Who Pays For Towing After An Accident?
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be extremely stressful. Adrenaline is pumping, your thoughts are whirling and the last thing on your mind is who is fronting the bill for your towing. In this blog, we’ll explore who is likely responsible for your towing bills and outline other important factors to consider.
Responsibility For Towing Bills
The responsibility for towing bills usually falls on the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident. In cases where another vehicle caused the accident, the person driving this vehicle (as the liable party) may be required to reimburse your towing expenses. In some cases, if both parties share responsibility for the accident, the costs may be divided between them.
If you are not at fault you need to collect evidence. Take note of any traffic violations and start gathering evidence, including the personal details of other vehicles involved, including their rego numbers and insurance company details. Record the time, date and location of the accident and take photos of any injuries or damages.
Insurance Coverage For Towing
Depending on the circumstances, your insurance policy may provide coverage for towing expenses after an accident. Comprehensive insurance policies typically include towing coverage, while third-party liability policies generally only cover damage to other people’s vehicles and property. It’s crucial to review your policy and understand the extent of your coverage. If towing is covered, your insurance provider will likely reimburse you for the towing fees, up to the limits specified in your policy.
Towing Companies And Payment Options
After an accident, the police may call a tow truck to remove your vehicle from the scene, or you may need to arrange for a tow yourself. In either case, you’ll want to choose a reputable towing company that offers transparent pricing and accepts various payment options, including cash, credit card or insurance payments. It’s also important to check whether they can directly bill your insurance provider, as this will help simplify the reimbursement process.
Additional Costs Associated With Towing
Apart from the towing fees, there may be additional costs associated with towing your vehicle after an accident. Some of these include:
- Storage fees: Your vehicle may need to be stored at a towing facility or repair shop while awaiting repair or assessment. Storage fees can accumulate quickly, so you’ll want to arrange your vehicle’s release as soon as possible.
- Additional services: Depending on the severity of the accident, your vehicle may require additional services such as winching, flat tyre assistance or jump-starts. These services may incur additional costs, so it’s important to inquire about them before choosing a towing company.
- Distance fees: Towing companies may charge distance fees based on the kilometres travelled to tow your vehicle. Ensure you’re aware of these fees when selecting a towing company.
Had An Accident And Need A Reliable Towing Service?
If you find yourself in need of a professional towing service after an accident, Outback Recovery Service is here to help! With years of experience, our team services Dubbo and the Western and Central West regions of NSW with the ability to tow Australia-wide. Our reliable accident and breakdown recovery service allows us to arrange the safe recovery and transport of your vehicle. Want to learn more? Contact our team today.