The tow is part of your vehicle-damage claim — not Minnesota's no-fault (PIP) injury coverage. If you carry collision coverage, your own insurer pays for the tow and repairs regardless of fault (you pay your deductible), then recovers from the at-fault insurer. If the other driver is at fault, their property-damage liability can pay. Non-collision damage — a deer, a storm, vandalism — falls under comprehensive coverage.
First, the no-fault myth
Minnesota is a no-fault state, but that only applies to injuries. Your no-fault / Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits pay medical bills and lost wages after a crash — they do not pay to tow or repair your car. Vehicle damage, including the tow, is settled separately through property coverage. That single distinction is what confuses most drivers.
Which coverage pays the tow
| Situation | Coverage that pays |
|---|---|
| You have collision coverage | Your insurer (any fault), minus deductible — then subrogates against the at-fault insurer |
| Other driver at fault, you have no collision | The at-fault driver's property-damage liability |
| Hit a deer, storm, fire, vandalism | Your comprehensive coverage |
| At-fault driver is uninsured | Your collision or uninsured-motorist coverage |
| You have a roadside plan (AAA, insurer add-on, manufacturer) | The roadside plan, up to its tow limit |
If you have collision coverage
Collision is the fastest path. You open a claim with your own insurer regardless of who caused the crash, pay your deductible, and your insurer handles the tow and repairs — then uses subrogation to recover its money (and often your deductible) from the at-fault party's insurer. You don't wait on a fault determination to get your vehicle moving.
If the other driver was at fault
Without collision coverage, you claim the tow and repairs against the at-fault driver's property-damage liability coverage. This works cleanly when fault is clear and the other driver is insured — but if fault is disputed or they're uninsured, it can stall, which is exactly when your own collision and uninsured-motorist coverage matter.
Paying at the scene
In practice the tow operator is frequently paid at the time of service and you're reimbursed through the claim. Keep the itemized invoice and note the drop-off location — towing and reasonable storage are recoverable parts of a vehicle-damage claim. If your car is going to an impound or storage yard, claim it promptly, since storage fees accrue daily.
This is general information for Minnesota drivers, not legal or insurance advice. Coverage, limits, and deductibles depend on your policy — confirm details with your insurer or agent.
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Call (651) 465-8009Frequently asked questions
Does Minnesota no-fault insurance pay for towing?
No — no-fault/PIP covers injuries, not your vehicle. The tow is paid through collision, the at-fault driver's liability, or comprehensive coverage.
Do I pay the tow driver at the scene?
Often yes, then you're reimbursed through the claim. Keep the itemized invoice — towing is recoverable as part of vehicle damage.
What if I don't have collision and the other driver is at fault?
Claim the tow against their property-damage liability. If fault is disputed or they're uninsured, your own collision / uninsured-motorist coverage is what keeps things moving.
Who pays if I hit a deer or slid in a storm?
That's comprehensive coverage, not collision. The tow follows the same claim.
About this guide
Based on how Minnesota's no-fault (PIP) law treats injuries versus vehicle damage, and standard auto-policy coverages (collision, liability, comprehensive, uninsured-motorist). General information only — verify with your insurer or the Minnesota Department of Commerce auto-insurance guide.