Does Insurance Cover Flatbed Towing in Hawaii?

Introduction

When your vehicle breaks down on the H-1, gets stuck in a flood zone in Mapunapuna, or is involved in an accident near Ala Moana, the first question many drivers ask is whether their insurance will cover the cost of towing. With flatbed towing being the safest and most reliable method for transporting vehicles in Hawaii—especially AWD cars, luxury models, electric vehicles, and damaged vehicles—it’s important to understand how insurance coverage works. Towing insurance Hawaii can vary depending on your policy, the situation, and the type of claim you need to file.

Many drivers assume towing is automatically included in their insurance policy, but that is not always the case. Some policies include towing and roadside assistance, while others require optional add-ons. Coverage also differs depending on whether the tow is related to a mechanical breakdown, an accident, or a weather-related incident. This guide offers a detailed look at what towing insurance covers, the difference between accident and breakdown towing, and how to file a towing claim correctly in Hawaii.

Types of Coverage

Insurance coverage for flatbed towing depends entirely on your policy. In Hawaii, most drivers fall into one of three categories: full-coverage insurance, liability-only insurance, or policies with optional roadside assistance. Each type handles towing differently.

Roadside Assistance Add-On Coverage

This is the most common type of towing coverage in Hawaii. Many insurance companies offer a roadside assistance package that includes:

• Flatbed towing

• Jumpstarts

• Fuel delivery

• Lockout assistance

• Tire changes

If you purchased roadside assistance, flatbed towing is typically covered up to a certain dollar limit or distance limit. Some policies may offer unlimited tows within the state, while others only cover the first 10–15 miles.

Roadside assistance coverage is ideal for:

• Breakdowns

• Dead batteries

• Flat tires

• Stalls

• Mechanical failures

• Overheating issues

Because roadside assistance is optional, drivers must check their policy to confirm whether it is included.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

Full-coverage insurance typically includes comprehensive and collision coverage, which may cover towing after accidents or certain types of damage, including:

• Accidents

• Collisions with guardrails

• Hitting debris

• Storm damage

• Flooding

• Fire

• Falling objects

In these cases, towing may be covered as part of the accident claim. Flatbed towing is often required after an accident due to wheel damage, suspension issues, or safety concerns.

Liability-Only Coverage

Liability insurance—the minimum required to drive legally in Hawaii—does not cover towing in most cases. Liability-only policies typically cover damage you cause to other vehicles or property, not your own vehicle’s breakdowns or towing needs.

If you only carry liability coverage, you may need to pay for the tow out of pocket unless the other party in an accident is at fault, in which case their insurance may pay.

Credit Card or Membership Benefits

Some drivers have towing coverage through:

• AAA

• Credit card perks

• Dealership warranty programs

• Manufacturer roadside assistance

These services may cover flatbed towing even when your insurance does not.

Before scheduling a tow, it’s essential to know which type of towing insurance Hawaii you have.

Accident vs Breakdown

Insurance companies treat towing differently depending on whether the situation involves an accident or a standard mechanical breakdown. Understanding the distinction helps drivers know what will be covered.

Towing After an Accident

If your vehicle is involved in an accident, towing is typically covered under:

Collision coverage (if you caused the accident)

The other driver’s liability insurance (if they were at fault)

Flatbed towing is often required after accidents because the vehicle may have:

• Bent axles

• Broken wheels

• Damaged suspension

• Fluid leaks

• Frame damage

Because of this, insurance companies often approve flatbed towing as part of the accident claim.

Accident towing may also include:

• Scene cleanup

• Police-requested towing

• Storage fees

• Impound release fees

Police involvement can affect how towing is handled. If the vehicle is blocking traffic or unsafe to drive, officers may require that it be towed immediately.

If the other driver is at fault, their insurance should cover towing as long as liability is clear. If fault is disputed, drivers may need to file with their own insurer and later seek reimbursement.

