After a car accident, it is normal to feel unsure about what happens next. Once everyone is safe, one of the first practical questions is often whether the vehicle needs to be towed and whether insurance is required before a tow truck can move it.
The simple answer is: you do not always need to have insurance to arrange accident towing, but your insurance policy may affect who pays for the tow and where the vehicle should be taken.
At Ballina Tow Trucks, we provide accident towing across Ballina, the Northern Rivers and Northern NSW. If your vehicle has been damaged and cannot be driven safely, we can help transport it from the accident scene to a repairer, mechanic, storage location, home or another suitable destination.
Your Safety Comes First
Before thinking about towing or insurance, the first priority after an accident is safety.
If anyone is injured, the road is blocked, there is a hazard, or the situation is unsafe, contact emergency services first. In NSW, if a vehicle is towed away after a crash and police do not attend, the crash generally needs to be reported to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 as soon as possible within 24 hours. NSW Government guidance also states that if your vehicle needs to be towed after a crash, you have the right to decide who tows it and where it is towed.
Do You Need Insurance to Get Your Car Towed?
No, you can usually arrange accident towing even if you do not have insurance, or if you have not yet spoken to your insurer.
A tow truck can be called to move a damaged or undriveable vehicle from the accident scene, roadside, home, workplace or another location. If you do not have insurance, you will usually be responsible for the towing cost yourself.
If you do have insurance, your policy may cover some or all of the towing cost, depending on your level of cover, the type of claim, your insurer’s terms and where the vehicle is taken. Some insurers can also arrange towing for you if your policy covers it.
Will Insurance Pay for Accident Towing?
It depends on your policy.
Comprehensive car insurance often includes cover for towing after an accident, but the exact limits, conditions and approved destinations can vary. Some policies may cover towing to the nearest repairer or safe storage location, while others may have different rules.
Before assuming towing is covered, it is a good idea to check your Product Disclosure Statement or contact your insurer directly. If the vehicle needs to be moved urgently for safety reasons, you may still need to arrange towing first and then discuss reimbursement or claim details with your insurer afterwards.
Should You Call Your Insurer Before Calling a Tow Truck?
If the accident scene is safe and you have time, calling your insurer first can be helpful. Your insurer may advise where the vehicle should go, whether a preferred repairer is required, and what they need for the claim.
However, if the vehicle is blocking traffic, unsafe, badly damaged, or sitting in a dangerous location, arranging a tow may be the immediate priority.
The key is to keep records where possible. Ask for towing details, keep receipts, take photos if safe, and make a note of where the vehicle has been taken.
Where Should the Vehicle Be Towed?
After an accident, your vehicle may be towed to:
- A mechanic
- A panel beater
- An insurer-approved repairer
- A secure holding yard
- Your home
- A dealership
- Another suitable destination
If you are planning to make an insurance claim, check whether your insurer has requirements about where the vehicle should be assessed or repaired. If you are not insured, you can decide where you want the vehicle taken, provided the location is safe and suitable.
What Information Should You Provide?
When calling for accident towing, it helps to provide:
- Your exact location
- Vehicle make, model and registration
- Whether anyone is injured or emergency services are attending
- Whether the vehicle can roll or steer
- The level of visible damage
- Where you want the vehicle taken
- Any insurance instructions, if you have them
- Access issues at the scene or destination
The more information you provide, the easier it is to arrange the right towing support.
You do not need to have everything figured out before calling a tow truck. After an accident, the main priority is getting people safe and moving the damaged vehicle out of harm’s way.
Ballina Tow Trucks provides emergency towing and accident towing, breakdown towing, caravan towing and more transport services across Ballina, the Northern Rivers and Northern NSW.
Need accident towing in Ballina or the Northern Rivers? Call Ballina Tow Trucks 24/7 on 0413 992 482 for safe, reliable towing support.
