charging you at the scene. Brantford Towing offers direct insurance billing for collision tows β we submit the invoice to your insurer and you may pay nothing out of pocket.
Does my tow cost come out of my deductible?
For accident claims, the towing cost is bundled with the overall repair claim. Your deductible applies to the total claim, not to the towing separately. So if your deductible is $500 and your total claim is $5,000 (including $200 towing), you pay $500 total β not $500 plus $200.
Is CAA the same as OPCF 35 insurance coverage?
No. CAA is a separate membership service ($90β$170/year) that provides roadside assistance. OPCF 35 is an endorsement on your auto insurance policy ($20β$40/year) that reimburses you for roadside service costs. They are independent products β you can have both, one, or neither.
Does towing company insurance protect my vehicle?
Yes. A legitimate tow company carries commercial liability insurance β typically $2 million or more β that covers your vehicle against damage during towing and transport. If an insured operator scratches, dents, or mechanically damages your car during the tow, their insurance pays for the repair β not yours.
Will filing a towing insurance claim raise my premiums?
For at-fault collision claims, your premium may increase β but this is due to the collision, not the towing specifically. OPCF 35 roadside assistance claims are generally considered minor and may not affect your premium, though policies vary. Consult your broker for specifics about your policy.
Does my new car warranty include roadside assistance?
Most new vehicle warranties include complimentary roadside assistance for 3 to 5 years covering towing, battery boost, flat tire, lockout, and fuel delivery. Check your owner’s manual or contact your dealership to confirm coverage details and the phone number to call.
How do I get reimbursed for a tow with OPCF 35?
Pay the tow company at the time of service (we provide a detailed receipt), then submit the receipt to your insurer along with a brief description of the incident. Your insurer reimburses you up to the OPCF 35 coverage limit, which is typically $50 to $100 depending on your policy.
Does Brantford Towing work with all Ontario insurance companies?
Yes. We provide direct insurance billing for accident-related towing with all major Ontario auto insurers. We handle the paperwork and invoicing so you can focus on recovery after an accident. Call (226) 493-1377 for any insurance-related towing need.
Accident Towing β’ Direct Insurance Billing β’ You May Pay $0
We Handle the Tow. We Handle the Insurance. You Focus on Recovery.
All major Ontario insurers β’ Complete documentation β’ TSSEA licensed β’ 24/7.