How Far Will GEICO Tow My Car?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
If you add Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) to your GEICO auto insurance policy, GEICO can dispatch a tow when your vehicle is disabled.
So how far will GEICO tow your car? The most accurate answer is: GEICO will tow a disabled vehicle, but the mileage limit depends on your specific policy contract and state. GEICO’s own ERS page notes it can tow you to a “destination of choice,” and tells drivers to refer to the policy contract for mileage limitations.
This guide breaks down what that means in real life, how to avoid surprise charges, and how reimbursement works if you pay out of pocket.
- Your Policy Sets the Mileage Limit: GEICO advises checking your policy contract for towing mileage limitations—don’t assume the same limit applies to every driver or state.
- Destination Choice May Be Flexible: You may be able to choose a destination, but towing is still subject to your ERS limits and practical constraints (like safety and location).
- Extras Can Still Be Billed: Even with ERS, you could pay for items like fuel, a new tire, battery replacement, storage fees, or towing beyond covered mileage.
- Receipts Unlock Reimbursement Options: If you pay out of pocket—especially in areas with towing restrictions—save the original receipt and submit it using GEICO’s reimbursement process.
- How Far Will GEICO Tow Your Car?
- What’s Included with GEICO Emergency Roadside Service?
- How to Request a Tow From GEICO
- What Might Cost Extra (Even with ERS)
- Special Case: Towing Restrictions in Some Cities
- How to Get Reimbursed for Towing
- If You Need Longer-Distance Towing
- Bottom Line
- FAQs on GEICO Towing Distance
How Far Will GEICO Tow Your Car?
GEICO ERS towing is typically designed to get your vehicle to a place where repairs can be made. In practice, your “how far” depends on a few variables: your policy’s towing mileage limitation, where you want the car to go, and whether local rules require a specific towing company.
| What Affects Your Tow Distance | What It Means | How To Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Policy Mileage Limit | ERS towing is subject to the mileage limit stated in your insurance contract (varies by state and policy form). | Check your policy paperwork/app, or ask the roadside dispatcher to confirm your tow mileage limit before the truck is sent. |
| Destination Choice | Some situations are handled as “nearest repair facility,” while others may allow a nearby destination you choose—subject to your mileage limit. | Tell GEICO where you want to go and ask if any portion would be out of pocket. |
| Local Towing Rules | In some areas (for example, certain jurisdictions in New York City and Houston), you may be required to use an authorized towing company. | If an officer/authority directs the tow, keep all paperwork and request reimbursement (details below). |
| Vehicle Type | ERS is generally for standard passenger vehicles; specialty vehicles may require separate coverage. | Confirm the vehicle type is eligible under your ERS endorsement. |
Quick tip: Before you approve the tow, ask the dispatcher: “What’s my covered towing mileage limit, and will I owe anything if I choose this destination?”
What’s Included with GEICO Emergency Roadside Service?
GEICO describes ERS as coverage for common roadside emergencies like towing, jump starts, tire changes, lockouts, winching, and fuel delivery. Coverage details and limits can vary by state, and ERS may be labeled differently in certain states (for example, GEICO notes that in North Carolina it’s called “Towing and Labor Coverage”).
| Service | What GEICO ERS Typically Covers | Common Notes & Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Towing | Towing to a repair facility (and/or an approved destination, depending on your policy). | Mileage limitations apply and are stated in your policy contract; you may owe the difference if you exceed the covered limit. |
| Battery Jump Start | Jump starting a dead battery. | If you need a new battery (or delivery/installation), that’s usually a separate cost. |
| Flat Tire Change | Changing a flat tire when you have a usable spare. | No spare (or an unsafe tire situation) can mean towing instead. |
| Lockout Service | Locksmith/lockout help. | GEICO notes lockout services are covered up to $100. If you’re dealing with a lockout right now, see this GEICO lockout walkthrough. |
| Winching | Winching if your vehicle is stuck on or immediately next to a publicly maintained roadway. | Off-road recovery or extensive extraction may not qualify. |
| Fuel Delivery | Delivery to help you reach a gas station or your destination. | You can still be billed for the fuel itself and/or other non-covered items. |
For a deeper breakdown of how GEICO’s roadside package compares to other options, see our analysis of GEICO roadside assistance coverage.
