After an accident in Florida, your car may need to be towed from the scene. Knowing what to expect and how to protect yourself can save you hundreds of dollars and significant stress.

After an accident, your car may be towed from the scene if it’s undrivable or poses a safety hazard. If your car is blocking traffic or leaking fluids, the police will have you call a tow truck or call one themselves. Otherwise, you’ll be allowed to drive your car away from the scene. When police determine it’s unsafe for you to continue driving, there are crucial steps you should take before the tow truck arrives.

Immediate Steps Before the Tow Truck Arrives

Document Everything

Photograph the accident scene thoroughly. Make sure to take pictures with your phone of the outside of your vehicle from multiple angles, the other vehicles from multiple angles, and the inside of your car. These photos can be used as evidence in your insurance claim and possible lawsuit later. Don’t forget to capture road conditions, traffic signs, and the overall scene layout.

Gather Essential Information

Exchange insurance information with the other driver(s). If possible, collect statements about what happened from them and any other eyewitnesses. You could use your phone to record them if they agree. Make sure to get complete contact information including phone numbers and addresses for follow-up purposes.

Secure Your Belongings

Remove anything of importance from the vehicle. Remember, it may be several days before you have access to your car again. Don’t leave valuables, important documents, medications, or items you’ll need immediately behind in the vehicle.

Plan Your Destination

If possible, find an auto body shop that can receive your car. This may not be possible if you’re not local or don’t have time to spare, but if you can, it’s best to know where to tow your car after an accident. Ideally, choose a place you plan on having it repaired, such as an auto body shop you know and trust or someplace the insurance company has preapproved.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If possible, call your insurance company immediately. You’ll have to contact them eventually anyway, but your policy may cover tows under certain situations. They may require you to use a specific towing service. However, if your car is blocking traffic or poses a risk to public safety, the police won’t wait for insurance approval.

Understanding Florida Towing Costs

Important: Florida has no statewide maximum rates for towing. Each of Florida’s 67 counties sets its own maximum rates, resulting in significant cost variations across the state.

Typical Statewide Cost Ranges

Towing costs in Florida typically range from $75 to $400+ for basic towing services, with additional daily storage fees ranging from $15 to $60. The variation depends on your location, with rural counties generally charging less than major metropolitan areas.

Light Vehicles (Under 10,000 lbs)

  • Rural Counties: $75-$125 base towing fee
  • Suburban Counties: $100-$175 base towing fee
  • Major Metro Areas: $145-$200+ base towing fee
  • Mileage Charges: $3.00-$8.00 per mile beyond base radius

Storage Fees Across Florida

  • Outdoor Storage: $15-$50 per day
  • Indoor Storage: $20-$60 per day
  • First 6 Hours: FREE (required by Florida Statute 713.78)
  • Billing Method: Calculated in 24-hour increments after free period

Additional Costs to Expect

  • Administrative Fees: Maximum $30 for form preparation if stored over 24 hours
  • Ownership Verification: $15-$50 for actual state fees and postage
  • Winching/Recovery: $50-$160 per hour for vehicles in ditches or off-road
  • After-hours Release: $25-$70 depending on county
  • Drop Fees: Maximum 50% of posted towing rate if you return before towing is complete

Tow Truck Arrival and Process

Critical Warning: Only give your car to a tow truck driver who has been officially called to the scene. Anyone who shows up before being called may be trying to scam you and charge excessive fees.

Verifying Legitimate Service

Be alert for red flags including tow trucks arriving without being called, requests for credit card information over the phone, lack of proper company identification or licensing, high-pressure tactics, and quotes significantly above county maximum rates.

Required Documentation from Tow Truck Driver

Get documentation from the tow truck driver before releasing your vehicle. Find out exactly where they’re taking your car and get the written address. Understand the pricing for the tow service, what additional fees they’ll charge, and how much daily storage will cost if they’re taking it to their tow yard. Make sure you get written documentation such as a receipt or invoice before turning the vehicle over to them.

Where Your Car Will Go in Florida

When the tow truck arrives, the driver should ask you where you would like your car to be towed. You should specify which mechanic or auto repair shop you want your car to go to. If you aren’t sure, the tow truck driver or police on scene will likely be able to give you options.

