Does Your Car Insurance Cover Towing in Ontario? What Drivers Should Know
“It depends on what coverage you have.”
If you are a Hamilton driver wondering does insurance cover towing in Ontario — the short answer is sometimes. Collision or all-perils coverage typically pays for towing after an accident. For breakdowns, you need the optional OPCF 35 roadside assistance endorsement. Without either, you pay the full bill out of pocket.
You are stranded on the side of the QEW near Burlington with a car that will not start. Or maybe you just had a fender bender on Main Street in Hamilton. The tow truck is on its way and one thought keeps running through your head: does insurance cover towing, or am I about to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket?
Most Ontario drivers assume their auto insurance automatically covers towing. It does not — at least not in every situation. The answer depends on what type of coverage you carry, why your vehicle needs to be towed, and whether you have added the right endorsements to your policy. This guide breaks down every scenario so you know exactly where you stand before you need a tow.
At Towing Hamilton, we handle insurance towing calls every day and work directly with Ontario insurers to make the process seamless. If you need a tow right now, call (905) 481-0133 — we will sort out the insurance details while your vehicle is on its way to safety.
The Three Ways Ontario Car Insurance Can Cover Towing
Ontario auto insurance is not one-size-fits-all. Whether your towing insurance kicks in depends on which of these three coverage types you carry — and what caused the tow in the first place.
Quick Reference: What Is Covered and What Is Not
Here is a plain-English breakdown of when your Ontario car towing insurance pays and when you are on your own:
💡 Key takeaway: If you only carry Ontario’s mandatory basic auto insurance, towing is never covered. You need at least collision coverage for accident towing or OPCF 35 for non-accident situations.
What Is OPCF 35 and Why the $50 Limit Matters
OPCF 35 stands for Ontario Policy Change Form 35, and it is the standard roadside assistance endorsement available from Ontario insurers. Adding it to your policy usually costs between $20 and $40 per year — a small amount that gives you access to reimbursement for towing, battery boosts, lockout service, and emergency fuel delivery.
Here is the catch: OPCF 35 typically reimburses a maximum of $50 per incident. The average cost of a standard tow in Hamilton ranges from $100 to $250 depending on distance and time of day. That means even with the endorsement, you could still be paying $50 to $200 out of pocket after reimbursement.
“OPCF 35 is better than nothing — but $50 does not go far when the average tow costs $150+.”
— What every Hamilton driver should know
Some insurers offer enhanced roadside packages with higher reimbursement limits. Ask your broker if a higher-limit option is available. You can also supplement OPCF 35 with a CAA membership or a manufacturer’s roadside program if you drive a newer vehicle. Either way, knowing your limits before you are stuck on the side of Highway 403 saves you from a surprise bill.
Need a tow and unsure about your coverage? Call Towing Hamilton at (905) 481-0133. We offer transparent upfront pricing so you know the full cost before we dispatch, and we can bill your insurer directly when your policy allows it.
CAA Membership vs Insurance Roadside Assistance: What Is the Difference?
Many Ontario drivers assume CAA and their insurance roadside endorsement are the same thing. They are not. Here is how they compare:
Many drivers carry both for maximum coverage. CAA provides higher towing distance limits and does not affect your insurance record, while OPCF 35 is cheaper and covers every vehicle on your policy. If you are choosing just one, CAA Plus typically offers better value for towing specifically.
Common Myths About Towing Insurance in Ontario
Misconceptions about towing insurance lead to costly surprises. Here are the most common myths we hear from Hamilton drivers — and the reality.
Myth
“My basic Ontario car insurance covers towing.”
Fact
Ontario’s mandatory auto insurance only covers third-party liability, accident benefits, uninsured motorist, and direct compensation property damage. Towing is not included in the basic package. You must add collision coverage, all-perils coverage, or the OPCF 35 endorsement separately.
Myth
“If the other driver is at fault, their insurance pays for my tow.”
Fact
Ontario is a no-fault insurance province. Regardless of who caused the accident, you deal with your own insurer for vehicle damage and towing. Your collision coverage or all-perils coverage is what pays for towing, not the at-fault driver’s policy.
Myth
“I can use any tow company and my insurance will pay.”
