Author: Shelby Benavidez
Contributing Attorney: Tadarious Hawkins, attorney
A car accident is stressful enough on its own. But when a tow truck shows up – often before you even know what’s happening – you may suddenly find yourself facing unexpected and confusing fees. Tow truck costs in Texas can vary widely, and if you don’t know your rights, you may end up paying far more than necessary.
This guide breaks down everything Texas drivers should understand about towing after a crash, including when towing is required, how to choose a tow company, what the law allows companies to charge, and who ultimately pays the bill. Whether your car was just towed or you simply want to be prepared, this article will walk you through the essentials in simple, practical terms.
Understanding Your Options After an Accident
Do You Have to Get Your Car Towed After an Accident?
Having your vehicle towed from the scene of a car accident may not always be necessary. In Texas, whether your car must be towed depends largely on safety and drivability. Obviously, if your car won’t start due to extensive damage or an electrical safety switch, it’ll likely have to be towed. However, even if it starts, police may determine that your car is unsafe to drive if it’s leaking fluids or if the wheels, tires, or steering components are damaged. In this case, your car will likely have to be towed, as well.
If your car can still be driven without creating a safety hazard, you’re not required to tow it – you can drive it home or to your preferred auto body shop to avoid towing fees. If you choose to drive your vehicle after an accident, be cautious. A vehicle that seems drivable might still have hidden issues. If you’re unsure, it may be safer to get a tow, especially if continuing to drive could cause more damage.
Can You Choose Who Tows Your Car?
In most cases, you have the right to choose your tow truck company in Texas. However, there are some situations where your choice may be limited. For example, if your car is blocking traffic, police have determined it’s unsafe to drive, or you’re injured and aren’t able to choose, police may request the next available tow truck. In some jurisdictions, police officers may ask you if you have a preferred towing company, but in larger cities, they’ll likely call a contracted company.
If you’re able to choose your own towing company, it could save you hundreds in the long run. If you don’t know which company to go with, consider reaching out to your insurance company to see if they have a preferred provider. You can also read reviews for local towing companies and request a written estimate or list of fees over the phone.
My Car Was Towed After an Accident. What Should I Do?
If your vehicle has already been towed, find out where your vehicle was taken. Hopefully, you were provided with the information of the towing company already, but if not, you can call your local police department. They can usually look up where the company towed your car.
It’s important to try to move your car as soon as possible because towing companies charge storage fees (usually per day), and they can add up pretty quickly! If you’re filing a claim through insurance, let them know immediately that your car was towed from the accident. They can help arrange having your car towed to your preferred auto body shop or a body shop within their network.
If you’re paying for towing fees out-of-pocket, you have the right to request a written list of every charge before you submit a final payment. Be sure to review it carefully, look for unexpected or duplicate fees, and don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t look right!
Texas law allows drivers to collect their personal items from a towed vehicle – even if you haven’t paid the towing bill yet. Before your car is removed from the lot to a repair shop, you can collect your personal property, like wallets, bags, car seats, or medications, but you cannot remove vehicle parts.
Towing Fees and Texas Law
What Can a Tow Truck Company Legally Charge in Texas After an Accident?
There are two types of tows: consensual and non-consensual. What a towing company can legally charge is based on the type of tow. Tows required after a car accident are typically referred to as incident management tows, which are a type of non-consensual tows. This happens when your vehicle is blocking the roadway, and police officers need it moved to restore the flow of traffic. In these cases, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulates towing fees based on the weight of the vehicle, mileage fees if the tow travels beyond a certain distance, and storage fees charged per day.
Most cities regulate towing fees, but non-consent tows must be lower than the maximum allowed under Texas law, which is $255 for a light-duty tow and $357 for a medium-duty tow. Texas law also requires all tow companies to post maximum fee schedules, provide clear and itemized billing, and prohibits them from charging for services that weren’t actually performed.
Despite these rules, many drivers still encounter questionable or inflated charges. The towing industry can be confusing, and not all companies follow the law perfectly. Be sure to check your city’s towing regulations and review your bill carefully.
If you call the tow truck yourself or consent at the scene of the accident for your car to be towed (a consensual tow), the company may set its own prices, and those prices can vary significantly. Always ask for the rate and any potential extras before agreeing to a tow.
What Are the Hidden Costs of Towing?
Tow truck fees often go beyond the initial tow charge. The real surprise usually comes from additional fees that you may not know about until you see the invoice.
Some common hidden or unexpected charges include:
1. Administrative fees, including charges for paperwork, reporting the tow, or “processing” your vehicle.
2. After-hours or weekend fees usually have higher rates if your car was towed at night, on a holiday, or outside regular business hours.
3. Storage fees, which are daily charges that may increase after a certain number of days. Some facilities charge more for indoor versus outdoor storage.
4. Release fees for retrieving your personal belongings or releasing the car to an insurance adjuster or repair shop.
5. Accident scene cleanup, which are extra charges for sweeping debris or absorbing fluids, even if the cleanup was minimal.
6. Impound fees if your vehicle was towed to a police-authorized impound lot.
Not all of these fees are legal in all situations, but many drivers don’t know enough to question them. Carefully reviewing your bill can save you from paying unfair charges.
Who Pays for Towing After an Accident?
The person who pays depends on who caused the accident and what type of insurance coverage is in place. If you weren’t at fault for the accident, the other driver’s insurance company should cover towing expenses, storage fees, the transfer to the repair shop, and any other related expenses. In order to avoid significant storage fees, you may need to pay these costs upfront and seek reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance company.
However, if you were at fault for the crash, your own insurance company may cover these costs if you have collision coverage, full coverage, or roadside assistance. If you don’t have these included in your policy (or you don’t have insurance at all), you will likely have to pay out-of-pocket for any expenses related to the tow.
Additional Tips Every Texas Driver Should Know
1. Know Your Rights When Dealing with Tow Companies
Many drivers don’t realize they have rights when their vehicle is towed. In Texas, you are entitled to access your personal belongings and a written, itemized bill before submitting payment. The towing company is required to post their fees and allow you a drop fee if you arrive before your vehicle is towed from the scene. If you feel like the towing company has violated your rights, you can submit a complaint through TDLR. Understanding these protections can prevent overcharging and help you dispute unfair fees.
2. Don’t Delay Moving Your Vehicle From Storage
One of the most expensive parts of towing isn’t the tow itself – it’s the storage. Some lots charge by the calendar day, not the 24-hour period. Acting quickly can make the difference between a $150 bill and a $600 one.
If your insurance company wants to inspect the vehicle, ask them to expedite the process or arrange for the car to be moved to a body shop to stop storage costs from rising.
3. Document Everything After the Accident
We understand that sticking around to take pictures of the scene isn’t always an option. You may be injured and need to be taken by ambulance to the emergency room, or the location of your vehicle may not be a safe place to take photos. However, if you are able to take pictures of the scene, the condition of your vehicle, identifying information of the tow truck, and record any conversations you have or paperwork you receive – all this documentation can build your case and protect you if there is a billing dispute or if the tow company further damages your vehicle during transport.
What to Remember About Tow Truck Fees in Texas
Towing after a car crash is something no driver wants to deal with, but understanding how Texas towing laws and fees work can make the experience far less stressful. Knowing when towing is required, how to choose the right company, what fees are legal, and who pays for them can save you time, money, and frustration.
If your car has already been towed, act quickly, stay organized, and communicate with your insurance company. And most importantly, remember your rights – because even in the chaos of an accident, you still have control over your vehicle and your wallet.
