💳 Quick Answer — Does Insurance Cover Towing?
Standard Alberta auto insurance does not automatically cover towing for breakdowns. However, towing is often covered after a collision (under your collision coverage), and you can add SEF 35 roadside assistance to your policy for $10–$50/year. AMA memberships, manufacturer warranties, and some credit cards also cover towing.
Need a tow now? Call (587) 885-2326 — we provide receipts for insurance reimbursement.
You are stranded on Deerfoot Trail with a dead battery, or your car has just been rear-ended at an intersection. One of the first questions that crosses your mind: does insurance cover towing? The answer depends on what type of coverage you have, what caused the breakdown, and whether you have added optional endorsements to your policy.
This guide breaks down every way Alberta drivers can get towing costs covered — from standard auto insurance and the SEF 35 endorsement to AMA memberships, manufacturer warranties, and credit card benefits. By the end, you will know exactly which coverage applies to your situation and how to avoid paying for a tow out of pocket.
The bottom line: if you plan ahead by adding one or two of the options below, you should never have to pay full price for a tow in Alberta. And if you need a tow right now, call us at (587) 885-2326 — we provide detailed receipts that work for insurance reimbursement with any provider.
The Short Answer: It Depends on Your Coverage
Alberta’s mandatory auto insurance (third-party liability and accident benefits) does not include towing for mechanical breakdowns. Towing is covered in specific circumstances depending on what optional coverage you carry:
Towing After a Collision: Usually Covered
If you are in a car accident and your vehicle cannot be driven, towing to a repair facility is typically covered as part of your collision claim — provided you carry collision or All Perils coverage. This is the most common scenario where the answer to “does insurance cover towing” is yes.
Here is how it works in Alberta:
✅ What’s covered
Towing from the accident scene to a repair facility or body shop. Some policies also cover towing to a Calgary collision reporting centre, storage while the vehicle is being assessed, and debris cleanup at the scene.
💰 Typical limits
Most Alberta collision policies cover towing costs as part of the claim with no separate limit — the towing cost is simply added to the overall repair bill. Some policies have a per-incident cap of $500–$1,500 for towing and storage combined.
📋 How to claim
Pay the towing company at the time of service and keep the receipt. Submit it as part of your collision claim. Some towing companies, including Calgary Towing, offer direct insurance billing — we invoice your insurer directly so you pay nothing upfront.
⚠️ Important note
If you only carry the minimum mandatory insurance (liability + accident benefits) and no collision coverage, towing after an accident is NOT covered by your own policy. The at-fault driver’s insurance may cover your tow, but this takes time to process.
SEF 35: Alberta’s Roadside Assistance Endorsement
If you want your insurance to cover towing for non-collision breakdowns — dead batteries, mechanical failures, flat tires, and lockouts — you need the SEF 35 endorsement. This is the specific add-on that turns the answer to “does insurance cover towing” from no to yes for everyday breakdowns.
📋 SEF 35 at a Glance
What it is: Standard Endorsement Form 35 — an optional add-on to your Alberta auto policy that covers roadside assistance and towing
Cost: Typically $10–$50 per year depending on the insurer and coverage limit
What it covers: Towing, battery boosts, tire changes, lockout service, fuel delivery, and minor mechanical first aid at the roadside
Coverage limits: Usually $50–$200 per incident (varies by insurer and selected limit)
How it works: You pay for the service, keep the receipt, and submit for reimbursement through your insurer
No deductible: SEF 35 claims typically have no deductible and do not affect your premium
SEF 35 is the cheapest way to add towing coverage to your policy. At $10–$50 per year, it pays for itself the first time you need a battery boost ($50–$110) or tire change ($60–$120). Call your insurance broker and ask to add SEF 35 to your policy — it takes effect immediately in most cases.
Limitation to know: SEF 35 coverage limits are often modest ($50–$200 per incident). A longer-distance tow — say from Cochrane to SE Calgary — can exceed the limit. SEF 35 will still reduce your out-of-pocket cost, but may not cover the full bill on longer tows.
AMA Membership: Alberta’s Most Popular Roadside Option
The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is the province’s largest roadside assistance provider and one of the most common ways Albertans cover towing costs. Here is how the three membership tiers compare for towing:
AMA is an excellent option if you drive frequently, travel longer distances, or have an older vehicle that is more prone to breakdowns. The Plus tier is the most popular because 160 km covers virtually any tow within the Calgary region — including tows to Edmonton.
