Quick Answer: If Allstate covers your towing and later totals your car, they typically pay both the towing bill and your total loss settlement according to your policy limits. The towing cost usually comes from your roadside assistance coverage, while the total loss payment comes from your comprehensive or collision coverage minus your deductible.
What To Do
Keep all towing receipts - Save every document from the tow truck company, including the invoice and any storage fees.
Contact your Allstate agent immediately - Report the total loss and confirm which coverages apply to your situation.
Ask about towing payment timing - Some adjusters pay towing costs directly to the tow company, others reimburse you after you pay.
Verify your actual cash value - Allstate will offer the car's market value minus depreciation. Research comparable vehicles in your area before accepting.
Calculate your total settlement - Your check equals the actual cash value minus your deductible, plus any covered towing costs if they haven't been paid separately.
Handle the title transfer - Allstate needs your title to complete the total loss settlement. If the car is financed, they'll work directly with your lender.
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How Coverage Works
Your roadside assistance coverage (usually $25-100 per incident) handles towing costs. This coverage has no deductible and doesn't affect your rates.
Your comprehensive or collision coverage pays for the totaled vehicle. You'll pay your chosen deductible ($250, $500, $1000, etc.) and receive the difference.
If you have gap insurance through Allstate, it covers the difference between what you owe on the loan and the car's actual cash value.
What It Might Cost
Towing typically costs $75-200 for local hauls, more for long distances or specialty equipment. Storage fees run $20-50 per day at most tow yards.
Your out-of-pocket expense equals your collision or comprehensive deductible minus any towing reimbursement if you paid upfront.
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Stay Safe
• Don't sign any settlement papers until you understand all payments
• Get written confirmation of what Allstate will pay directly versus reimburse
• Remove all personal items before the car goes to salvage
• Cancel your registration and insurance only after the settlement completes
Need roadside help? Visit Tow With The Flow for real answers when your car breaks down.
