How Much Does GEICO Charge for Towing?

If you have ERS on your GEICO policy, towing is typically included as a covered service up to your policy’s limits. If you don’t have ERS, GEICO may still help dispatch a tow provider, but you’ll generally pay the service charges yourself.

Because ERS is an optional endorsement, your cost depends on your overall policy and state. If you’re comparing the cost of ERS against your total premium, start here: GEICO auto insurance average cost.

Quick tip: Roadside benefits are usually not the same as a standard auto claim. Still, any service request can show up on your policy record—so use ERS when you truly need it and keep receipts and notes.

What GEICO Emergency Road Service Covers

GEICO’s ERS is designed for everyday breakdown situations, including towing to a repair facility that can make the needed repairs. Here’s a quick coverage snapshot (always defer to your policy contract for exact limits and exclusions):

Covered Need	What ERS Typically Provides	What You Might Still Pay
Towing	Tow to the nearest repair facility where repairs can be made	Extra mileage or special towing beyond policy limits; after-hours storage fees
Jump-Start	Help starting a dead battery (see also jump-start coverage details)	Battery replacement or parts/labor beyond the service
Flat Tire Change	Tire change if you have a functioning spare (learn more: flat tire coverage)	New tire(s) or roadside repair not included in basic service
Lockout Service	Lockout assistance typically up to a stated cap (learn more: GEICO lockout help)	Key replacement, programming, or charges over the cap
Winching	Winching when stuck on or immediately next to a publicly maintained roadway (details: winching coverage)	Recovery requiring specialized equipment or off-road recovery beyond policy terms
Fuel Delivery	Fuel delivery to help you reach a station (details: fuel delivery rules)	The cost of the fuel itself and any over-limit charges

ERS generally applies to standard passenger vehicles on your policy. GEICO also sells separate roadside options for motorcycles, boats, and RVs depending on state availability.

How Far Will GEICO Tow Your Car?

GEICO’s public ERS description emphasizes towing to the nearest repair facility where repairs can be made, and mileage allowances can vary by policy and state. For a deeper breakdown of what “nearest facility” and distance limits can look like in practice, see how far GEICO will tow your car.

Also note: ERS is roadside help—not collision coverage. If you’re trying to understand what towing looks like under an auto claim versus a roadside endorsement, this guide explains the difference: does car insurance cover towing?

Is Towing Really Free With GEICO?

“Free towing” is usually shorthand for “covered towing” under a roadside endorsement. With ERS on your policy, towing may be covered up to the plan’s limits, but you can still run into out-of-pocket costs for things like long-distance towing, specialty recovery, fuel, parts, or storage fees.

If you’re comparing different ways to get no-cost towing in general (not just GEICO), read: free towing options.

How to Request GEICO Towing

GEICO encourages policyholders to request ERS through the GEICO Mobile app or online because it can be faster than calling. If you prefer phone support, GEICO lists an Emergency Roadside Service number: (800) 424-3426.

Fastest option: Request service in the GEICO Mobile app or online through GEICO’s ERS page.
Phone option: Call (800) 424-3426 for roadside dispatch.
If you need help with your policy: Use our guide to GEICO customer service contact numbers to reach the right department.

Towing Reimbursement: What If You Paid Out of Pocket?

If you had ERS active at the time of the breakdown but had to pay out of pocket (for example, you couldn’t connect with dispatch or service was handled before you could open the app), GEICO has a reimbursement process. GEICO says reimbursement is based on your coverage limits, and you’ll typically need the original road service bill showing your policy number.

You can review the reimbursement instructions directly on GEICO’s website here: Emergency Road Service reimbursement.

What If You Don’t Have ERS on Your Policy?

You generally can’t add ERS after a breakdown and expect it to apply to that same incident. However, GEICO also states that if you don’t have ERS yet, you can still contact them and they may help find roadside help through their network—just expect to pay the service provider charges yourself.

If you’re still deciding whether ERS is a good value for your situation, start with our deeper review of GEICO roadside assistance.

When a Dedicated Roadside Plan Might Be Better

Insurance-based roadside endorsements like ERS can be a great low-cost add-on, but they often have stricter limits than auto clubs. If you drive long distances, take frequent road trips, or want higher towing mileage, an auto club membership may be worth comparing.

Final Word

GEICO ERS can cost as little as $14 per year per car and typically includes towing to a repair facility, plus services like jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockout help, winching, and fuel delivery (subject to policy terms). For a full picture of GEICO as an insurer—including how it stacks up on coverage and service—see our GEICO auto insurance review.

FAQs on GEICO Towing and Roadside Assistance

How much does GEICO roadside assistance cost?

GEICO advertises Emergency Road Service (ERS) for as little as $14 per year per car, but the actual price depends on your state, vehicle, and policy. You’ll see the exact cost when you add ERS to your quote or existing policy.

Does GEICO towing have a mileage limit?

GEICO’s public ERS description focuses on towing to the nearest repair facility where repairs can be made, and mileage allowances can vary by state and policy contract. Check your declarations page and policy wording to confirm what applies to you.

What roadside services does GEICO ERS cover?

ERS commonly covers towing, battery jump-starts, tire changes (with a functioning spare), lockout service (subject to a cap), winching (under specific conditions), and fuel delivery (you typically pay for the fuel). Exact terms can vary by state.

Can I call GEICO for towing if I don’t have ERS?

Often, yes—GEICO says it can help connect you with a local provider even if ERS isn’t on your policy. However, if ERS isn’t active, you should expect to pay the service charges yourself.

Does using roadside assistance raise my insurance rates?

Roadside service requests are typically different from collision or comprehensive claims, but underwriting practices vary. If you’re concerned about renewals or rate impact, ask GEICO how ERS service calls are recorded and considered in your state.

How do I get reimbursed if I paid for a tow out of pocket?

If ERS was active at the time of the breakdown, GEICO provides a reimbursement process based on your coverage limits. Save the original invoice, include your policy number, and follow GEICO’s reimbursement instructions on its website.

Does ERS cover motorcycles, RVs, or boats?

ERS generally applies to standard passenger vehicles on your auto policy. GEICO may offer separate roadside options for motorcycles, RVs, and boats, depending on state availability and endorsements.