⚠️ AMA Wait Times: The Catch
During extreme cold snaps in Calgary (which happen several times each winter), AMA wait times can stretch to 8–17+ hours. When temperatures drop below −25°C, AMA receives a call roughly every 40 seconds. If you need faster service, you can call an independent towing company like Calgary Towing at (587) 885-2326 for immediate dispatch (typically 15–35 minutes), then submit the receipt to AMA for partial reimbursement.
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Manufacturer Warranty Roadside Assistance
Most new vehicles sold in Canada include complimentary roadside assistance for the first 3–5 years of ownership (or a certain mileage, whichever comes first). This is separate from your insurance and is provided directly by the manufacturer.
Check your owner’s manual or the card in your glove box for the exact terms and phone number. Manufacturer roadside assistance usually requires towing to the nearest dealership of that brand — which may not be where you want your vehicle taken. If you prefer to be towed to your own mechanic, you may need to use a different coverage option.
Credit Card Roadside Assistance Benefits
Many premium credit cards include roadside assistance as a hidden cardholder benefit. If you carry one of these cards, you may already have towing coverage you have never used:
- Visa Infinite cards: Many Visa Infinite cards include complimentary roadside assistance covering towing, battery boosts, tire changes, lockout service, and fuel delivery — typically up to 4 service calls per year.
- Mastercard World and World Elite: Often include roadside assistance with towing coverage up to a set dollar amount or distance per incident.
- American Express Platinum: Includes premium roadside assistance with higher coverage limits than most credit card programs.
- CIBC, TD, RBC, Scotiabank premium cards: Many of Canada’s major banks offer roadside assistance on their higher-tier credit cards. Check your cardholder agreement or call the number on the back of the card.
Credit card roadside assistance is a true hidden benefit — most cardholders never use it because they do not know it exists. The next time you are wondering “does insurance cover towing,” check your wallet first.
All Coverage Options Compared
Best strategy: Layer your coverage. If you drive a newer vehicle, you already have manufacturer roadside assistance. Add SEF 35 to your insurance ($10–$50/year) for a backup that outlasts your warranty. If you drive an older vehicle or travel long distances regularly, AMA Plus provides the most comprehensive towing coverage in Alberta.
How to File a Towing Reimbursement Claim
If you pay for a tow out of pocket and want to claim reimbursement from your insurance, AMA, or warranty provider, follow these steps:
Get a detailed receipt
The receipt must include: the towing company name, date and time, pickup location, drop-off location, service description, vehicle information, and total amount charged. We provide this on every call — just ask when you call a tow truck.
Contact your provider
Call your insurance company, AMA, or warranty provider. For insurance, file under SEF 35 (breakdown) or your collision claim (accident). For AMA, call within 48 hours for reimbursement. For manufacturer warranty, call the number on your roadside assistance card.
Submit documentation
Submit the towing receipt along with any additional documentation requested (photos, police report number for accidents, AMA membership number). Most providers accept email or online submissions.
Receive reimbursement
For insurance claims (SEF 35 or collision), reimbursement typically takes 1–4 weeks. AMA reimbursement is usually faster. Keep a copy of everything for your records — occasionally claims are revisited months later.
Direct Insurance Billing: Pay Nothing Upfront
Some towing companies, including Calgary Towing, offer direct insurance billing for accident recovery. Instead of paying out of pocket and waiting for reimbursement, we invoice your insurance company directly.
This service is most commonly available for collision-related towing, where the insurer covers the full cost as part of the accident claim. For SEF 35 breakdown claims, most insurers still require you to pay first and submit for reimbursement — but we provide the detailed receipt you need to make that process smooth.
When you call (587) 885-2326, mention your insurance provider and policy number. We will let you know whether direct billing is available for your situation.
What Towing Insurance Does NOT Cover
Even with comprehensive towing coverage, there are situations that are typically not covered or have significant limitations:
- Predatory towing bills: If an uninvited tow truck takes your car and charges inflated rates, your insurance may only reimburse up to fair market rates — leaving you on the hook for the difference. Always choose your own tow truck.
- Impound storage fees: Insurance typically covers towing TO a destination — not daily storage fees at an impound lot. If your car sits in an impound for days or weeks, those fees ($30–$75/day) are your responsibility. See our impound lot guide.
- Second tows: If your vehicle is towed to the wrong location (or you change your mind), most policies cover only one tow per incident. The second tow is out of pocket.
- Vehicles not on your policy: Your towing coverage applies only to vehicles listed on your insurance policy. If you are driving a friend’s car, your coverage does not apply.
