Car accidents are chaotic. In the aftermath, decisions that seem minor — where the car gets towed, which company you use, what you document — can have significant financial consequences. This checklist covers everything to do from the moment of impact to the car arriving at the repair shop.
Immediate Steps (First 5 Minutes)
- Check for injuries — yourself, passengers, other parties. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Move to safety if the vehicle is drivable and the current position is dangerous (active traffic lane)
- Turn on hazard lights
- Call 911 — for any injury accident, and in most states for accidents over a certain damage threshold (usually $1,500–$2,500). A police report protects you.
Documentation Checklist (Do This Before Anything Moves)
Before any car gets towed, document everything. Once the scene is cleared, you cannot recreate it.
- ☐ Photos of all vehicles involved from multiple angles
- ☐ Photos of all visible damage on your vehicle and the other vehicle(s)
- ☐ Photos of the accident scene including road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals
- ☐ Other driver's name, license number, insurance company and policy number, and license plate
- ☐ Police officer's name and badge number; get the incident report number
- ☐ Names and contact information of any witnesses
- ☐ Note any pre-existing damage on your vehicle before it's loaded onto the tow truck
Choosing Where Your Car Gets Towed
You have the right to choose where your car is towed. The police, the other driver's insurance, or a tow company that shows up unsolicited cannot legally dictate where your car goes — though they may pressure you to use a preferred shop. Choose your own.
- Call your insurance company before approving any tow destination — many have preferred shops or specific procedures
- Choose a reputable, licensed tow company — use National Tow Connect to find verified operators
- Avoid tow companies that appear without being called ("ambulance chasers") — they typically charge inflated rates and may take your car to a high-markup impound yard
- Confirm the destination address and storage rate in writing before the car is loaded
Before the Car Leaves on the Truck
- ☐ Take photos of your car being loaded (documents condition at time of towing)
- ☐ Note any existing damage on the tow receipt
- ☐ Get the tow operator's name, company, license number, and destination address
- ☐ Remove any valuables from the vehicle — personal items may not be covered once it's at the tow yard
- ☐ Get a written receipt showing the destination and storage rate per day
After the Tow: Next Steps
- Call your insurance company and report the accident as soon as possible
- Retrieve your vehicle quickly if it's at a storage facility — fees accrue daily ($30–$75/day)
- Get the police report (usually available online or at the precinct within 2–5 business days)
- Document all accident-related expenses including towing receipts for insurance reimbursement
Insurance and Towing Coverage
Most comprehensive and collision policies cover towing after an accident — up to a specified limit. Contact your insurer before paying out of pocket. If the accident was the other driver's fault, their liability insurance should cover your towing and storage costs as part of the property damage claim.