Tow Service and Accident Recovery

Roadside tow vs. accident tow

A roadside tow covers non-accident issues like dead batteries, mechanical breakdowns, or flat tires. It's covered under the roadside endorsement and typically has distance limits (15-100 miles). An accident tow applies when a vehicle has crashed and needs removal from the scene, covered under collision or comprehensive coverage with no separate distance cap.

• Breakdown tow, covered under your roadside assistance benefit (if you have it). Does not count as a property claim.
• Post-accident tow, covered under your collision or comprehensive coverage as part of the accident claim. This goes on your claims record.

At the accident scene: first priorities

1. 1
   Check for injuries, call 911 if needed
2. 2
   Move vehicles out of traffic if safe to do so
3. 3
   Exchange insurance info, do not discuss fault
4. 4
   Photograph the scene, all vehicles, and any injuries before moving anything
5. 5
   Get a police report number

At the scene

Police or first responders arrange tows after crashes. The tow operator may take the vehicle to their impound yard where storage charges accumulate daily. The recommendation is to move the vehicle to a body shop or home quickly after scene clearance.

Who to call for the tow

If the police are on scene, they may dispatch their preferred tow company. You can accept or decline, you have the right to use your own carrier's preferred tow service. Police-dispatched tows can sometimes be more expensive and may charge storage fees quickly.

Call your carrier's claims line and ask them to arrange the tow. This ensures the tow is coordinated with your claim and routed to an approved shop if needed.

Who pays the tow when you are not at fault

If another driver caused the crash, their liability insurance is responsible for your tow, your repair, and your reasonable storage. Your collision coverage can pay first and recover through subrogation.

Where the car gets towed

Drivers have the right to choose their repair shop in nearly every state. Direct the tow operator accordingly, or have the vehicle taken to your home or a preferred network body shop.

Common gotchas

Tow operator fees vary with hookup fees, mileage rates, and surcharges. A 20-mile night tow can easily run $400 to $600. Collision deductibles apply before reimbursement.

If your car is totaled

When the vehicle is declared a total loss, the carrier moves the vehicle to salvage at their cost.

Rental car after an accident

Rental reimbursement is another optional coverage that many people don't know they have. Check your dec page for "Rental Reimbursement" or "Transportation Expense." If the other driver is at fault, their liability coverage should cover your rental directly.