Can I Use Towing Assistance for Rental Car Breakdowns? Everything You Need to Know

We've all experienced that sinking feeling when your car breaks down unexpectedly. Whether you're on a road trip, commuting to work, or running errands, a car breakdown can throw a serious wrench in your day. When you’re in a rental car, the stress is even more amplified. After all, you don’t own the vehicle, and navigating the towing and roadside assistance process can seem like a complicated maze.As someone who’s had their fair share of roadside issues—yes, even in rental cars—I'm here to share some key insights on whether towing assistance covers rental car breakdowns, how it works, and what you should be prepared for if you find yourself in such a situation.1. What is Towing Assistance for Rental Cars?Towing assistance for rental cars refers to the roadside help you can get when your rental vehicle breaks down, including services like towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire assistance, and even emergency fuel delivery. When renting a car, most rental companies offer some form of roadside assistance, either as part of your rental agreement or as an add-on service.In my personal experience, I've rented cars on multiple occasions, and I've always made sure to inquire about roadside assistance. The peace of mind that comes with knowing help is just a call away is worth the extra cost, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar area.1.1 How Does Towing Assistance Work?When you rent a car, you generally have two options for towing assistance:Included in the Rental: Some rental agencies automatically include basic roadside assistance in your rental agreement, which may cover breakdowns, flat tires, and lockouts. However, towing might not always be covered depending on the company’s policy.Add-on Service: If roadside assistance isn’t included, most rental agencies will offer an optional add-on that covers towing and other emergency services. This is often an extra daily fee, but it can save you from costly out-of-pocket expenses in case of a breakdown.Let’s say you’re in a rental car and the engine dies unexpectedly on a quiet stretch of highway. If you have roadside assistance included, the company will send a tow truck or service vehicle to either repair your car on-site or tow it to the nearest service station. This process can vary by provider, but the goal is to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.2. Can You Use Your Personal Towing Assistance for Rental Cars?One of the most common questions people ask is whether they can use their personal towing assistance for a rental car breakdown. If you already have a towing assistance plan (e.g., through your car insurance, AAA membership, or a third-party roadside assistance provider), you might be able to use it for a rental car breakdown, but there are some important details to keep in mind.2.1 Review Your Towing CoverageThe first thing you need to do is check your coverage details. Some personal towing assistance plans will extend to rental cars, while others may not. For example:Insurance Companies: Many car insurance policies provide towing services for rental vehicles if the rental is covered by your policy. If you’ve opted for comprehensive coverage, towing assistance should be included, but it’s always a good idea to confirm this with your insurer before you hit the road.AAA Membership: AAA often covers towing services for rental cars, but this depends on your membership level and the specific terms. If you have AAA, it’s worth calling ahead to verify the details of your coverage for rental vehicles.2.2 Limitations of Personal Towing CoverageEven if your personal towing coverage does extend to rental cars, there may be some restrictions. These restrictions could include:Towing Distance: Some insurance policies or memberships may limit the distance a rental car can be towed.Type of Breakdown: Certain types of breakdowns may not be covered by your personal towing assistance. For example, if your rental car is involved in an accident, you may be required to use the rental company’s own service rather than your personal coverage.In the past, I’ve had to call my own roadside assistance for a rental breakdown, and while it was covered by my insurance, it was a bit of a hassle dealing with the back-and-forth between the rental company and my insurance provider. That said, the peace of mind that came with knowing my personal plan had me covered was a huge relief.3. What Happens if You Don’t Have Roadside Assistance?If you’re driving a rental car and you don’t have roadside assistance included or you didn’t purchase the add-on service, you’re left with a couple of options.3.1 Contact the Rental CompanyThe first thing you should do is contact the rental company. Most rental companies will still provide a towing service in the event of a breakdown, but it could be more expensive if it’s not part of your rental agreement. Some companies charge high fees for emergency services if you haven’t purchased the roadside assistance add-on, and the cost of towing can quickly escalate.When I had a breakdown once while on a road trip with a rental car, I didn’t have the roadside assistance option. After calling the rental company, they sent a tow truck, but it came at a significant cost. I learned a valuable lesson that day: always check the terms of the rental agreement before hitting the road!3.2 Call a Local Tow ServiceIf you’re not covered by the rental company or your personal insurance, your next option is to call a local towing service. While this might not be the most convenient route, it’s still a viable option if you need to get your car towed. You’ll need to pay out-of-pocket, and the cost can vary based on your location, the company you choose, and the distance the car needs to be towed.4. Real-Life Case: When Roadside Assistance Saved the DayLet me share a quick story that perfectly illustrates how helpful towing assistance for rental cars can be. A few years ago, I rented a car for a cross-country road trip. About halfway through, I found myself stuck on a lonely stretch of highway with a blown tire. Thankfully, I had added the roadside assistance package to my rental agreement.I made the call, and within 30 minutes, a technician arrived to fix the tire. They even offered to tow the car to the nearest service station, just in case there was any further damage. It was quick, convenient, and stress-free. Without that coverage, I would have been left on my own, scrambling to find a nearby tow service and paying out-of-pocket for everything.5. Conclusion: Should You Opt for Roadside Assistance with Your Rental?If there’s one takeaway from this entire article, it’s this: Yes, you should absolutely consider opting for roadside assistance when renting a car. While it might seem like an unnecessary expense, having that coverage can save you from a lot of stress, time, and potentially high costs down the road.If you find yourself in need of towing assistance, whether for your personal car or a rental vehicle, make sure you choose a reputable service provider. Companies like Rescue & Towing offer comprehensive towing and roadside assistance that can help get you back on the road, no matter the situation.

Can I Use Towing Assistance for Rental Car Breakdowns? Everything You Need to Know

Can I Use Towing Assistance for Rental Car Breakdowns? Everything You Need to Know

Auto Repair Shops Near Me

a1 towing and auto repair

tinos auto shop

3287 verdugo rd

autoworks mobile

rush truck sales fontana

advance muffler & auto services

k and g auto repair

automotive repair columbus ohio

13443 freeway dr santa fe springs ca 90670

caliber collision bedford heights

av truck repair

broad & james towing

Recommended

Emergency Vehicle Breakdown Rescue – Fast Help When You Need It

Fast & Reliable Car Breakdown Help Near You – 24/7 Assistance

Winter Tire Service – Ensure Safe Driving in Snow and Ice

Best Mobile Mechanic App for On-Demand Car Repairs & Roadside Assistance

Emergency Road Service – Fast & Reliable Roadside Assistance Anytime

Roadside Emergency Services – Fast Assistance When You Need It Most

Related Categories

Can I Use Towing Assistance for Rental Car Breakdowns? Everything You Need to Know