What should I do if my car is towed to a shop I did not choose?

Quick answer: You have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. If it was towed to a facility you did not select, you can request a second tow to your preferred shop, though you may be responsible for additional tow costs.

In Georgia and most states, you have the legal right to select the repair facility for your vehicle. A towing company, police officer, or insurance carrier cannot require you to use a specific shop.

Storage fees accrue daily once a vehicle is on a tow yard or impound lot. Contact the towing company immediately to find out the daily rate and when fees started. Most tow yards charge between $30 and $75 per day.

Call your insurer as soon as possible and let them know where your vehicle is and that you want it moved to a different facility. Your adjuster can often arrange a second tow and may be able to negotiate or waive additional tow fees.

Before any shop begins repair work, you must sign a repair authorization. Do not sign anything at a shop you did not choose until you have decided to proceed there. You can request a vehicle release and arrange transport to your preferred facility.

Many insurers maintain a network of certified repair shops where workmanship is guaranteed for the life of the repair. Using a network shop can speed up the claims process, but it is still your choice.

Take photos of your vehicle at every facility it is moved to, and keep all receipts. If there is a dispute about pre-existing damage versus new damage from the tow itself, photos are your best evidence.