Quick Answer: Police-required towing from accident scenes typically costs $150-400 for the base tow, plus $25-50 daily storage fees. You pay upfront or through insurance. The tow company is chosen by police, not you, and rates are often higher than voluntary tows.
When police respond to your accident, they decide if your vehicle needs immediate removal. You don’t get to shop around for the cheapest rate. The responding officer calls their contracted tow company, and you pay their prices.
What To Do
Ask the officer about towing costs before they make the call. Some departments post standard rates.
Get the tow company name and lot address immediately. Write it down or have someone else do it.
Take photos of your vehicle before it gets loaded. Document any existing damage.
Ask about payment options. Most accept cash, cards, or insurance direct billing.
Call your insurance company while still at the scene. Many will handle payment directly with the tow company.
Get a receipt for all charges. You’ll need this for insurance claims.
Retrieve your vehicle within 24-48 hours to avoid mounting storage fees.
Police departments contract with specific towing companies, often rotating between several approved vendors. These companies know they have a captive customer, so their rates typically run 25-50% higher than voluntary towing services.
The base towing charge covers hooking up and transporting your vehicle to their lot. Distance matters, but most accident tows stay within a 10-mile radius, keeping the base rate consistent.
Storage fees start immediately once your vehicle reaches the lot. In some jurisdictions, you get a grace period until the next business day. In others, the clock starts ticking the moment your car arrives.
If your vehicle needs special handling due to damage from the accident, expect additional charges. Vehicles with leaking fluids, deployed airbags, or significant structural damage require extra equipment and labor.
Your insurance company often covers accident-related towing under comprehensive or collision coverage, depending on your policy. Check your coverage limits before assuming you’re fully protected.
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What It Might Cost
Base towing fee: $150-400 (varies by city and distance) Storage per day: $25-50 After-hours surcharge: $50-100 (nights, weekends, holidays) Cleanup fee: $75-150 (if fluids leaked) Administrative fee: $25-75
Total for immediate pickup: $200-500 Total after one week in storage: $375-850
Photo: Pexels
Stay Safe
• Stay clear of traffic while waiting for the tow truck • Keep important items with you, not in the vehicle being towed • Never argue with the tow truck driver about rates, they don’t set them • Get medical attention first, deal with towing costs later • Document everything for your insurance claim
When police require towing after an accident, you’re dealing with emergency services, not comparison shopping. Focus on safety first, then work with your insurance company to handle the financial details. Most policies cover these situations, but knowing what to expect helps you navigate the process smoothly.
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