🚨 Just Been in a Collision? Here’s What You Need to Know
You choose the tow company. Under Ontario’s TSSEA, you are never obligated to use a tow truck that appears at your accident scene uninvited. You choose who tows your vehicle and where it goes — even if police are present.
The tow driver must get your consent first. Before hooking up your vehicle, the driver must provide a consent form, show you the maximum rate schedule, and get your signed agreement. No consent = no charges.
Call a tow company you trust: (613) 317-3924 — 24/7 accident towing in Ottawa with direct insurance billing.
A car accident is one of the most stressful experiences a driver can face. In the aftermath — while you are dealing with injuries, police, and insurance — your vehicle needs to go somewhere. That is where accident towing in Ottawa comes in. But the towing process after a collision is not as straightforward as it sounds, and making the wrong choices at the accident scene can cost you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary fees, storage charges, and even vehicle damage.
This guide explains exactly what happens to your car after a collision in Ottawa: who decides where it goes, what your legal rights are under Ontario’s TSSEA, how insurance billing works, what predatory tow trucks look like and how to avoid them, and how to get your vehicle back as quickly and cheaply as possible. For immediate steps to take at the accident scene, see our after-accident checklist. For collision reporting requirements, see our collision reporting guide.
What Happens to Your Vehicle After a Collision: Step by Step
Accident scene — secure yourself first
Check for injuries, call 911 if needed, move to safety. Exchange information with the other driver. Document the scene with photos. Follow our accident checklist for the complete process.
Call YOUR tow company
Do not accept an unsolicited tow truck that shows up uninvited. Call a company you trust — (613) 317-3924. Under TSSEA, you choose the tow company and the destination. The driver must provide a consent form and rate schedule before touching your vehicle.
Towing to your chosen destination
Direct the tow driver to take your vehicle where YOU want: your preferred body shop, your home, your insurance company’s recommended facility, or a Collision Reporting Centre if required. The tow driver must take the most direct route — no detours to their preferred lot.
Collision reporting (if required)
If property damage exceeds $2,000 and there are no injuries, you must visit an Ottawa Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours. You can drive there (if the vehicle is drivable) or have the tow truck take you directly.
Insurance claim & vehicle assessment
Contact your insurer to open a claim. An adjuster will assess the damage and determine whether your vehicle is repairable or a total loss. See our insurance towing guide for what your policy covers.
Repair or write-off
If repairable, the body shop repairs the vehicle and your insurance pays (minus your deductible). If it is a total loss, the insurer pays you the vehicle’s market value and arranges disposal. Either way, retrieve your personal belongings from the vehicle as soon as possible — storage fees accumulate daily.
Your Rights at an Accident Scene (Ontario TSSEA)
Ontario’s Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA) gives you significant protections at accident scenes. Every Ottawa driver should know these rights:
✅ You choose the tow company
You are never obligated to use a specific tow truck — even at an accident scene, even if police are present. This is YOUR decision. The only exception is if police directly order your vehicle moved for immediate safety reasons.
✅ You choose the destination
The tow company must take your vehicle where YOU direct — your body shop, your home, a Collision Reporting Centre, or your insurer’s preferred facility. They cannot take it to their own lot or a partnered shop without your explicit consent.
✅ Consent required before towing
The tow driver must provide you with a consent form and their maximum rate schedule before hooking up your vehicle. You must sign before they can tow. No signed consent = no charges can be applied. Read the form before signing.
✅ Rates cannot exceed published maximums
Every tow operator must have a maximum rate schedule filed with the province and visible on their truck. Charges cannot exceed those published rates. You should receive an itemised invoice before being asked to pay.
✅ Most direct route required
The tow driver must take the most direct route to your chosen destination. Detours inflate per-kilometre charges. If taken to a different location than you specified, the tow operator must notify you.
✅ No referral kickbacks
Tow drivers cannot receive compensation for referring you to body shops, lawyers, medical providers, or any other service. If they recommend a body shop, they must disclose any financial relationship. Unsolicited referrals are a red flag.
For a full breakdown of your legal protections, see our Ontario towing rights guide.
Predatory Tow Trucks at Accident Scenes: How to Protect Yourself
One of the biggest risks after a collision in Ottawa is predatory tow operators — sometimes called “chasers” — who monitor police scanners, arrive at accident scenes uninvited, and pressure drivers into signing consent forms before they understand the costs. Ontario’s TSSEA was enacted in large part to combat this practice.
