Your immediate priorities at the accident scene
Before thinking about towing, handle the safety and legal requirements first.
Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to a safe location if possible — away from traffic and any fuel leaks. Turn on hazard lights. Call the police to file a report, which is required in most states for accidents above a certain damage threshold and is important for insurance claims.
Document the scene before any vehicles are moved. Take photos of all vehicle positions, damage to all vehicles, road conditions, any skid marks, and the surrounding area. This documentation is valuable for insurance claims and any potential legal disputes.
Exchange information with the other driver: name, contact, insurance company, policy number, and license plate. Get contact information from any witnesses.
When your car needs to be towed
Not every accident requires a tow. Your car needs to be towed if: the damage prevents safe driving (flat tire from the collision, steering is compromised, frame damage, airbags deployed), fluid is leaking from the engine or transmission, the damage failed a safety inspection at the scene, or police determine the vehicle is not roadworthy.
If the car is drivable and the damage is cosmetic, you can drive it to a body shop yourself — which gives you full control over which shop you use and avoids towing costs. Have it inspected by a mechanic or body shop quickly after even minor accidents, as hidden structural damage is common.
If towing is needed, do not rush the decision. You have time to make the right call even at the accident scene.
Choosing your tow company: your rights and options
You have the right to choose your own tow company after an accident. Police-dispatched tow trucks that arrive at accident scenes are on rotation contracts with local jurisdictions — they are not automatically the best or cheapest option, and you are not required to use them.
Before accepting a tow from any company, confirm the destination (where they will take the vehicle), the towing cost, and any storage fees that will accrue at their facility. High-pressure tactics from tow operators at accident scenes are a warning sign — legitimate operators will give you time to call your insurance and make a decision.
Call your insurance company before committing to a tow company if at all possible. Many policies cover towing and have preferred providers with negotiated rates. See how to choose a tow company after an accident to avoid predatory operators.
Where to have your car towed
The towing destination decision matters more than most accident victims realize. Where your car goes after an accident affects your repair options, your insurance claim, and your out-of-pocket costs.
Your preferred body shop: If you have a body shop you trust, tow directly there. This gives you full control over the repair process and avoids storage fees at a tow yard. Call the shop first to confirm they have space to receive the vehicle.
Insurance-approved direct repair facility: Many insurers have preferred shops that are pre-approved for claims, often with streamlined claims processes and repair guarantees. Towing directly to an approved facility can speed up the claims process.
A tow yard temporarily: If you need time to make decisions — contact your insurance, evaluate repair options — a tow to a secure yard buys time. Be aware that most tow yards charge daily storage fees that accumulate quickly. See how long a car can sit at a tow yard before fees become serious.
Avoiding common post-accident towing mistakes
Several common mistakes after accidents create expensive problems.
Accepting the first tow offer without checking: Tow operators who arrive quickly at accident scenes sometimes charge above-market rates knowing victims are stressed and not comparison shopping. Get the rate in writing before authorizing.
Letting the car go to an unknown yard: If the car goes to a tow yard you did not choose, get the exact address and the per-day storage rate immediately. Retrieve the car or have it moved to a body shop as soon as possible.
Not notifying your insurance before towing: Your insurer may have specific requirements about documentation or preferred facilities. A quick call before the car is moved prevents complications with your claim.
Signing anything under pressure: Do not sign release forms or authorization documents without reading them. Some tow companies use signature at the scene to authorize storage agreements with unfavorable terms. See who pays for towing after an accident.