The clutch cable snapped on the highway, so I hit the “Request Tow” button on my standard insurance app. A repo-style snatcher truck showed up, hooked the front wheels, and ripped the fiberglass front valance right off my Lotus Europa. The driver shrugged and said, “App didn’t say it was low clearance, buddy.”
Key Takeaways
- “Roadside Assistance” is Generic: Standard dispatchers send the closest truck, usually a wheel-lift wrecker, not a flatbed.
- Low Clearance Needs Specialists: You must specify “Low Clearance / Flatbed Required” in the dispatch notes, but even then, it’s a gamble.
- Soft Soft Straps: Wheel straps can damage wire wheels. You need “soft ties” through the control arms.
- Distance Limits: Standard towing covers 5-10 miles. A specialist mechanic for your Ferrari might be 100 miles away.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Dispatch Algorithm
When you call Geico or AAA, an algorithm dispatches the job to the lowest bidder.
The tow operator gets paid a flat rate (e.g., $60). They want to hook and go fast. They do not have time to carefully winch a low car.
Standard policies rarely cover “damage caused by towing” unless you can prove negligence, which is hard.
[IMAGE: Photo of a tow truck hook damaging a chrome bumper vs. a nylon soft strap]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I compared roadside programs for low, fragile cars.
1. Hagerty Drivers Club
- The Promise: “Guaranteed Flatbed with Soft Straps.”
- The Test: I called for a tow. The dispatcher asked, “Is the car lowered?” and “Do you have the tow hook installed?”
- The Result: A flatbed arrived. The driver knew how to load a classic.
- Mileage: Up to 125 miles (Premium tier).
2. AAA Premier
- The Promise: 100/200 miles towing.
- The Reality: They use general contractors. I have had AAA send a wheel-lift truck for a Corvette. You have to supervise them like a hawk.
- The Verdict: Good for distance, bad for care.
3. Good Sam / Allstate Motor Club
- The Reality: Designed for RVs and daily drivers. Not recommended for classics.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Standard Insurance Roadside | AAA Premier | Hagerty Drivers Club |
| Truck Type | Random (Wheel lift likely) | Random (Request Flatbed) | Guaranteed Flatbed |
| Mileage Limit | 10-20 Miles | 100-200 Miles | 20-125 Miles |
| Driver Knowledge | Low | Low/Medium | High |
| Cost | $10/yr | $120/yr | 70−70− 180/yr |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Do Not Use the App: If you break down, call the number. Speak to a human. Say: “This is a classic car with 3 inches of clearance. Send a flatbed with race ramps.”
- Supervise the Load: Do not sit in the cab. Stand by the car. If the driver tries to hook the sway bar, stop them. Point to the tow eye or control arm.
- Carry Your Own Eye: Many classics need a screw-in tow eye. Keep it in the glovebox. The tow driver won’t have one that fits.
- Upgrade Coverage: Cancel the $5 add-on on your auto policy. Buy a standalone specialist membership (Hagerty/AAA).
FAQ Section
Does insurance cover damage caused by the tow truck?
Technically, the tow company’s liability insurance should cover it. But getting them to admit fault is a nightmare. Your own policy might cover it under “Collision,” but you’ll pay the deductible.
Can I request a specific tow company?
With specialist programs, yes. With standard AAA, usually no—they send the contract provider for that zone.
What if I have a trailer?
Ensure your roadside plan covers “Trailer Towing.” If your truck breaks down while towing the classic, you need two tows (one for truck, one for trailer).