🚩 Red Flags of Predatory Tow Operators:
❌ They arrive without being called — legitimate companies do not cruise accident scenes looking for customers. If you did not call them, be cautious.
❌ They pressure you to sign immediately — a reputable tow operator gives you time to read the consent form and rate schedule. If they rush you, refuse.
❌ They insist on taking your car to “their” lot — under TSSEA, you choose the destination. If they refuse to take your vehicle where you want, they are violating the law.
❌ They recommend a specific body shop, lawyer, or medical clinic — TSSEA prohibits tow operators from receiving referral compensation. Unsolicited recommendations often mean kickback arrangements.
❌ No visible company name or TSSEA certificate number on the truck — this is a legal requirement. If the truck is unmarked, the operator may not be certified.
💡 Best protection: Have a trusted towing company’s number saved in your phone BEFORE you need it. When an accident happens, call that number immediately. You are not obligated to use whoever shows up first. Call (613) 317-3924 — save it now.
Accident Towing You Can Trust — 24/7
TSSEA certified • Direct insurance billing • Your choice of destination • Photo documentation
How Insurance Covers Accident Towing in Ottawa
Most Ontario auto insurance policies include coverage for accident towing, but the details vary. Here is what you need to know:
Collision Coverage
If you have collision coverage, it typically pays for towing after an at-fault accident, plus the vehicle repairs (minus your deductible). Towing is usually covered up to a limit — often $500–$1,000 per incident. This is the most common way accident towing gets paid.
Roadside Assistance Add-On
Many policies offer optional roadside assistance that covers towing for any reason — accident, breakdown, flat tire. Coverage ranges from $50–$200 per incident. Check your policy before paying out of pocket.
Direct Insurance Billing
We offer direct billing to your insurance company, meaning you may pay nothing out of pocket for the tow. We handle the paperwork and bill your insurer directly. Not all towing companies offer this — ask before agreeing to a tow.
For a deeper dive into what your insurance covers, see our insurance-covered towing guide.
Storage Fees: The Hidden Cost After an Accident
Once your vehicle is towed after a collision, it needs to be stored somewhere while the insurance claim is processed and repairs arranged. Storage fees accumulate daily and can become surprisingly expensive if you do not act quickly:
⚠️ How to Minimise Storage Costs:
1. Tow directly to a body shop — not a storage lot. If the body shop can accept the vehicle immediately, you skip storage entirely.
2. File your insurance claim immediately — the faster the adjuster inspects the vehicle, the faster it moves to the body shop or gets written off.
3. Retrieve personal belongings quickly — under TSSEA, storage operators must allow you to collect personal items at no charge during business hours.
4. Know that storage operators hold a lien — they can legally hold your vehicle until storage fees are paid, even if your insurance is processing the claim. Act fast.
Accident Towing Costs in Ottawa (2026)
For detailed rate breakdowns by route and distance, see our tow truck rates per KM guide and towing cost guide. For money-saving strategies, see our affordable towing tips.
What Type of Tow Truck Is Used After an Accident?
The type of tow truck dispatched depends on your vehicle and the extent of the damage:
Flatbed (recommended for most accidents)
The vehicle is loaded entirely onto a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground. Safest for accident-damaged vehicles because damaged suspension, steering, or drivetrain components make wheel-on-ground towing dangerous. Required for AWD, EVs, and luxury vehicles. See our flatbed towing guide.
Wheel-lift
Lifts two wheels and tows with the other two on the ground. Suitable for minor fender-benders where steering and suspension are undamaged and the vehicle is FWD. Faster hookup but not safe for serious collision damage. See our flatbed vs regular towing comparison.
Heavy-duty / wrecker
For trucks, SUVs, commercial vehicles, or vehicles that need winching and recovery before they can be towed — rolled vehicles, vehicles in ditches, or severe collisions requiring extraction.
Accident Towing Coverage Across Ottawa
We respond to collisions across the entire Ottawa region and surrounding highways:
If a collision involved a hit and run, see our guide on reporting steps and penalties. For choosing the right towing company for your accident, see our towing company selection guide.
