Tow truck insurance for the car on the hook.
Commercial auto liability, on-hook towing, garagekeepers and physical damage coverage for tow operators, from one truck to a fleet.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · En español · How this page is researched
Towing needs more than auto liability
A towing business is responsible for the vehicles it tows and stores, not just its own trucks. Standard commercial auto coverage doesn't cover a customer's car on your hook or in your yard.
I set up the coverages towing contracts, motor clubs and storage lots ask for, and shop them with carriers that write tow operators.
- Auto liabilityInjuries and damage your tow trucks cause to others.
- On-hook towingDamage to a customer's vehicle while it's being towed.
- GaragekeepersCustomers' vehicles stored in your yard or lot.
- Physical damageRepairs to your own tow trucks.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Trucks: year, make, type and value.
- Drivers: names, license numbers and experience.
- Operations: radius, motor clubs and police rotation work.
- Storage: number of vehicles held and lot security.
- DOT or CA numbers: if you have them.
- Current policy: declarations and loss runs.
Tow truck insurance, answered
What is on-hook towing coverage?
It covers damage to a customer's vehicle while it's attached to or loaded on your tow truck, which regular auto liability doesn't cover.
What is garagekeepers coverage for tow companies?
It covers customers' vehicles while they're stored in your care, such as in your yard or impound lot.
Can a new towing company get insurance?
Yes, though carriers look closely at driver experience and records when a company has no history. Clean driving records help.
Do motor clubs require specific coverage?
Many do, including minimum liability limits and on-hook coverage. Send the contract requirements and I'll match them.
Do you offer tow truck insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see truck insurance by state or insurance requirements by state.
Send your trucks and drivers. I'll shop it.
Truck list, driver list and your current declarations page are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.