Have you ever been stranded on the side of the road, staring at a smoking engine or a shredded tire, and wished for a magic tow truck to appear? If you're a Verizon customer, their Roadside Assistance service can often feel like that magic solution. But the burning question for many is: "How far does Verizon Roadside Assistance actually tow?"
It's a crucial detail that can make all the difference in a stressful situation. Let's break down Verizon's towing policy and guide you through everything you need to know.
Understanding Verizon Roadside Assistance Towing Coverage
Verizon Roadside Assistance is a subscription service designed to provide peace of mind when you're on the go. While it covers a range of common roadside emergencies, its towing benefits have specific limitations.
Step 1: Are You Covered? Confirming Your Eligibility
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of towing distances, let's make sure you're actually eligible for Verizon Roadside Assistance. Have you already subscribed to the service? This is the most critical first step!
Subscription Required: Verizon Roadside Assistance is an add-on service, typically costing $4.99 per line per month. If you haven't explicitly subscribed, you won't have the coverage.
48-Hour Waiting Period: Crucially, coverage becomes effective 48 hours after enrollment. If you need immediate service within that initial 48-hour window, you might be charged a higher pay-per-use rate (around $89.95, though this can vary).
Device at Location: For service to be rendered, your enrolled mobile device must be physically present with the disabled vehicle. This is important to remember!
Vehicle Types Covered: Generally, the service covers passenger vehicles. It does not typically cover RVs, boats, trailers, vehicles with more than 2 axles or 4 wheels, vehicles designed for commercial/heavy-duty use (e.g., limousines, emergency vehicles), or those exceeding 10,000 lbs gross vehicle weight.
Step 2: The Standard Towing Distance: 10 Miles
For most Verizon Roadside Assistance subscribers, the standard towing coverage is up to 10 miles in any direction.
Within a Coverage Area: If your vehicle breaks down within a Verizon wireless coverage area, you are typically eligible for a tow of up to 10 miles, free of charge. This tow can be to a repair shop, your home, or another safe location within that 10-mile radius.
To the Nearest Servicing Center (Non-Coverage Area): If you're in a non-coverage area (where your Verizon mobile device has no cellular or Wi-Fi signal), and you have an iPhone 14 or newer with iOS 17.2 or later, you might be able to access Roadside Assistance via satellite. In such cases, the tow is usually to the nearest car servicing center.
Step 3: What Happens Beyond 10 Miles? Understanding Over-Mileage Charges
This is where understanding the fine print becomes essential. While 10 miles might seem sufficient for a short tow, breakdowns rarely happen conveniently close to your preferred repair shop.
Customer Responsibility: Any expenses incurred beyond the 10-mile limit are the sole responsibility of the customer.
Direct Payment: You will need to pay these additional charges directly to the service provider (the tow truck driver or company) at the time of service. These extra miles are not reimbursable by Verizon.
Per-Mile Rate: The over-mileage rate is typically around $7.50 per mile. So, if your tow is 15 miles, you'll pay for the extra 5 miles at this rate (5 miles * $7.50/mile = $37.50).
Pay-Per-Use Tow Rate: If you are not a subscriber to the Roadside Assistance program, or you need immediate service within the 48-hour waiting period, a pay-per-use tow rate typically applies. This rate can be around $159 for up to the first 5 miles, with the $7.50 per mile rate applying thereafter for any additional distance.
Step 4: Special Considerations and Exclusions
It's equally important to understand what Verizon Roadside Assistance doesn't cover. Knowing these limitations can prevent frustrating surprises.
Location Restrictions:
Service is generally not provided on roads not regularly maintained (e.g., private property, vacant lots, beaches, open fields).
They typically do not service vehicles that are snowbound or require extensive winching from unplowed areas, snowbanks, or driveways.
Vehicle Condition: Service may be denied if your vehicle is not in a safe condition to be towed.
Towing from Repair Shops: Verizon Roadside Assistance will not tow your vehicle from one auto repair shop or service station to another location. Their purpose is to get you to a service location from a breakdown point.
Commercial Use: Vehicles used for commercial purposes or with dealer tags are generally not covered.
Additional Costs: The service does not cover:
Vehicle storage charges.
Cost of parts and installation.
Products, materials, impounding fees.
Additional labor related to towing.
Local tolls or parkway charges.
The cost of making a replacement key or lock repairs.
Service Claim Limits: There's usually a limit of 4 service claims per year within a coverage area, plus 1 additional service claim in a non-coverage area (for eligible iPhone users). These claims typically reset on January 1st of each year.
