Questions & answers · Car insurance
My car was towed after a crash. Does my insurer have to pay for the tow?
Car insuranceOtherCaliforniaChecked Nov 6, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: California Department of Insurance View original ↗
In short
- California's rules say the insurer must pay reasonable towing costs.
- The exception is when the insurer gave you a tow company's name first.
- Keep the tow bill.
What this means
CDI lists parts of California's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations in a paraphrased overview. One is that, "Unless the insurer has provided you with the name of a specific towing company prior to your using a towing facility, the insurer must pay reasonable towing expenses." [1]
CDI calls this a paraphrased brief overview and says the complete regulations are on its website [1].
Your next step
Keep the tow receipt, and tell your insurer which company towed the car and when. Ask in writing whether the insurer had named a tow company. The page gives no deadline.
Check it yourself
Open the CDI guide below and read "Your rights under the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations" on pages 12 and 13.
Where this comes from (1)
[1] California Department of Insurance · checked 2026-11-06
In general, insurance companies are required to do the following: … Unless the insurer has provided you with the name of a specific towing company prior to your using a towing facility, the insurer must pay reasonable towing expenses. … The above represents a paraphrased brief overview of some of the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations. You may view a complete copy of the Regulations by visiting the CDI webs…
How we found this
We matched your question to 1 official source, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.
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Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
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