What to do if your car is towed away

If your car isn’t where you left it, don’t panic—it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s been stolen. Cars are often impounded or relocated for things like parking without permission on private property or breaking other local parking rules. Sometimes, you even have to call a towing company yourself, like after a collision. If your car has been towed, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know.

My car was towed. Now what?

If your car has been towed unexpectedly, here’s what you should do:

1. The first thing you should do is call the non-emergency line for the police in your area. The number will vary depending on your city, so you can look it up in the local directory or find it online.
2. When you call, an automated system will direct your call based on why you’re reaching out.
3. You’ll need to provide your vehicle’s licence plate number and its last known location. The dispatcher will let you know if your car has been impounded or moved, and they’ll give you its current location.
4. Once you know the status of your car, you can arrange to hire an appropriate towing company to retrieve it. Keep in mind that the longer your car is held, the higher the storage fees will be, as the costs add up over time.

Tow services typically give you a 24-hour window to pick up your car. If it takes longer, they may charge extra for each additional hour.

Reasons your car may have been towed

There are several reasons why your vehicle might get towed. Here are some of the most common ones:

• You were parked illegally.
• Your car was considered abandoned, or you parked it in the same spot for too long, leading someone to report it abandoned.
• It posed a safety risk to other drivers.
• It was involved in a collision.
• It caused an inconvenience to pedestrians or other motorists (e.g., parking over a sidewalk or blocking a driveway).

I’ve been in an accident. Does my car need to be towed?

If you’re in a car accident and your vehicle is too damaged to drive, you’ll probably need to have it towed to the nearest dealership or auto body shop.

First, make sure your car actually needs a tow. Many drivers assume they have to call a tow truck after a collision, but that’s not always the case. If your car has only minor damage, it might still be safe to drive. In that case, you can likely drive away on your own. However, it’s a good idea to have a mechanic check things out to make sure there isn’t any hidden damage. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if your car is safe to drive:

• Are the headlights, brake lights, and taillights still working?
• Are your side and rear-view mirrors intact?
• Does the car brake and steer like normal?
• Can you still close the hood properly?
• Are there no fluid leaks?

If you can answer “yes” to these, you’re probably good to go without a tow. But if you said “no” to any of these, or you have any doubts—like a deployed airbag—it’s best to call a tow truck.

I’m having my car towed after the accident. What do I need to do?

If you decide that calling a tow truck is the best option, you’ll want to get your car ready for towing. Start by taking photos and videos of the accident scene and any damage to your car—these will come in handy when filing an insurance claim. Then, make sure to remove all your personal items before handing the car over to the towing company.

When the tow truck arrives, double-check that it’s the company you actually called. Predatory towing is becoming more common, so it’s important to make sure the towing company that shows up is the one you contacted. Also, make sure to get all the necessary paperwork from the tow truck company. They’ll provide you with documents that outline the service they’re offering.

Further, be sure to let the tow truck driver know exactly where you want your car to be dropped off. As the vehicle owner, you have the right to choose where your car gets towed after a car accident and which company handles it. Don’t let any tow truck drivers pressure you into taking your vehicle to a specific location if that’s not what you want.

Does insurance cover towing?

Not always. Your car insurance policy might cover towing after an accident, but it’s not automatically included. For your car insurance to cover the cost of a tow, you’ll need to have collision coverage, all perils coverage, or roadside assistance coverage. We will explore each of these coverages in detail below:

Collision coverage

With collision coverage, you can get reimbursed for property damage from the accident, like a damaged car. Some policies also cover towing costs after an accident, no matter who’s at fault. Keep in mind that some insurance companies have preferred towing services, so it’s a good idea to check with your provider and use their recommended company if possible.

All perils coverage

All perils coverage protects your vehicle from all types of losses except for any exclusions listed in your policy. This coverage can apply if your car is stolen or damaged, even if someone else, like another driver in your household, was behind the wheel.

Roadside assistance coverage

Roadside assistance is there to provide emergency help when you need it. Whether you run out of gas on a country road or get into an accident on the highway, having this coverage can be a real lifesaver. Roadside assistance coverage includes towing services.

Contact BrokerLink today

If you want to add some form of towing coverage to your car insurance policy, or if you have questions about whether your insurance already includes it, contact BrokerLink. You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations across Canada. Our brokers are happy to answer any insurance-related questions you may have. You can also take advantage of our free car insurance quotes by using our free online quote tool today.

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FAQs for my car is towed

Do I need to call a towing company if my car is totalled?

Yes. If your car can’t be driven, your best bet is to call a tow truck. Depending on your insurance, such as if you have roadside assistance, this might be covered. You might even get it for free if you're a CAA member. But for most people, you’ll need to pay for the towing fees yourself, so keep in mind that there could be an extra cost.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.