Step 5: How to Request Towing Assistance
When you find yourself in need, here's how to request a tow through Verizon Roadside Assistance:
From Your Enrolled Phone:
Dial #ROAD (#7623): This is the quickest and most direct way to connect with Verizon Roadside Assistance.
Call 1-877-623-7433: If you're using a phone that isn't your enrolled device.
Through the App/Online Portal:
Verizon Roadside Assistance Mobile App: The app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store) allows you to request assistance, pinpoint your location using GPS, and track the service provider's arrival.
Online Portal: Visit the dedicated online portal (e.g.,
roadside.allstate.com/member/VZW
Information You'll Need: Be prepared to provide:
Your Verizon account information.
Your vehicle's make, model, and color.
Your precise location (nearest major street/crossroad, if known).
The nature of the breakdown (e.g., engine trouble, flat tire).
Your preferred towing destination (within the 10-mile limit, if applicable).
Maximizing Your Roadside Assistance Experience
To ensure a smooth experience with Verizon Roadside Assistance, consider these tips:
Know Your Plan: Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your Verizon Roadside Assistance plan before you need it. This includes understanding the towing limits, exclusions, and claim process.
Keep the App Handy: Download and log in to the Verizon Roadside Assistance mobile app. It can streamline the request process, especially for pinpointing your location.
Emergency Contact: Keep the direct phone numbers (#ROAD or 1-877-623-7433) saved in your phone.
Assess the Situation: When you break down, prioritize safety. Pull over to a safe location if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and then assess whether you can safely stay with your vehicle while waiting for help.
Communicate Clearly: When speaking with the dispatch operator, provide clear and concise information about your location, vehicle, and the issue.
While Verizon Roadside Assistance offers a valuable safety net, particularly for those unexpected breakdowns, understanding its towing limits is paramount. A 10-mile tow is a great starting point, but always be prepared for potential out-of-pocket expenses if your destination lies further away. Drive safely, and know that help is often just a call or tap away!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate over-mileage towing costs with Verizon?
To calculate over-mileage costs, take the distance beyond the initial 10 free miles and multiply it by the per-mile rate, which is typically $7.50. For example, if you need a 15-mile tow, you'll pay for 5 extra miles ($7.50/mile * 5 miles = $37.50).
How to activate Verizon Roadside Assistance?
You can activate Verizon Roadside Assistance as an add-on to your Verizon wireless plan, usually through your My Verizon account online, the My Verizon app, or by contacting Verizon customer service.
How to request a tow if I'm outside a Verizon coverage area?
If you have an iPhone 14 or newer with iOS 17.2 or later, you may be able to request Roadside Assistance via satellite directly through your iPhone's Messages app. Otherwise, you'd need to find a way to get a cellular signal or use a landline to call.
How to get reimbursed for an out-of-pocket tow with Verizon?
Generally, Verizon Roadside Assistance does not reimburse for over-mileage towing expenses or for services obtained outside of their dispatch process. Reimbursement for covered services may apply if you had to pay upfront in a wireless coverage area, by submitting receipts to the provided address within 60 days.
How to find out if my vehicle is covered by Verizon Roadside Assistance?
Check the terms and conditions of your Verizon Roadside Assistance plan on the Verizon website or through your My Verizon account. Most standard passenger vehicles are covered, but commercial vehicles, RVs, and certain heavy-duty vehicles are excluded.
How to use the Verizon Roadside Assistance app?
Download the "Verizon Roadside Assistance" app from your device's app store. Once downloaded and logged in, you can typically use it to request assistance, pinpoint your location, and receive updates on your service request.
How to cancel Verizon Roadside Assistance?
You can usually cancel Verizon Roadside Assistance through your My Verizon account online, the My Verizon app, or by contacting Verizon customer service directly.
How to know the estimated arrival time of the tow truck?
When you request service through the app or by phone, the dispatch operator or the app will typically provide you with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) for the service provider.
How to add another vehicle to my Verizon Roadside Assistance plan?
Verizon Roadside Assistance is generally tied to the enrolled mobile line, not specific vehicles. As long as your enrolled mobile device is with the disabled vehicle, the service should apply to that vehicle, regardless of who owns it.
How to contact Verizon Roadside Assistance directly?
You can contact Verizon Roadside Assistance by dialing #ROAD (#7623) from your enrolled phone or by calling 1-877-623-7433 from any phone.