Fact
Under Ontario’s 2024 towing regulations, you do have the right to choose your own tow company. However, some insurers have a list of preferred providers. Using a company not on that list may delay reimbursement or result in a lower payout. At Towing Hamilton, we work with all major Ontario insurers to ensure smooth billing — call us at (905) 481-0133.
Myth
“Filing a towing claim will raise my insurance rates.”
Fact
Roadside assistance claims under OPCF 35 generally do not affect your premiums. However, a towing claim tied to an at-fault collision can raise your rates because the collision itself is what triggers the increase, not the tow. Ask your broker for specifics about your policy.
Your Rights When Getting Towed in Ontario (2024 Regulations)
As of January 2024, Ontario moved towing governance from municipal to provincial jurisdiction. This means all drivers across the province now share the same rights, whether you are towed in Hamilton, Toronto, or anywhere else in Ontario. Here are the key protections that every driver should know:
You choose who tows your vehicle — unless police direct otherwise for safety reasons.
You choose where your vehicle is towed — the tow operator cannot take it to a facility of their choice without your consent.
You must sign a Consent to Tow form before any towing begins (unless you hold a motor club membership).
You receive an itemized invoice before paying. The tow company cannot charge more than 10% above the original quote.
You can pay by credit card — tow operators must accept electronic payment methods.
Your insurer can deal directly with the tow company — insurance representatives can now consent to towing services and request vehicle release on your behalf.
You can verify the tow operator’s credentials — ask to see their name and certificate number. All operators must be licensed under the provincial framework.
⚠️ Watch out for unsolicited tow trucks. In Hamilton and the broader GTA, tow truck scams remain a problem. If a tow truck arrives at an accident scene without being called, you are not obligated to use them. Always call your own trusted towing service or ask police for a recommendation.
We Work With Your Insurance Company
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How to Check If Your Ontario Policy Covers Towing
Do not wait until you are stranded to find out what your policy covers. Here is how to check right now:
Find your insurance pink card — it is in your glove box, your wallet, or your insurer’s app. It lists your basic coverage type.
Log in to your insurer’s online portal — look for “endorsements” or “optional coverages.” Search for OPCF 35 or “roadside assistance.”
Check for collision or all-perils coverage — these are what cover towing after an accident. If you see only “third-party liability” and “statutory accident benefits,” you have no towing coverage for collisions.
Call your broker or insurer — ask specifically: “Does my policy cover towing? What is my towing reimbursement limit? Do you have preferred towing providers in Hamilton?”
Check your credit card benefits — some Visa, Mastercard, and Amex cards include complimentary roadside assistance. This is free coverage many people forget about.
Step-by-Step: What to Do When You Need a Tow and Have Insurance
If you are on the side of the road and believe your insurance covers towing, follow these steps to maximize your reimbursement and avoid problems:
Step 1: Move to safety and turn on hazard lights.
Step 2: Call your insurance company’s claims line to report the incident and ask if they have a preferred tow provider.
Step 3: If you have a preferred tow company like Towing Hamilton, call (905) 481-0133 — we can coordinate directly with your insurer.
Step 4: Review and sign the Consent to Tow form before the operator begins. Confirm the destination and price.
Step 5: Pay by credit card and keep your itemized receipt. Your insurer will need it for reimbursement.
Step 6: Take photos of the tow truck, your vehicle, and any damage before the vehicle is moved.
Step 7: File your reimbursement claim with your insurer within 30 days (or sooner — check your policy).
If the situation involves an accident, you may also need to visit a collision reporting centre. Our accident towing drivers know all Hamilton CRC locations and can deliver your vehicle directly. For non-accident breakdowns, we can tow you to your preferred mechanic or dealership — just let us know where when you call.
No Towing Coverage? Here Are Your Options in Hamilton
If you have checked your policy and confirmed that towing is not covered, you still have several options to manage the cost:
◾ Call Towing Hamilton for upfront pricing. We quote before we dispatch, so you know the exact cost. No hidden fees, no surprises. Call (905) 481-0133 or use our towing cost estimator.
◾ Check your credit card benefits. Many premium credit cards include roadside assistance that covers towing up to a set distance or dollar amount.
◾ Check your vehicle warranty or manufacturer program. Many new vehicles come with complimentary roadside assistance for the first three to five years.
◾ Join CAA before you need it. Membership starts at around $92 per year and covers towing, battery service, lockouts, and more.