Towing After a Breakdown

Breakdown towing is treated differently because no collision or external damage occurred. Insurance coverage for breakdown towing depends on:

• Roadside assistance add-on

• Warranty coverage

• Manufacturer roadside services

• Membership-based roadside programs

Breakdown towing typically covers:

• Dead batteries

• Engine overheating

• Transmission failure

• Electrical problems

• Stalled engines

• Flat tires

• Fuel issues

Flatbed towing is often recommended for breakdowns involving:

• AWD vehicles

• Hybrid or electric cars

• Low-clearance vehicles

• Cars with drivetrain issues

Insurance may only cover part of the tow based on distance, such as the first 10–20 miles. Any additional mileage is the driver’s responsibility.

Towing During Flooding or Storm Damage

Hawaii experiences heavy rains, flash floods, and storm surges throughout the year. Vehicles stuck in floodwaters or damaged by storms may qualify for towing coverage through comprehensive insurance.

Flatbed towing is required for flood-damaged vehicles because:

• The engine may be compromised

• Electrical systems may be waterlogged

• Wheels may lock

• Vehicle may not roll safely

Most insurance companies treat storm-related towing as part of a comprehensive claim.

Towing After Theft or Vandalism

If your vehicle is recovered after theft or vandalism, towing is usually covered under comprehensive insurance. Flatbed towing is preferred because the vehicle’s steering, ignition, or wheels may be damaged.

Knowing whether your tow is classified as accident-related or non-accident-related helps determine your level of towing insurance Hawaii coverage.

How to File Claims

Filing a towing claim in Hawaii is relatively simple, but proper documentation and communication ensure a smooth process. Whether your tow is related to an accident or a breakdown, following these steps will improve your chances of full reimbursement.

Step 1: Contact Your Insurance Company

Call the insurance provider’s claims department or use the mobile app if available. Provide:

• Policy number

• Vehicle details

• Location of the incident

• Cause of breakdown or accident

• Whether police were involved

• Where the vehicle is being towed

Many insurers will dispatch a tow truck directly if your policy includes roadside assistance.

Step 2: Document the Situation

Before the tow truck arrives, take clear photos of:

• Vehicle condition

• Location

• Road hazards

• Damage (if any)

• Dashboard lights or warnings

Documentation helps confirm the reason for the tow and supports your claim.

Step 3: Ask for an Itemized Invoice

To receive reimbursement, you will need:

• Base fee

• Mileage charge

• After-hours fees

• Recovery charges (if applicable)

• Storage fees (if the vehicle is impounded)

Insurance companies often reject handwritten or incomplete invoices.

Step 4: File the Claim Promptly

Submit the invoice, photos, and claim details within the timeframe required by your insurer. Most companies allow:

• Online submission

• App uploads

• Email submission

• Phone-assisted filing

Delays can slow down processing or lead to denied claims.

Step 5: Understand Your Coverage Limits

• Roadside assistance often includes:

• Mileage caps (5–20 miles)

• Dollar caps ($50–$150 per tow)

• Limitations on how many tows per year

Accident coverage usually does not include mileage limits but is tied to overall repair claims.

Knowing these restrictions helps avoid unexpected charges.

Step 6: Follow Up if Needed

If reimbursement is delayed, call your insurer and request a status update. Keep all receipts until the claim is fully processed.

Step 7: Coordinate with Repair Shops or Ports

If your vehicle is being:

• Delivered to a repair facility

• Picked up from Honolulu Harbor

• Returned from inter-island shipping

Inform the insurance provider of the final drop-off location. They may need to update the claim file.

Following these steps ensures that your towing insurance Hawaii claim is processed smoothly and quickly.

Final Thoughts

Insurance coverage for flatbed towing varies widely based on policy type, the cause of the tow, and the provider’s rules. Drivers with roadside assistance enjoy the most consistent coverage for breakdowns, while accident towing is typically covered under collision or the at-fault driver’s liability. Comprehensive coverage protects drivers in cases involving storms, flooding, theft, or vandalism.

Flatbed towing is the safest and most reliable option for transporting damaged, luxury, electric, AWD, or non-operable vehicles—and understanding your towing insurance Hawaii helps you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. By knowing what is covered, the differences between accident and breakdown towing, and the proper steps to file a claim, drivers in Hawaii can navigate towing situations with confidence.

Call Discount Towing in Honolulu for fast, damage-free towing anywhere on Oahu.