- Amounts above your limit: If your SEF 35 limit is $100 and the tow costs $175, you pay the $75 difference. Always check your specific limit.
What Towing Costs Without Insurance in Calgary
If the answer to “does insurance cover towing” is no for your situation, here is what you can expect to pay out of pocket in Calgary:
For a complete breakdown, see our 2026 tow truck cost guide. Even a single local tow or battery boost exceeds the annual cost of SEF 35 coverage — which is why adding it to your policy is one of the best small investments an Alberta driver can make.
The Best Towing Coverage Strategy for Calgary Drivers
Based on the options above, here is what we recommend for different driver profiles:
🚗 New vehicle (under 5 years)
You already have manufacturer roadside assistance — use it. Add SEF 35 ($10–$50/year) as a backup for when wait times are long or the warranty expires. Check your credit card for additional coverage.
🚘 Older vehicle (5+ years)
No manufacturer warranty. Get AMA Plus (~$130–$160/year) for the most comprehensive breakdown coverage, plus SEF 35 on your insurance as a low-cost backup. Older vehicles break down more often — the investment pays for itself quickly.
🛣️ Long-distance commuter
If you commute from Airdrie, Cochrane, or Okotoks to Calgary daily, AMA Plus (160 km free towing) is essential. A breakdown 50 km from home without coverage could cost $300+ for the tow alone.
💰 Budget-conscious driver
SEF 35 at $10–$50/year is the cheapest option. It will not cover a long-distance tow in full, but it takes the sting out of a local breakdown. Check your credit card benefits too — you may already be covered for free.
Frequently Asked Questions — Insurance and Towing in Alberta
Does car insurance cover towing in Alberta?
Not automatically for breakdowns. Towing after a collision is usually covered if you have collision coverage. For mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, and dead batteries, you need to add the SEF 35 roadside assistance endorsement to your policy ($10–$50/year).
What is SEF 35 in Alberta auto insurance?
SEF 35 (Standard Endorsement Form 35) is an optional add-on to your Alberta auto policy that covers roadside assistance services including towing, battery boosts, tire changes, lockouts, and fuel delivery. It typically costs $10–$50 per year with coverage limits of $50–$200 per incident.
Does insurance cover towing after an accident?
Yes, if you have collision or All Perils coverage. Towing from the accident scene to a repair facility is typically included as part of your collision claim. If you only carry basic liability insurance, your own policy will not cover the tow — but the at-fault driver’s insurance may.
How much does AMA towing cost in Alberta?
AMA Basic covers about 5 km of free towing, with charges around $2/km after that. AMA Plus covers about 160 km free. AMA Premier covers about 320 km. Beyond the free distance, expect to pay roughly $2 per km. AMA also covers battery boosts, tire changes, lockouts, and fuel delivery.
Will filing a towing claim raise my insurance premium?
SEF 35 roadside assistance claims (for breakdowns) typically do not affect your premium. Collision claims that include towing may affect your premium — but the towing itself is not the issue; the accident claim is. If you are only claiming the roadside assistance portion, your rates should stay the same.
Can I use a towing company that is not my insurer’s preferred provider?
Yes. Under Alberta towing regulations, you have the right to choose your own towing company and destination. Your insurer may have preferred providers, but they cannot deny your claim just because you used a different company. Keep the receipt for reimbursement.
Does my credit card cover towing?
Many premium credit cards (Visa Infinite, Mastercard World Elite, Amex Platinum) include complimentary roadside assistance that covers towing, battery boosts, lockouts, and tire changes. Check your cardholder agreement or call the number on the back of your card to confirm.
What if I need a tow but AMA wait times are too long?
During extreme cold snaps, AMA wait times in Calgary can reach 8–17+ hours. You can call an independent company like Calgary Towing at (587) 885-2326 for faster service (15–35 minutes typical), pay at the time of service, and then submit the receipt to AMA for reimbursement within their policy terms.
How much does towing cost without insurance in Calgary?
Without coverage, a local tow costs $75–$175, battery boosts run $50–$110, tire changes cost $60–$120, and collision recovery ranges from $125–$300. For a full breakdown, see our 2026 tow truck cost guide.
Does insurance cover impound lot fees?
Generally no. Insurance may cover the tow to the impound lot, but daily storage fees ($30–$75/day) are your responsibility. This is why it is critical to retrieve your vehicle from impound as quickly as possible. See our Calgary impound lot guide for the retrieval process.
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