A car accident can be stressful and overwhelming in most cases, especially when your vehicle ends up being towed. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a major collision on a highway, knowing the safe steps after your car is towed can save you time and money.
In Australia, many drivers are caught off guard by the towing process from unexpected fees to unclear procedures. If you’re searching for answers after your car’s being towed after an accident, you’re not alone. This blog will guide you through essential steps to take when your car is towed after an accident.
What to do when your Car is Towed After an Accident?
After a substantial accident, one thing that people might forget is what happened to their vehicle and there is a greater possibility that you will end up needing a towing. The next important thing is to discuss the cost of tow with the tow truck driver. The best thing is if you could be able to find the cheapest and trustworthy towing services. To get rid of any unsolicited or bad tow service it is best to have a towing service contact in your mobile phone.
Once the dust settles after the accident, this is when the driver’s mind is struck with questions, who’s paying for the tow? or where’s my car going?
Following the accident, the police will most likely call a tow truck company if significant damage has occurred. Or if you’re not badly injured or still in senses you can call a nearby towing service yourself. You have got all the rights to get your car towed after an accident by a reliable company. Following are the measures taken after an accident
Stay calm and ensure safety
The first thing after you meet an accident is to move to a safe location away from traffic. Call the nearby medical assistance, if anyone in the car needs first-aid or emergency check-up. In Australia you need to call emergency services, in case there are injuries or if the accident is blocking the traffic. Moreover, the person should seek immediate help from police even if the accident may seem minor.
By staying calm, finding and recording the right information, and managing the costs efficiently you can navigate the post-accident process smoothly and hassle-free.
Understand your towing rules and rights
In Australia every state or region has their own rules and regulations. Knowing your rights is the key to avoiding being overcharged or misled. For example: In Victoria you have the right to choose your repairer while in New South Wales you should receive a towing authorization to move your vehicle to a particular place. If you’re unsure about the laws, you must check your state’s transport helpline department.
Notify the insurance company for timely assistance
Not every accident requires towing. It depends on the extent of damage to the car, which depicts whether a car needs towing or repairing or it’s safe to drive.
In case of major damage, call your insurance agent before authorizing the tow, unless safety requires immediate measures. Your insurer needs to be informed as soon as possible because most policies demand to report an accident within a certain timeframe. Provide him with all the necessary accident details, police report number and towing company’s name and location. To assist you immediately, your insurer may:
- Arrange their personal towing service
- Cover full towing cost
- And give the best advice to where your cars should be transferred for repairs
Remember if you fail to call or notify your insurer, you might delay your claim or they may refuse certain charges.
Understand Towing and Storage cost
Once your car is towed after an accident, the next step is to recognize the towing cost depending on the damage and distance from the towing yard. When your car meets an accident, the police will probably call the nearest towing service. When the car is taken to the salvage yard, daily storage fees will be accrued until you retrieve it back. In some cases, you might be charged multiple tows.
Who will pay the insurance fees?
The time taken by the regularity authorities in determining the one who is negligent can take several days, for police to complete the investigation. If the police find you negligent you or your insurance company would be responsible for all the bills of the vehicles towed from the accident place.
No matter who pays the bills, you need to responsibly save all the documents and records of the accident including the receipts related to the towing so that the insurance company can reimburse you.
Also read: 5 Essential Tips for Stress-Free Aussie Road Trips
How Cheap Tow is your Best Solution?
If you ever face an uncertain situation, having a reliable and trusted towing service on your side makes all the difference. Here comes Cheap Tow that specializes in towing across Melbourne, Victoria and interstate. Cheap Tow offers:
- 24/7 fast response times
- Transparent pricing
- Safe and secure transport of your vehicle to the specific location
- Professional and Friendly service
We understand that accidents can be stressful but with Cheap Tow you can get back on track fast without breaking the bank. If you’re in Melbourne or anywhere in Victoria you can trust Cheap Tow for its reliable, affordable towing after an accident.


