Jul
07

Towed After an Accident? Here’s What Happens Next

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Car accidents are stressful, whether they’re minor fender benders or serious collisions. On top of dealing with insurance, injuries, and repairs, many drivers also face an unexpected situation: their vehicle being towed from the scene. If your car is towed after an accident, you may feel confused or overwhelmed by what happens next.

Knowing the steps to take after your vehicle is towed can help you navigate the process smoothly and avoid unnecessary expenses or complications. Here’s what you need to know if your car has been towed after a crash.

1. Determine Where Your Vehicle Was Taken

Immediately after the accident, law enforcement or emergency responders may call a tow truck service to remove your vehicle from the scene. In many cases, you won’t have a say in which towing service is used unless you request your own.

Ask the officer on the scene—or call the local police department or non-emergency number—to find out which company towed your vehicle and where it’s located. Towed vehicles are usually taken to a tow yard or impound lot nearby.

2. Understand Why Your Vehicle Was Towed

There are a few reasons your vehicle may be towed after an accident:

  • It was too damaged to be safely driven
  • You or another driver involved were transported to the hospital
  • Law enforcement ordered the tow to clear the road quickly
  • You chose not to drive the vehicle due to concern about hidden damage

Regardless of the reason, once the vehicle is towed by a tow truck, you’ll be responsible for retrieval and any associated fees.

3. Retrieve Important Items

If your vehicle was towed unexpectedly, chances are you didn’t get a chance to collect your belongings. Once you know the tow yard’s location, contact them to ask about their policy for accessing your car. You may need to bring:

  • Your driver’s license or other ID
  • Proof of vehicle ownership (registration or insurance card)
  • Payment for storage or gate access fees

Try to retrieve valuables, documents, and personal items from the vehicle as soon as possible to avoid additional complications or charges.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately

Let your insurance provider know that your vehicle has been towed. They may:

  • Help coordinate the release and transport of your car to a car repair shop
  • Advise you on how to avoid unnecessary storage fees
  • Provide guidance on whether your policy covers towing and storage

Some policies offer roadside assistance or towing coverage, which can help with costs—but only if you’ve opted in ahead of time.

5. Decide on Repairs or a Total Loss

Once your insurer inspects the damage, they’ll determine whether the car is repairable or a total loss. If it’s repairable, they’ll usually arrange to move it from the impound lot to a certified body shop. The sooner this happens, the less you’ll pay in daily storage fees at the tow yard.

If your car is totaled, the insurer may take possession of it and send it to a salvage yard. In this case, make sure you’ve removed all your personal items and signed any necessary documents to transfer ownership.

6. Be Aware of Towing and Storage Costs

Tow yards typically charge:

  • A flat fee for towing (which can range from $100–$250 or more)
  • A daily storage fee (often $20–$50 per day)
  • Administrative or gate fees if you access the vehicle after hours

These charges add up quickly, so it’s in your best interest to move your car out of the lot as soon as possible. If you believe the fees are excessive, ask for a detailed invoice and consult with your insurance company or a consumer protection agency.

7. Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Laws regarding towing after an accident vary by state and municipality. Some states require towing companies to notify vehicle owners and law enforcement promptly. Others limit how much companies can charge for storage or towing. In urgent situations, using a reputable 24-hour towing service can help ensure your vehicle is handled promptly and in compliance with local regulations.

Always ask for a written receipt and verify all charges. If you suspect misconduct, file a complaint with your local department of consumer affairs or attorney general’s office.

Being towed after an accident can add stress to an already difficult situation, but knowing what to expect and acting quickly can save you time, money, and frustration. Keep a cool head, contact the necessary parties promptly, and take control of the process.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor tow or major damage, clear communication with law enforcement, your insurer, and the tow company will help get your vehicle back—and your life—on track.