How Towing Assistance Works After an Accident

When your vehicle can't be driven after an accident, towing is one of your first urgent needs — and also one of the areas where accident victims most commonly get taken advantage of.

Key Takeaways

• Police-called tow trucks are often NOT the most cost-effective option — you have the right to call your own
• Storage fees accumulate rapidly at impound lots — retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible
• Your insurance may cover towing under roadside assistance or collision coverage
• Accident Aid connects you with preferred towing providers at no upfront cost
• Oregon has laws protecting accident victims from predatory towing practices

Your Towing Rights in Oregon

You have the right to choose your own tow company. When police respond to an accident, they often call from a rotation list of local tow companies. You are NOT required to use that company. You may:

• Request officers wait while you call your preferred tow company
• Specify where you want your vehicle taken
• Contact your insurance company's roadside assistance before police arrive

The Storage Fee Problem

Once your vehicle is at an impound or storage facility:

• Storage fees accumulate daily — often $40–$75 per day or more
• On weekends and holidays, you may not be able to retrieve the vehicle
• Total fees can easily exceed $500–$1,000 for vehicles sitting over a long weekend

Act fast. Once you know where your vehicle is stored, arrange retrieval or transfer to a body shop immediately.

Insurance Coverage for Towing

Roadside Assistance Coverage: Many auto policies cover towing to the nearest repair facility.

Collision Coverage: If your accident was covered under collision, towing to a repair facility is often covered.

At-Fault Driver's Insurance: Their property damage liability should ultimately cover reasonable towing and storage costs.

How Accident Aid's Towing Network Works

When you contact Accident Aid:

1. We dispatch a partner towing company to your location
2. Your vehicle is transported to a partner body shop or your preferred destination
3. No upfront payment required — towing costs are billed against your insurance claim

FAQ

Can I direct my towed vehicle to a specific body shop? Yes. You have the absolute right to choose where your vehicle is repaired.

What if my vehicle was already towed by police rotation? Call the police department for impound lot information. Contact your insurance company immediately. Arrange transfer to your preferred shop quickly to stop storage fees.

Disclaimer: Towing costs and coverage vary by policy. Consult your insurance provider for coverage details.