What happens to a car after it’s towed from an accident scene?
Let’s say both vehicles involved in a collision are taken to a towing company. If you are not at fault in the accident, what steps should you take regarding your car?
From discussions with insurance agents, I’ve learned that vehicles typically need to stay at the towing company during the investigation so that an adjuster can assess the damage.
However, I’ve also seen people mention that it’s necessary to retrieve the vehicles quickly to avoid accruing storage fees. This raises the question: If you have to pay to tow your car out, how can you ensure you will be reimbursed for that expense?
Do insurance companies inform claims filers early on that they only cover certain storage and towing fees up to a specific time or amount?
After a car is towed away following an accident, there are several steps for the person not at fault to consider regarding their vehicle at the towing company. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Contact Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance provider about the accident if you haven’t already. They can guide you through the next steps and clarify your coverage regarding towing and storage fees.
Investigate Storage Fees: Most towing companies charge daily storage fees once a car is left at their facility. It’s important to find out from the towing company what those fees are and how quickly they accumulate.
Waiting for the Adjuster’s Evaluation: Insurance companies often require the vehicles to remain at the towing company for an adjuster to evaluate the damage. However, this timeframe can vary, and it’s critical to clarify with your insurer how long this process typically takes.
Discuss Options with Your Insurance Agent: Ask your insurance agent whether your policy covers towing and storage fees. Some policies may cover costs related to towing and storage up to certain limits, while others may not cover these costs at all.
Release the Car if Necessary: If the towing fees start to accumulate significantly and your insurance company has confirmed the adjustment evaluation will take longer, you might need to consider retrieving your vehicle to avoid excessive costs. If you do retrieve your car, keep all receipts and documentation, as you may need them for reimbursement later.
Reimbursement Process: If you pay to get your car out of the towing company, hold on to all documentation (receipts, reports). When you file your claim, provide these receipts to your insurance company. They will typically review the situation to determine if reimbursement is warranted based on their policy terms.
Communicating with All Parties: Stay in contact with both the towing company and your insurance company. Updating them about any developments or clarifications can ensure smoother communication and processes during what can be a complicated situation.
In summary, while you may have to consider retrieving your car to prevent accumulating fees, it’s essential to stay informed about your insurance policy and maintain communication with your insurance agent. They should provide guidance on what is covered and how to proceed without incurring unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.