When to Tow and When to Drive Away After An Accident

March 4th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA

 

 

After a car accident, which option is better: getting your car towed or driving away? The answer varies based on your health, your car’s condition, and other factors. As you review your options, there are several questions you need to consider, and these include:

 

1. How Do I Feel?

An accident can shake you both physically and emotionally. If you feel body aches and pain after an accident, you may be physically unable to drive your car. In this instance, you should seek out immediate medical treatment and have your car towed.

Meanwhile, feeling stressed, anxious, or upset after an accident is common. If you experience any of these feelings, you may have no desire to get back in your car and drive away. In this instance, it may be beneficial to get your car towed.

When it comes to your physical and emotional state after a car accident, it is always better to be cautious. Therefore, if your physical or emotional state prevents you from driving away from a car accident, you should contact a tow company.

2. What Is the Status of My Car?

If your car was involved in a minor accident, there might be only a few dents and dings, and your vehicle may continue to perform as expected. As such, you may benefit from driving away from a minor accident. On the other hand, if your car is making loud noises or may be totaled, you should get your car towed.

3. How Do I Get My Car Towed After an Accident?

In some instances, the police will offer to call a tow truck company after an accident. But, you don’t necessarily have to use that company to have your car towed after an accident. In fact, you can contact your insurance company to find out if it has a preferred towing company.

4. Where Should I Tow My Car After an Accident?

If your car is drivable and you feel good enough to drive it home after an accident, there is no need to have your vehicle towed. Comparatively, if you decide getting your car towed is the best choice, there are three options you need to consider.

Following an accident, you may want to have your car towed to your home. This allows you to park your car in a garage or driveway. You may also park your car on the street; but in some cities and towns, you risk getting a ticket if street parking is not permitted.

For those who want to get their car repaired immediately after an accident, you can have your vehicle towed to the auto body shop of your choice. If you pursue this option, you should notify the auto body shop that your car will be dropped off. You should provide the auto body shop with details about your car and the accident. It is crucial to stay in contact with the auto body shop to ensure they receive your car and can get started on the repairs right away, too.

Another option is to have your car towed to an impound lot or storage yard after an accident. You can keep your car in an impound lot or storage yard for as long as necessary, but you may be charged fees for each day it remains at this location.

5. How Much Does It Cost to Have My Car Towed After an Accident?

How much you pay for towing depends on several factors. If your insurance policy includes towing fee coverage, you won’t be responsible for these costs. [JH1] 

If you don’t have insurance to cover the cost of towing, you will be responsible for the towing fee and any associated impound lot or storage yard costs. Fees typically range, so you may want to discuss this with the tow company before a truck arrives. In the event that your car is no longer running, you may need to pay for a rental car after an accident as well.

Tips to Determine If You Should Have Your Car Towed or Drive Away After an Accident

An accident creates challenges for all parties involved, and it may be tough to determine whether to have your car towed or to drive away after it occurs. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to help determine the best course of action, such as:

• Weigh the Pros and Cons: If the potential risks of driving away after an accident outweigh the potential benefits of doing so, you should get your car towed.
• Look Beyond the Cost: Your health and well-being should take precedence over the potential cost of a tow. So, if you feel unable to drive away from an accident, you should contact a tow company.
• Proceed with Caution: If you’re on the fence about driving away from an accident, you will likely benefit from a tow. Thanks to a tow company, you can always ensure your car is safely transported to the destination of your choice.

Review your options carefully after a car accident, and you can make an informed decision about whether to have your car towed or drive away.

This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Irvine, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing the Irvine area.