Heavy equipment plays a crucial role in several different industries like construction and agriculture. Machines like bulldozers, excavators, cranes, or large trucks all have the possibility of breaking down even though they are built for power and durability. When these machines break down or are involved in an accident, heavy-duty towing is required. This equipment is specialized and involves professional operators to get the job done safely. Understanding insurance coverage for heavy-duty equipment towing is crucial for business owners, fleet managers, or an operator of heavy equipment. Knowing what roadside assistance covers with your insurance plan can make a significant difference in the time and money it takes to transport heavy equipment. 

The Importance of Towing Coverage for Heavy Equipment 

Heavy equipment is often very expensive and crucial for business operations whether that be construction or agricultural reasons. If something goes wrong, it can lead to costly repairs which can significantly impact a business. Asking “What does roadside assistance cover” may help you avoid the time-consuming and pricey costs of an incident occurring. 

Heavy Duty Towing

Towing insurance helps to reduce the financial risk of these incidents, providing protection when a piece of equipment needs to be relocated or towed due to mechanical failure or accident. Different towing incidents may require different insurance protection and not all policies are created equal. Therefore, it is essential to understand what types of coverage your company would best benefit from. 

Being prepared for circumstances you cannot avoid is crucial when running a business that relies on heavy-duty equipment or vehicles. Research different insurance plans to figure out what policies fit you the best. 

What does Roadside Assistance Cover and Why Would You Need It?

There are many different reasons why you might need roadside assistance, like running out of gas, needing to be towed, or a battery jump-start. Insurance plans can cover several different services when it comes to what roadside assistance covers. Here are some examples of roadside assistance that may be covered in your insurance plan.

  1. Towing Services: When heavy equipment needs towing, you would need a heavy-duty tow truck. Depending on the policy, some insurance companies will provide heavy-duty towing but not all of them will cover this. A reputable heavy-duty towing service can tow vehicles that weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 80,000 pounds. If your company deals with trucks around this weight, you must pick an insurance plan that covers heavy-duty towing. With the specialized equipment on a heavy-duty tow truck, you would be able to relocate your vehicle or equipment. 
  2. Recovery Services: If a heavy vehicle or equipment is involved in an accident or becomes stuck in a difficult location, recovery services may be necessary. Recovery consists of using specialized equipment to lift or winch a vehicle or equipment out of a challenging situation. Heavy-duty recovery services would use a combination of winches, cranes, and hydraulic equipment to recover the vehicle or equipment safely. Recovery is often part of towing services, but make sure your roadside assistance plan includes it. 
  3. Fuel Delivery and Flat Tire Assistance: When a small incident occurs like running out of gas or having a flat tire, most roadside assistance plans will help out. Roadside assistance services can deliver fuel if you happen to run out before reaching a gas station. This is a common event for many drivers especially during long drives. When it comes to tires, many situations can occur where you might need one replaced in the middle of a drive. Changing a tire on a large vehicle can be more complicated and may require specialized tires depending on the truck. Roadside assistance can provide flat tire repairs or even send a crew out to replace a damaged one if necessary. 
  4. Battery Jump-Start or Replacement: A dead battery is another common issue that roadside assistance can help with. For larger vehicles, a jumpstart might require additional power, specialized equipment, or even a complete battery replacement. 
  5. On-Site Repairs: In some minor incidents, roadside assistance can help with repairs to get your vehicle back on the road. Large mechanical issues typically require a professional shop so roadside assistance can not help in that department. Fluid top-offs, basic engine diagnostics, or air brake checks are all typically included in insurance plans for on-site repairs. 

Heavy Equipment Towing

What Is Not Covered with Roadside Assistance?

While different insurance plans have different policies, many avoid covering the same issues. After asking “What does roadside assistance cover” it is important to figure out what will not be covered in your plan. 

  • Wear and Tear: Damage that accumulates from normal use and wear of the equipment is rarely covered. 
  • Improper Use: If a vehicle or equipment is damaged due to improper use or lack of maintenance, insurance will not cover it.  

Ensuring Adequate Coverage For Heavy-Duty Vehicles and Equipment:

When choosing your insurance policy you want to feel as though you are fully protected. Consider the following: 

  1. Review Your Policy: Carefully examine the policies while you are researching companies. Understand what roadside assistance covers and if your company will be protected in unforeseen circumstances. 
  2. Specialized Towing Insurance: If you find yourself dealing with heavy-duty towing, it will be beneficial to invest in a specialized towing insurance company. These policies cover the unique risks associated with relocated heavy-duty vehicles or equipment. 
  3. Choosing a Reputable Towing Company: Find a towing company that specializes in heavy equipment towing. Their crew will be educated on the proper techniques, equipment, and insurance practices to help reduce the risks of damage and ensure that your equipment will be relocated safely. 

Heavy-Duty Vehicles and Equipment

Massey Towing: Reputable Towing Company in The Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Area 

After researching the question “What does roadside assistance cover?” you will need to consider finding a reputable heavy-duty towing company. Our team at Massey Towing offers 24/7 roadside assistance as well as several different other services like towing and repairs. We value our customers in the DFW area and can assure you that you are in good hands. Contact us today to discuss roadside services you may need for your company.