What happens to a car after it’s towed following an accident?
Let’s consider a scenario where there’s a car accident, and both vehicles end up being towed away. If you’re the driver who isn’t at fault, what steps should you take regarding your car at the towing company?
I’ve spoken with insurance agents who say that the vehicles must stay at the towing company during the investigation phase so an adjuster can assess the damage.
However, I’ve also come across information suggesting that cars need to be retrieved from the towing facility promptly to avoid accumulating storage fees. This raises the question: does the driver who isn’t at fault have to front the cost to retrieve their car? If that’s the case, how can they ensure they will be reimbursed for those expenses?
Do insurance companies typically inform claimants early on about any limits regarding storage fees and other costs they might cover?
After a car accident, the vehicle of the person not at fault typically goes through a few steps before it is released from the towing company. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Insurance Notification: The first step is to notify your insurance company about the accident. If you’re not at fault, they may communicate with the other driver’s insurance company to start the claims process.
Towing Company Fees: It’s true that towing companies often charge daily storage fees for vehicles. While the insurance investigation is ongoing, it’s a common concern for car owners that their vehicles might incur these fees. Ideally, you should check with your insurance adjuster about their policy on storage fees and what they cover.
Understanding Coverage: Most insurance policies usually cover towing and storage fees, but the specifics can vary. Make sure to clarify if there is a limit to how long the car can stay without incurring significant charges and what amounts will be covered.
Adjuster Assessment: An insurance adjuster may need to inspect the vehicle to assess damages before it’s released. This often requires the vehicle to remain at the towing company until the review is complete. However, some insurance companies may expedite this process in certain circumstances.
Paying for Release: If storage fees are accruing and you’re concerned about costs, it may be worth discussing your situation with both your insurance company and the towing company. In some cases, the insurance company might be able to arrange for the storage costs to be directly paid to the towing company.
Claim Reimbursement: If you end up paying to release your car, keep all documentation of expenses (receipts, invoices, etc.). Once your claim is processed, you can submit these to your insurance company for reimbursement. They typically will require proof of payment and documentation of the accident.
Clear Communication: Finally, maintain clear communication with your insurance agent and ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities regarding your vehicle retrieval and any potential reimbursements.
To summarize, while towing and storage fees can be a concern, keeping in close contact with your insurance provider can help you navigate these issues and understand exactly what costs will be covered.