How Much Does GEICO Charge for Towing?

Last Updated on October 7, 2026

By James Shaffer · Reviewed by Thomas Rockford, insurance industry executive and financial analyst, on October 5, 2026 · How we fact-check

GEICO’s optional roadside add-on—called Emergency Road Service (ERS)—can be added for as little as $14 per year per car (pricing varies by state, vehicle, and policy). If your car breaks down, ERS can help with common emergencies like towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockouts, and more. For a broader overview of what roadside plans typically include, see this roadside assistance guide.

This article explains what GEICO towing usually includes, what you might still pay out of pocket, and how to request service the right way.

1. ERS Is an Add-On, Not Automatic: GEICO towing is typically included only if Emergency Road Service is active on your policy at the time of the breakdown.
2. “Free” Usually Means “Covered Up to Limits”: Towing and other services are subject to policy limits, and extras like fuel, parts, storage, or extended mileage may cost extra.
3. The App Is Often the Fastest Option: Requesting roadside help through GEICO Mobile or online can speed up dispatch compared to calling.
4. Reimbursement May Be Possible: If you had ERS active but paid out of pocket, GEICO offers a reimbursement process based on your coverage limits.

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, nothing about the tow is covered and you pay the tow company 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.

What GEICO Emergency Road Service Covers

GEICO’s ERS is designed for everyday breakdown situations and GEICO advertises it as available 24/7. Here’s a quick coverage snapshot (always defer to your policy contract for exact limits and exclusions):

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 publishes the limit. In most states, ERS covers towing up to 15 miles to the nearest qualified repair facility. Note both halves of that: the mileage is capped, and the destination is the nearest shop that can do the work, not a shop of your choosing. A few states differ, so check your declarations page. For more on what “nearest facility” means 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.

GEICO takes the bill four ways on its Emergency Road Service reimbursement page: email to towingrefund@geico.com, fax to (866) 954-3761, mail to GEICO, Emergency Road Service, P.O. Box 8075, Macon, GA 31208-8075, or by phone at (800) 522-7775. Send the original bill with your policy number on it.

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. GEICO doesn’t publish what it does for a driver with no ERS, so don’t count on a dispatch. Call a tow company yourself and expect to pay the bill, then add ERS to the policy afterward so the next breakdown is covered.

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. In most states it covers a tow of up to 15 miles to the nearest qualified repair facility, plus jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockout help up to $100, winching and fuel delivery. My advice is to add ERS if your usual drive keeps you within 15 miles of a decent shop, and to price an auto club instead if it doesn’t. 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

Sources

Checked October 5, 2026

• GEICO — Emergency Road Service
• GEICO — Phone Numbers
• GEICO — Emergency Road Service Reimbursement
• GEICO — Types of Car Insurance Coverage
• Allstate — Roadside Assistance
• AAA Mountain West Group — Membership Terms