◾ Add OPCF 35 at your next renewal. Even though the $50 limit is low, it costs only $20 to $40 per year and is better than nothing.
Regardless of your coverage status, our full range of towing and roadside services is available 24/7. From flatbed towing and emergency towing to battery boosts, car unlocking, and fuel delivery, we cover Hamilton, Burlington, Waterdown, and Grimsby.
How Towing Hamilton Handles Insurance Towing Claims
When you call a towing company that has insurance billing experience, the process is dramatically easier. Here is how we handle insurance towing in Hamilton:
📋
Verify Coverage
We confirm your policy details and coverage type before dispatch.
🚛
Tow Your Vehicle
Safe, professional towing to your chosen destination — CRC, shop, or home.
🧾
Handle Paperwork
Itemized invoices, direct insurer billing where accepted, and reimbursement-ready receipts.
We have experience working with all major Ontario insurers including Intact, Aviva, Desjardins, TD Insurance, Sonnet, and more. If your insurer offers direct billing, we can handle it without you paying upfront. For 24-hour towing with insurance support, we are the team Hamilton trusts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Towing and Insurance in Ontario
Does insurance cover towing after a car accident in Ontario?
Yes, if you have collision coverage or all-perils coverage on your Ontario auto policy. These optional coverages typically include the cost of towing your vehicle from the accident scene to a repair shop or collision reporting centre. Ontario’s mandatory basic insurance does not include towing.
What is OPCF 35 and how much does it reimburse for towing?
OPCF 35 is Ontario’s standard roadside assistance endorsement that you can add to your auto insurance policy. It covers towing, battery service, lockouts, and fuel delivery for non-accident situations. The typical reimbursement limit is $50 per incident, though some insurers offer enhanced versions with higher limits.
Can I choose my own tow truck company in Ontario?
Yes. Under Ontario’s 2024 provincial towing regulations, drivers have the legal right to choose their own tow company and decide where their vehicle is towed. The only exception is when police direct otherwise for public safety. Some insurers have preferred providers, but you are not required to use them.
Will filing a towing claim raise my insurance premiums?
Roadside assistance claims under OPCF 35 generally do not affect your premiums. However, if the tow is related to an at-fault collision, the accident itself may impact your rates at renewal. The towing claim is not a separate factor — it is the collision that matters. Consult your insurance broker for details specific to your policy.
Does CAA cover towing in Hamilton?
Yes. CAA membership includes towing in the Hamilton area. Basic membership covers towing up to 10 km, while CAA Plus covers up to 200 km. Members receive four service calls per membership year. CAA towing does not affect your auto insurance record.
How much does a tow cost without insurance in Hamilton?
Without insurance, towing in Hamilton typically costs $100 to $250 for a standard vehicle within the city. Longer distances, after-hours service, or heavy-duty vehicles cost more. Call Towing Hamilton at (905) 481-0133 for an upfront quote or use the towing cost estimator.
Does insurance cover storage fees after a tow?
Storage fees are a separate matter from towing. Some collision and all-perils policies cover reasonable storage fees, but many do not — or they cap coverage at a low amount. Always ask your insurer about storage coverage before your vehicle sits in a yard. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize these costs.
What if an unsolicited tow truck shows up at my accident in Hamilton?
You are not obligated to use any tow truck you did not call. Politely decline and call your own tow company or your insurer’s preferred provider. If the operator pressures you, note their truck number and report it. Under Ontario’s provincial regulations, tow operators who solicit business at accident scenes can face penalties.
Does insurance cover towing if I am stuck in snow or a ditch?
Only if you have OPCF 35 or a separate roadside assistance plan. Getting stuck in snow or a ditch is not considered a collision, so collision coverage does not apply. OPCF 35 will reimburse up to its limit (typically $50), and CAA membership covers winch outs as part of its towing benefit. Our winching and recovery service handles these situations daily.
Can a towing company in Hamilton bill my insurance directly?
Some insurers allow direct billing between the tow company and the insurance provider, especially for post-accident towing. Towing Hamilton works with all major Ontario insurers and can handle direct billing when your policy supports it. Call us at (905) 481-0133 and we will check your eligibility before dispatching.
Need a Tow? We Handle the Insurance Paperwork.
Serving Hamilton, Burlington, Waterdown & Grimsby — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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