Car accidents are sudden as well as stressful and often confusing. One major concern people face after a crash is what to do with their damaged car. That is where car accident towing becomes important. Knowing how towing works after an accident can save you time also save money and trouble.
This guide will help you understand what car accident towing involves or how to handle it and what to expect afterward. We will also cover your towing rights, how insurance works and how to avoid scams.
What Is Car Accident Towing?
Car accident towing means removing a damaged or non working vehicle from the crash site. If your car can not move or is not safe to drive, it will need to be towed. Most accident scenes are cleared quickly by a towing service either called by police, emergency services or by you.
Why Cars Get Towed After Accidents
Your car may need towing after an accident if it is badly damaged, leaking fluids or not starting. Sometimes even if the damage seems small, it may not be safe to drive. In some cases police will request towing to keep roads safe and clear.
Is It Always Required?
Not all accidents need to be towed but in case your vehicle is unsafe or blocks the traffic it will likely need to be removed. Towing makes sure that your car can go to a repair shop or the storage yard without worsening the situation.
What to Do Immediately After the Crash
Being informed about the appropriate actions to take following an accident lessens the stress and eliminates problems of towing or low insurance deductibles. When you realize that you are safe and that you have called an emergency service, you need to start thinking about what happens to your vehicle.
Contact your Insurance Company
As soon as possible, you are expected to notify your insurer about the accident. There are insurance companies with towing affiliations and the affiliation may subsidize or make the towing process free. Tell them what to do and where they should take your vehicle.
Take Photos and Notes
Take photos of the damage and license plates as well as the accident scene, before your car is being towed away. This helps you in your insurance process and may save you from reproach or prosecution of fake claims or charges issued against the towing.
Ask Where the Car Will Be Taken
When the police or other emergency services call a tow truck ask where they are taking your car. It can be towed away to a storage yard, a repair shop or an adjacent lot. Take the address just in case you can return or recover personal property.
How Much Does Car Accident Towing Cost?
The price that you pay to have your vehicle towed will be dependent on a number of factors which will include the place of the accident, the nature of your vehicle and the distance that your vehicle will have to travel. Pricing may be dependent on the time of day or whether or not you require any additional services.
Will Insurance Cover Towing?
If you have collision coverage or roadside assistance, your car insurance may pay for towing. Some policies cover only a specific number of miles or a fixed amount so it is smart to know your plan details ahead of time. If the other driver caused the accident then their insurance might be responsible for your car’s towing fees.
Your Rights When It Comes to Towing
After an accident you have the right to pick the towing company and the destination where your car will be taken. However in some cities or states, police may assign a towing service to move the vehicle quickly.
Don’t Sign Anything You Don’t Understand
Some towing companies may hand you forms to sign right away. Only sign if you fully understand the charges and agree to them. If something seems unclear or rushed ask for more information. You are allowed to ask for a breakdown of all costs.
Know Where Your Car Is Going
Sometimes cars are towed to a private lot where high storage fees are charged daily. Knowing your rights lets you choose to send your car directly to your home or a trusted repair shop to avoid extra costs.
How to Avoid Towing Scams
Sadly towing scams can happen after accidents. These scams often take advantage of people who are panicked or unsure of what to do. Understanding how to recognize shady practices is important.
Watch Out for Unauthorized Tow Trucks
Tow trucks that arrive without being called may not be from a trusted source. These are sometimes called “chaser” tow trucks. If a tow truck appears without police or insurance calling them ask who sent them and confirm their credentials before agreeing.
Understand the Fees Beforehand
Some dishonest towing services may not tell you the total cost until after your car is already towed. Always ask for a full quote including towing, storage, and any extra services. A clear fee structure helps avoid surprise bills later.
Choosing the Right Towing Company
When possible it is best to call a towing company you know and trust. If you have never had to use one before ask your insurance provider for a reliable recommendation. Most major insurers have a network of approved towing partners.
What to Look for in a Towing Service
A good car accident towing service must be licensed, insured and must have experience in dealing with damaged cars by accidents. They should also offer the 24/7 emergency service and have clear communication about fees and destinations.
Emergency vs. Scheduled Towing
There are two types of towing you might need after a crash. Emergency towing happens immediately at the scene. Scheduled towing may take place days later if your car needs to move from a storage yard to a repair shop. Knowing the difference can help when speaking with your insurance or the tow operator.
After the Towing: What Happens Next?
Once your vehicle is towed it might go to a repair facility, your home or a storage location. If taken to a tow yard ask how long it can stay there before extra fees apply.
Retrieve Your Personal Belongings
If your car is towed to a yard remember to get your personal items out quickly. You are usually allowed to access the vehicle but you may need to show ID or proof of ownership.
Let the Insurance Company Inspect the Vehicle
The insurance company may want to inspect the vehicle before any repairs are done. They can also give you a settlement amount that is according to the market value of the vehicle just before the accident in case they declare the vehicle as a total loss.
Final Words
The car accident can never be handled easily and it is good to get an idea of the car accident towing process so as to bring ease in the work. Being prepared can help you save time when it comes to protecting your vehicle, your wallet and your peace of mind. Knowing your rights and being able to contact the right towing company can even help avoid hitting your wallet.
When you are personally calling a towing service or you are depending on some form of emergency assistance, the necessary accommodation ensures that you are not taken unawares of a basic plan. Put the emergency number of your insurance company and a nearby tow service in your phone today just in case it might save you hours at a time when you need it the most.