Towing Costs After an Accident: Who Pays?

The basic rule

If someone else is responsible for the accident, their vehicle liability insurance usually covers the towing costs. Towing costs count among the damages that get reimbursed.

Who chooses the towing service?

As the injured party, you may choose the company yourself. You don't have to compare prices in an emergency. Right after an accident, there's usually no time for that anyway. In such an urgent situation, the at-fault party owes the costs actually incurred, regardless of whether the price matches the average.

Where may the vehicle go?

The duty to minimise damages applies: you should keep costs as low as reasonably possible. In practice that usually means the vehicle goes to the nearest suitable garage. A long trip to your regular garage can mean the insurer won't cover the extra cost. Discuss the destination with us and with your insurer beforehand. Whether the car may even be driven at all is covered in After the accident: still roadworthy or towed?

If the insurer thinks the price is too high

Usually the person who ordered the tow, meaning you, pays the invoice first. If the insurer thinks it's inflated, it can ask you to assign your claim against the towing company to it and handle the dispute itself. Then you don't have to argue about it.

If you caused the accident

Then you pay first yourself, unless your comprehensive cover, breakdown cover, or automobile club membership covers it. A quick look at your policy or a call to your insurer will clarify this.

If both sides share the blame

If those involved share the blame, the costs are also split, according to the ratio the insurers determine. In that case, keep all receipts and pay the invoice yourself so you can claim it back.

What to do after an accident

1. Secure the scene: hazard lights, hi-vis vest, warning triangle.
2. Call 112 if anyone is injured.
3. Call the police if needed, especially for injuries, a dispute over fault, or a hit-and-run.
4. Exchange details: name, address, licence plate, insurer.
5. Take photos: vehicles, damage, location, road.
6. Choose a towing service and state the destination.
7. Keep the invoice and receipt.

What you should keep as evidence

• Photos of the vehicle, the accident scene, and the damage
• The other driver's name and insurer; call the police if needed
• The invoice and proof that it's been paid
• The towing destination and the reason you chose it