After the Accident: Still Roadworthy or Towed?

"Still runs" isn't the same as "roadworthy"

A vehicle can still drive and still be dangerous. Assessors therefore distinguish between: roadworthy (fully usable), conditionally roadworthy (can drive to a garage), and not roadworthy (must not be driven at all). Driving a vehicle that isn't roadworthy risks trouble with your insurer and possible liability if there's a follow-up accident.

Signs that towing is needed

• Fluid is leaking: oil, coolant, fuel or brake fluid under the vehicle.
• Steering or brakes feel different, the vehicle pulls to one side, or the pedal gives way.
• A wheel is deformed, drags, or the tyre is damaged.
• Warning lights are on that weren't on before (see Warning lights in your car).
• Lights don't work: headlights, brake lights or indicators have failed.
• Sharp edges or loose parts stick out from the bodywork or drag on the ground.
• Doors or the bonnet don't close securely.
• For electric or hybrid vehicles: a high-voltage battery warning, smoke, or an unusual smell, see Towing an electric car.

If it's just a scratch

For minor damage with no fluid leak and no loss of function, you can usually drive to a garage. Check the lights, tyres and brakes first. If you're unsure, transport is the safer choice.

What this means for costs

If the vehicle isn't roadworthy, the towing costs can be reimbursable after an accident that wasn't your fault, see Towing costs after an accident. If you have a roadworthy, driveable vehicle towed anyway, expect the insurer to review whether it was necessary.

At the scene

For a collision with an animal, special steps apply, see Animal collision.

1. Secure the scene: hazard lights, hi-vis vest, warning triangle.
2. Attend to anyone injured; call 112.
3. Take photos before moving the vehicle.
4. Check: fluids, wheels, lights.
5. If in doubt, have it towed and name a garage or an assessor.

Call the police or not?

There's no general legal duty to call the police after every accident. But it's sensible or advisable in these cases:

• There are injuries.
• The property damage is significant.
• Fault is unclear or there's a dispute with the other driver.
• Alcohol or drugs are involved.
• The other party won't share their details.
• A rental car, a company vehicle, or a foreign-registered vehicle is involved.

Regardless, German traffic law (§ 34 StVO) requires everyone involved to: stop, secure the traffic, help anyone injured, and allow the necessary details to be established. If the other party isn't there, wait a reasonable time and inform the police rather than simply driving off.

Before the vehicles are moved

Photograph the scene from different angles before the vehicles are driven away or loaded, along with close-ups of the damage and licence plates. If you have a European accident report form, fill it in together with the other driver. Tell the towing service if the documentation isn't finished yet, so nothing gets moved too soon.