What You Need to Know About Towing and Storage Fees

What You Need to Know About Towing and Storage Fees

June 17, 2021

If you’ve recently been in a vehicle crash, you’re probably experiencing a lot of stress and confusion. From filing insurance claims to dealing with potential medical issues, you have plenty on your plate.

One other thing you may worry about is the dreaded towing and storage fee. Many towing companies require that this fee be paid in order to release your vehicle. Let’s go over how this fee works—and who’s expected to pay for it. Contact a truck and trailer repair company in Centre County, PA to learn more.

First steps

Before a tow truck even arrives, you should always take photos of the accident. This includes photos of the cars involved, the road, any nearby street signs, etc. Do all of this before either car is moved. In cases where you believe the other driver is at fault, you’ll need to show the insurance company proof that this was the case. Only after you’ve documented the crash should the vehicles be moved out.

The towing process

There are two ways in which a vehicle is towed from an accident. One is that the driver calls a tow truck to the scene of the wreck. The other is that a police officer calls for a tow truck to come out and take away the vehicle.

If you’ve called the tow truck service, be sure to get all their relevant information, including their address and telephone number. If the police department handled the towing, then you’ll need to find out where the vehicle was taken.

Paying for the towing and storage fees

The amount of these fees will depend on which service took the car and how long the car was stored. It can easily add up to hundreds of dollars.

The person who was at fault for the accident will end up paying the towing and storage fees; so, if you caused the accident, you or your insurance company will be on the hook for the towing and storage fees for both your car and the other driver. The reverse is true if the other driver is at fault.

When the other driver doesn’t have insurance

If the other driver doesn’t have adequate insurance to cover the fees, then it’s time to call your insurance company. It’s possible that your insurance policy will cover the towing and storage fees even if another driver was at fault.

If you’re unable to pay for the towing and storage fee, then the towing company is not allowed by law to release the vehicle to you. It is possible that the vehicle may be auctioned off if the fees are not paid. However, this only happens after many weeks of keeping the vehicle in storage.

For all your needs in truck and trailer repair in Centre County, PA, trust S & R Repairs Towing & Recovery Inc. We’re a family-owned business that’s been serving the area for more than 35 years. We service all major and minor repairs, including brakes, spill cleanup, air conditioning and diesel engines. Give us a call today, and see what has made us last the test of time.

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