Why accident vehicles almost always need flatbed towing
Most accident vehicles should be towed on a flatbed rather than a wheel-lift truck. Here is why this matters.
Collision damage often affects steering components, wheels, axles, or the drivetrain in ways that are not immediately visible. Wheel-lift towing requires the non-lifted wheels to roll freely — if those wheels or the suspension are damaged, rolling them during transport causes additional damage that was not present at the accident scene.
Flatbed towing keeps all four wheels off the ground. The vehicle is winched onto the flatbed platform and transported without any wheels rolling. This is the only safe method for vehicles with unknown drivetrain or suspension damage from a collision.
Insurance claims can be complicated by additional damage caused during improper towing. Using a flatbed for an accident vehicle protects both the vehicle and your claim integrity.
Documenting the vehicle before the tow
Before any tow truck moves your vehicle, take a thorough photo and video documentation of all visible damage.
Photograph every angle of the vehicle — all four sides, front, rear, and underneath if accessible. Capture close-up photos of every damaged area. Take a video walkthrough of the entire vehicle noting each damage point verbally.
This documentation establishes the pre-tow condition of the vehicle. If additional damage occurs during towing or while the vehicle is in a tow yard, your documentation proves it happened after the accident.
Note the tow truck company name, driver name, license plate of the tow truck, and time of tow. Get a receipt or written confirmation of the destination address.
Special considerations for severely damaged vehicles
Vehicles with severe damage require additional care during towing.
Vehicles with airbag deployment: Deployed airbags indicate a significant impact. The vehicle may have structural damage that is not immediately visible. A qualified collision estimator should assess before any major decisions are made about repair versus total loss.
Vehicles leaking fluids: Engine oil, transmission fluid, or coolant leaking from accident damage creates additional hazards during towing. The tow operator should note any active leaks before loading.
Vehicles with compromised structural integrity: Severe frame damage may require specialized rigging to tow safely without causing additional damage to the vehicle structure. An experienced flatbed operator will assess attachment points before towing.
Electric vehicles: EVs require special handling after accidents due to battery damage risk. A damaged EV battery can overheat or catch fire. Many manufacturers recommend specific towing procedures for damaged EVs — check with the dealer or manufacturer roadside line.
Choosing the right towing company for accident recovery
Not all tow companies are equally equipped for accident recovery. When choosing a tow company after an accident, look for operators with flatbed equipment appropriate for your vehicle size, experience with insurance-documented towing, and the ability to provide a written receipt with all relevant details.
Avoid operators who pressure you to sign documents quickly, refuse to give a written cost estimate, or want to take the vehicle to a yard rather than your preferred destination.
If your insurance company dispatches a preferred provider, that provider will typically have the right equipment and documentation practices for insurance-related towing. Using a preferred provider can also streamline your claim.
For businesses and body shops that regularly receive accident vehicles, setting up a preferred towing relationship through a dispatch platform gives consistent service quality and documentation standards on every vehicle received. See how body shops work with dispatch operators and what to know about towing damaged cars to a shop.
What happens to your car after the tow
Understanding what happens after the tow helps you manage the process effectively.
If towed to a body shop: The shop will perform a damage assessment, typically within 1-3 business days. They will document all damage and provide a repair estimate to your insurance company. The claims adjuster may inspect the vehicle at the shop or approve the estimate remotely.
If towed to a tow yard: Storage fees begin immediately — typically $25-75 per day. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to arrange an adjuster inspection and authorization to move the vehicle to a repair facility. Do not leave the vehicle in a yard longer than necessary.
If the vehicle is a total loss: The insurance company will offer a settlement based on the actual cash value of the vehicle. You do not need to repair a totaled vehicle — the settlement replaces the vehicle value minus your deductible. See what happens after a vehicle is declared a total loss. See how total loss vehicles are handled at body shops.