After a road accident, the vehicle is often no longer roadworthy - a towing service is then unavoidable and quickly associated with high costs. The good news is that in most cases you do not have to bear these costs yourself. If the other party is at fault, their liability insurance will usually cover the towing costs. Only if you are at fault will it depend on whether you have comprehensive insurance.
In this article, you will find out who pays the towing costs, what rules apply - and how you can enforce your claims fully and easily.
- The towing costs are usually borne by the liability insurance of the person responsible for the accident.
- You should have your car towed to the nearest garage (duty to minimise damage).
- You don't have to compare prices from towing services.
- If you cause the accident, you must pay the towing costs yourself without comprehensive insurance.
Entitlement to reimbursement of towing costs after an accident
The basic rule is that the party responsible for the accident or their liability insurance must pay for all damage. They are obliged to restore the vehicle to its original condition before the accident. You are not only entitled to reimbursement of the Repair- and Car hire costsbut also to the reimbursement of the towing costs of the vehicle.
Insurance companies generally want to keep their costs as low as possible. As towing costs are often very high, insurance companies like to cut corners here and do not pay out the full amount.
If you are towed away immediately after an accident, you do not have to compare prices before hiring a towing service. This means that even if the towing costs are high, the insurance company must pay you the full amount of the towing costs incurred.
Not sure whether you can claim towing costs after a road accident? We can help you!
Use the free of charge and without obligation Initial assessment of fairforce.one
Who pays the towing costs after an accident?
The first step is to clarify the question of fault. If you are not at fault for the traffic accident, the other party's liability insurance will always pay for the damages. You are not only entitled to reimbursement of the costs of repairs and hire cars - but also the towing costs after the accident.
In the event of a road accident caused by your own fault, the burden of payment lies with you. If you have taken out comprehensive insurance, the towing costs will be borne by it. If you do not have comprehensive insurance, you will be liable for the costs as the person responsible for the accident.
You can find information on settling a claim for partial fault here.
Towing to the nearest garage after a road accident
In principle, there is a so-called Duty to minimise damages. This means that even as the injured party, you have a duty to minimise the costs of settling the claim. As a rule, your car must therefore be towed to the nearest garage. Exceptions prove the rule: there are of course cases in which the nearest garage is not the most favourable option.
Here are a few examples:
- You can only have your vehicle repaired in a specialised workshop.
- You must have the car repaired at your authorised workshop in order not to invalidate the warranty.
- The garages are not open. You can park your vehicle temporarily with the towing service.
If you don't know whether the insurance company will have to pay out in your case, then have your claims settled. now check.
The right steps for fair claims settlement
Have you been involved in an accident through no fault of your own? Then play it safe and contact us directly:
- Our competent team of experts will discuss the right next steps with you.
- If required, we can organise an expert to come to your home. He will prepare the important independent expert opinion
- Your full claims are calculated by specialised teams of lawyers using our software
- Your optimised claims are asserted with the insurance companies liable to pay benefits and paid out for you
- If required, our network of tested, reliable specialist workshops and replacement vehicles will support you
- You will be kept up to date on all regulatory progress via our innovative HIS (customer information system).
We can't undo your accident. But we will make the best of it for you, we promise!
Frequently asked questions about towing costs after an accident
Who pays the towing costs after an accident?
If the accident was not your fault, the liability insurance of the person responsible for the accident will cover the towing costs. In the event of an accident caused by your own fault, your comprehensive insurance will pay - if available.
Do I have to pay the towing costs myself first?
Often yes, especially if the towing service has to be paid for directly on site. However, you can subsequently have the costs reimbursed by the relevant insurance company.
Can I have my car towed to any garage?
In principle, the obligation to minimise damage applies: the vehicle should be taken to the nearest suitable workshop. Exceptions are possible in certain cases (e.g. authorised workshop or specialist workshop).
Do I have to compare prices before towing?
No. Immediately after an accident, you are not obliged to compare different towing services. The costs incurred are generally deemed necessary and must be reimbursed.
What happens in the event of partial debt?
In the case of a partial debt, the towing costs are also divided proportionately. This means that you will only be reimbursed the percentage that corresponds to your share of the debt.
