After a car accident, the last thing anyone wants to think about is the bill that follows. Between damage repairs, medical expenses, and insurance paperwork, towing fees can easily be overlooked — until the invoice arrives.
In California, the question of who pays for towing costs after an accident depends on several factors: who was at fault, whether insurance coverage applies, and which towing company handled the vehicle. Here’s a detailed look at how towing costs work, who’s responsible for them, and what drivers should do after an accident.
1. What Happens to Your Car After an Accident
When a crash occurs, law enforcement may request an authorized towing company to remove vehicles from the roadway to restore traffic flow and prevent further danger. In cities like Ontario, CA, companies such as Quik Tow LLC provide 24/7 emergency towing to safely transport vehicles to storage yards, repair shops, or insurance-designated locations.
Even if your vehicle seems drivable, police officers may require a tow if:
- It’s leaking fluids or considered unsafe to operate
- It’s blocking lanes or causing a hazard
- The driver is injured, arrested, or taken to the hospital
Once the tow occurs, the costs start accumulating — including towing, storage, and administrative release fees.
2. Who Pays the Towing Bill?
In most cases, one of three parties covers the towing cost: the at-fault driver, the insurance company, or the vehicle owner initially until reimbursement occurs.
- If another driver is at fault: Their liability insurance usually covers your towing and storage expenses as part of property damage compensation.
- If you’re at fault: Your own insurance may cover the cost if you carry collision coverage or optional roadside assistance.
- If no one has insurance: You’ll be responsible for the bill directly, though recovery may still be possible through legal claims.
Towing companies are legally required to provide detailed receipts for all charges — an important document to keep for insurance and legal purposes.
3. Understanding Insurance Coverage
Most auto insurance policies include towing and labor coverage, but limits vary widely. Some only reimburse up to a set amount (for example, $75 or $100), while others cover the full cost of emergency recovery.
It’s important to review your policy details before an accident happens. Contacting your insurer immediately after the tow will help ensure:
- You’re reimbursed quickly for authorized towing
- Storage fees don’t pile up unnecessarily
- The vehicle is released to the correct repair facility
If you’re unsure which towing service was used after police dispatch, you can contact the city or California Highway Patrol for the impound record.
4. When Legal Issues Affect Towing Responsibility
Sometimes, a vehicle is impounded not just because of the accident but due to legal circumstances — for example, when the driver is arrested for DUI or driving without insurance.
In those cases:
- The vehicle may be held longer for investigation.
- Storage fees can accumulate daily until release authorization is given.
- The driver or their representative must pay the fees before retrieving the car.
If an arrest accompanies the accident, families often turn to Midnight Bail Bonds for 24-hour bail assistance. Once the individual is released, they can immediately begin the process of reclaiming their impounded vehicle.
If the accident leads to criminal charges or disputes about liability, legal counsel such as Rubin Law P.C. can help determine who’s financially responsible for the towing and storage costs — and whether reimbursement can be recovered through insurance or court action.
5. How to Minimize Towing and Storage Costs
Towing fees in California are regulated, but storage costs can rise quickly if a vehicle sits unclaimed for days or weeks. To avoid unnecessary expenses:
- Contact the towing company as soon as possible to confirm location and fees.
- Notify your insurance provider immediately to start the claim process.
- Retrieve personal belongings before the vehicle moves to long-term storage.
- If you’re disputing fault or charges, keep all receipts for your attorney.
Companies like Quik Tow LLC provide transparent pricing and clear documentation to make the reimbursement process straightforward for both drivers and insurers.
6. What If You Can’t Afford the Towing Fees Right Away?
If you’re unable to pay immediately, some tow yards offer payment plans or insurance-direct billing once a claim is verified. In situations involving arrests or pending investigations, bail agents and attorneys can help coordinate payment release or negotiate extensions to prevent vehicle forfeiture.
Acting quickly is key — storage fees can accumulate at $50–$100 per day depending on vehicle type and location.
7. The Bottom Line
In California, towing costs after a car accident usually fall under insurance liability or reimbursement, but they can become a personal expense if coverage is limited or fault is disputed.
Working with professional towing services like Quik Tow LLC ensures your vehicle is handled legally and documented properly — a crucial factor when filing insurance claims or presenting evidence in court. If legal or criminal charges are involved, resources like Midnight Bail Bonds and Rubin Law P.C. provide the support needed to navigate both the financial and legal aftermath.
Final Thoughts
A car accident is stressful enough without surprise towing bills. Understanding your rights, contacting your insurance promptly, and keeping detailed records can save hundreds of dollars in unnecessary costs. Reliable companies like Quik Tow LLC make the process smoother for drivers in Ontario, CA — ensuring every tow is professional, transparent, and fully compliant with California law.
