How To Tow a Car | Saga Car Insurance

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about towing a car safely and efficiently. Whether you're the driver towing the vehicle or the one being towed, we've got you covered. We'll explain the essential steps, safety precautions, and tips to ensure a smooth towing experience.

What you need to know about towing a car

If you need to tow a car, keep these points in mind:

Put an 'On Tow' sign on the back of the car being towed.
If you got your licence before 1st January 1997, you can usually tow a vehicle up to 8,250kg (confirm by checking your licence).
If you got your licence after 1st January 1997, you can tow trailers up to 3,500kg, known as ‘category BE’ vehicles. If your licence doesn’t show 'category BE' on the back, the DVLA will add it when you next update it.
If you're using a rope to tow, the distance between the cars can't be more than 4.5 metres. If it's over 1.5 metres, clearly mark the rope so other drivers can see it.

Before towing a car

Before you begin towing a car, there are three key checks you should make:

Gearbox: Make sure the car being towed has a manual gearbox. If it does, you can tow it. If it’s automatic, call for roadside assistance.
Connection: Ensure that the rope or chain you’re using to connect the cars is strong and not damaged.
Route: Both drivers should agree on the route to take. Choose a route that avoids busy areas and heavy traffic so that you’re not constantly stopping and starting.

What does the towing driver need to do?

If you're driving the car that's towing another vehicle, start off carefully. Use the clutch gently to avoid sudden movements that could break the rope.

Once you're on the road, keep your speed slow (under 15 mph). When you need to brake, tap the brake gently to signal the other driver. Avoid braking too hard. Also, use your indicators early so the other driver knows what you're about to do and can get ready, and regularly check your mirrors.

What does the driver being towed need to do?

If you’re in the car being towed, you should follow these steps:

Before setting off:

Turn on the ignition and unlock the steering wheel – this allows you to steer the car in coordination with the driver in front.
Put the car in neutral and release the handbrake.
Turn on your lights if it’s dark.

While moving:

Focus on the driver in front of you.
Watch their brake and indicator lights and follow their lead, steering and braking with them.
Avoid sudden braking to keep the row rope or chain stable.

Towing a car abroad

Wondering whether you can tow a car if you’re driving abroad? All UK car insurance providers offer third-party cover for driving in the EU (including Ireland) and some other countries. You don't need a green card if you have valid insurance, and you can tow a car if needed.

For other countries, you might need a green card to tow a car. Your insurer can usually give you one.

Check the government website for details on which countries require a green card for towing.

Do you need additional insurance to tow a car?

Review your car insurance policy to determine if it includes coverage for towing a vehicle. Most policies permit towing up to a certain weight limit. If the vehicle you need to tow exceeds this limit, you might require specialised insurance.

Can you tow a car with no insurance?

If the towed car’s wheels are touching the road, it must have valid insurance. This means that it’s covered if it’s involved in an accident while being towed.