Prepare Now: Before an Accident Happens
The worst time to figure out accident towing is during an accident. A few minutes of preparation now will save you stress, money, and bad decisions later:
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Save a Tow Number Now
Add (613) 317-3924 to your phone contacts today. When you are shaken, injured, or standing in the cold after a collision, you want to call one number — not search the internet while predatory tow trucks circle.
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Know Your Insurance Policy
Check whether your policy includes collision towing coverage and roadside assistance. Know your deductible amount. Keep your insurance company’s claims number in your phone alongside your towing contact.
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Bookmark Your Checklists
Save our accident checklist and collision reporting guide on your phone. In a crisis, having a step-by-step guide prevents costly mistakes.
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Choose a Body Shop in Advance
Ask friends, read reviews, or get a recommendation from your insurer before you need one. Knowing where to send your vehicle immediately after a collision means it goes directly to a body shop — skipping storage fees entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the tow truck that shows up at my accident?
No. Under Ontario’s TSSEA, you have the right to choose your own tow company. You are never obligated to use a truck that arrives uninvited. The only exception is when police directly order your vehicle moved for immediate safety — even then, you can specify a company if time allows. Call your trusted towing company immediately after an accident.
Does insurance pay for accident towing?
In most cases, yes. If you have collision coverage, towing after an accident is typically included (up to a policy limit). Many policies also include roadside assistance. We offer direct insurance billing — call your insurer to open a claim, then call us at (613) 317-3924 and we handle the billing directly.
Where should I have my car towed after an accident?
Ideally, directly to a body shop — either your preferred shop or one recommended by your insurance company. Towing directly to a body shop avoids daily storage fees entirely. If no body shop is available immediately, tow to your home or a reputable storage facility. Avoid being towed to the tow company’s own lot if possible.
How much does accident towing cost in Ottawa?
Under TSSEA-regulated rates, accident towing in Ottawa has a maximum base fee of approximately $165 plus up to $3.25/km. A typical 10 km accident tow costs approximately $197.50 maximum. Additional charges may apply for winching, stand-by time, or debris cleanup. All charges must appear on the maximum rate schedule provided before you consent.
Can the storage lot hold my car until I pay?
Yes. Under Ontario law, vehicle storage operators hold a lien on your vehicle — meaning they can retain the vehicle until storage fees are paid. This is why it is critical to retrieve your vehicle or have it moved to a body shop as quickly as possible. Storage fees of $30–$80/day add up fast, and the storage operator is not obligated to release the vehicle until the bill is settled.
Can I get my personal items from the towed vehicle?
Yes. Under TSSEA, storage operators must allow you to retrieve personal belongings from your vehicle at no charge during business hours or at pre-arranged times. You do not need to pay storage fees just to collect your personal items. However, the vehicle itself cannot be released until fees are paid.
What if my car is a total loss?
If the insurance adjuster determines that repair costs exceed the vehicle’s market value, it is declared a total loss. Your insurer pays you the vehicle’s assessed value (minus your deductible) and takes ownership of the wreck. If you want to keep the vehicle (for parts, sentimental value, etc.), you may be able to negotiate, but it will receive a salvage title. For end-of-life vehicles, see our scrap car removal guide.
Does my car need a flatbed after an accident?
In most accident situations, yes. If the collision damaged the front end, rear end, suspension, steering, or if your vehicle is AWD, EV, or luxury, a flatbed is the only safe towing method. Towing an accident-damaged vehicle with wheels on the ground risks further structural damage. Request a flatbed when you call — see our flatbed guide.
What if the other driver’s insurance should pay for the tow?
In Ontario’s no-fault insurance system, each driver’s own insurance covers their vehicle’s towing and repairs regardless of fault. You claim through YOUR insurer, and they handle any subrogation (recovering costs from the at-fault party’s insurer) behind the scenes. Do not wait for the other driver’s insurance to pay for your tow — it does not work that way in Ontario.
How do I file a complaint about a tow operator?
Under TSSEA, consumers can file complaints with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation through their online complaint portal. If a tow operator violated your rights — refused your destination choice, did not provide consent forms, exceeded published rates, or engaged in predatory behaviour — document everything (photos, receipts, forms) and file a complaint. The Director of Towing has authority to suspend or cancel operator certificates.
Collision? Call a Tow Company You Trust — 24/7
TSSEA certified • Direct insurance billing • Your destination • Photo documentation