Tow & RecoveryDecember 5, 2025

After an Accident: The Right Tow Sequence

Police, insurance, tow operator, shop — the order matters for documentation and cost.

5 min read

After a non-injury accident, the sequence is: ensure everyone is safe, call police (file a report even for minor accidents — required for most insurance claims), call your insurance, then arrange the tow.

Insurance often has a preferred-vendor tow program. Some pay the operator directly; some require you to pay and seek reimbursement. Check before calling a random tow operator.

Don't let the police-on-scene tow operator default to a specific lot. Some jurisdictions have predatory tow practices where 'recommended' lots charge inflated daily storage fees. You have the right to choose your destination.

Document the vehicle's condition before the tow — photos of all four sides, the interior, and visible damage. The tow process can introduce additional minor scratches.

For accident scenarios, flatbed is almost always the right choice. The vehicle's condition may be unknown, and dragging on wheel-lift can cause additional damage.

Quick Tips

  • Police report first, then insurance, then tow
  • Insurance preferred-vendor programs often cover tow costs
  • You have the right to choose where your vehicle is towed
  • Photograph the vehicle before the tow for documentation
  • Flatbed is almost always right for accident scenarios

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