How to Request a Tow From GEICO
GEICO encourages policyholders to request ERS through the mobile app or online (it’s often faster than calling). You can also call GEICO if needed.
- Confirm ERS is on your policy (it’s an optional add-on, not automatic).
- Request help in the GEICO app or online, or call GEICO (use these GEICO contact options if you need the right number fast).
- Share your location, vehicle details, and whether the car is safe to tow (e.g., in traffic, on a shoulder, in a garage).
- Tell GEICO your preferred destination and ask the dispatcher to confirm any mileage limitations or potential out-of-pocket costs.
- Keep the service record/receipt—especially if you pay anything at the scene.
What Might Cost Extra (Even with ERS)
ERS generally covers the dispatch/service, but it doesn’t mean “everything is free.” GEICO notes you could be billed for certain extras (like tires or gas). The most common surprise charges happen when the tow exceeds the covered mileage limit or when local rules require a non-network tow.
| Potential Extra Cost | Why It Happens | How To Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Tow Mileage | Your destination is farther than your policy’s covered mileage. | Ask GEICO to confirm your mileage limit and estimated out-of-pocket amount before approving the destination. |
| Parts & Supplies | ERS is not a parts warranty (battery replacement, new tire, etc.). | Use ERS for the emergency help, then handle parts/repairs with a shop you trust. |
| Fuel Charges | Fuel delivery may be available, but the fuel itself can be billed. | Confirm whether the delivery includes fuel cost or only the service call. |
| Non-Network/Authority-Directed Tow | Some jurisdictions require specific towing companies. | Keep receipts and submit for reimbursement (subject to policy limits). |
| Storage/After-Hours Fees | Tow yards and repair facilities may charge storage or after-hours release fees. | Ask where the vehicle will be stored and what fees apply before the tow if possible. |
If you’re trying to estimate what a longer tow could cost in your area (especially beyond whatever your ERS mileage limit is), see our GEICO towing cost guide.
Special Case: Towing Restrictions in Some Cities
In certain locations, local ordinances can limit your ability to choose the towing company—even if you have ERS. GEICO specifically highlights restrictions that can apply in parts of New York City and Houston, where motorists may be required to use authorized towing companies. In those situations, you might have to pay the tow provider at the scene and then request reimbursement from GEICO (subject to your policy’s limits).
Quick tip: If police or a local authority directs the tow, take a photo of the receipt and any tow authorization paperwork before you leave the scene.
How to Get Reimbursed for Towing
If you paid out of pocket for a roadside tow or service that should have been covered, GEICO provides a reimbursement process. GEICO instructs drivers to submit the original copy of the road service bill (including the policy number) and notes reimbursement is based on the limits of your coverage.
| Reimbursement Step | What To Send | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Gather Documentation | Original road service bill/receipt + your policy number. | GEICO uses the receipt details to verify the service and apply your policy’s limits. |
| Submit the Request | Use GEICO’s ERS reimbursement instructions (email/fax/mail options) found on GEICO’s site. | Submitting through the official channel reduces delays and missing-info issues. |
| Keep Copies | Photos/scans of the receipt and any related paperwork. | If anything is lost or unclear, you can resend quickly. |
You can find GEICO’s official reimbursement instructions here: Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) Reimbursement.
If You Need Longer-Distance Towing
If you regularly drive long distances, travel through remote areas, or want a membership-based plan that follows the driver (not just the car), you may prefer a separate roadside membership. AAA is the most well-known example, and its towing benefits vary by tier and region—see our AAA towing cost and coverage guide for a practical comparison.
Bottom Line
GEICO can tow your disabled vehicle with ERS, but the covered distance isn’t one-size-fits-all. GEICO’s guidance is to check your policy contract for towing mileage limitations, and local towing rules can also affect how a tow is handled.
To avoid unexpected costs, confirm your destination and mileage limit before the tow is dispatched—and keep your receipts in case you need reimbursement. (As always, availability and limits vary by state and policy form.)