Best Destination Options

  • Auto repair shops you know and trust
  • Insurance company preferred providers
  • Shops that specialize in your vehicle type
  • Facilities with secure indoor storage capabilities

If You’re Incapacitated

If the driver is incapacitated when the tow truck arrives, police may have the car towed to the nearest facility without permission. This often means your vehicle goes to the tow company’s storage yard, which can incur additional storage fees and make arranging repairs more difficult.

Florida Insurance Coverage for Towing and Storage

Your auto insurance may cover towing and storage after an accident, depending on your policy. Some plans only cover it if you also have a roadside assistance plan. Florida is a no-fault state for Personal Injury Protection (PIP), but property damage follows traditional fault-based rules.

Types of Coverage That May Help

  • Roadside Assistance: Often includes towing coverage up to certain distances
  • Collision Coverage: May include towing and storage as part of your claim
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Sometimes covers towing for certain types of incidents
  • Rental Reimbursement: Helps with transportation while your car is being repaired

Who Pays in Florida

In Florida, if another driver was at fault for the accident, they or their insurance company should pay for towing and storage costs. However, you may need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later. The process of determining fault can take days or weeks, and disputed claims may be denied initially. For more information about fault determination, read our article on who is liable in an auto accident in Florida.

The Mitigation of Damages Rule

You must retrieve your vehicle from storage as soon as reasonably possible. The mitigation of damages rule states that you must use reasonable care and diligence to minimize costs. Insurance companies won’t pay storage fees longer than they consider reasonable, and prolonged storage can result in your vehicle being auctioned off.

Your Rights During the Towing Process in Florida

Legal Protections Under Florida Law

Florida provides several important protections for vehicle owners. Towing companies cannot charge above county-established maximum rates. All Florida towing companies must accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Companies must prominently display their rate schedules at storage facilities. The first 6 hours of storage must be provided at no charge under Florida Statute 713.78. You have the right to access your vehicle and retrieve belongings during business hours, and you can post a bond to retrieve your vehicle while disputing charges.

Drop Fee Protection

Important Florida Protection: If you return to your vehicle before the towing process is complete, Florida law requires the towing company to release your car for a “drop fee” of no more than 50% of the posted towing rate.

How Long You Can Leave Your Car in Florida

Act Quickly: Every day your car sits in storage adds to your costs. In Florida, if you leave a vehicle for an extended period (typically 30+ days), it may be considered abandoned and could be auctioned off.

Consider these time factors: insurance companies expect reasonable efforts to minimize storage costs, storage fees accumulate daily at $20-$60 per day across Florida, you’ll need to coordinate with body shops to minimize storage time, and insurance companies typically have 15-30 days to make total loss determinations.

Transportation After Your Car Is Towed

After your car is towed, you’ll need alternative transportation. For immediate needs, you can ask the tow truck driver for a ride (though space is limited and not guaranteed), call family or friends for pickup, use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or call a taxi service. To learn more about what steps to take immediately after an accident, read our comprehensive guide on 7 things to do immediately following an auto accident.

Rental Car Considerations

Check if your insurance covers a comparable vehicle and understand your daily and total coverage limits. Save all receipts for potential reimbursement and consider location convenience for pickup and drop-off. In Florida, if the other driver was at fault, you may be able to get reimbursed for transportation costs from them or their insurance company.

Choosing the Right Towing Service in Florida

If You Have a Choice

When you’re able to select your towing service, check if your insurance company has preferred towing services first. Research online for businesses with trustworthy ratings and reviews. Verify that they’re properly licensed in your county and confirm they can arrive quickly for safety reasons. Make sure they have appropriate equipment for your specific vehicle.

Common Towing Scams in Florida

Beware of predatory practices: Watch out for tow trucks showing up without being called, charges significantly above county maximum rates, additional charges not disclosed upfront, taking vehicles to unauthorized or distant locations, and high-pressure tactics rushing you to make decisions or sign documents.

Florida’s 2024 Anti-Predatory Towing Reforms

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB179 into law in 2024 to address predatory towing practices. The new law requires counties, cities, and the Florida Highway Patrol to set clear maximum rates and allows vehicle owners to post a bond to retrieve vehicles while disputing charges. This reform aims to protect consumers from the predatory towing practices that the National Insurance Crime Bureau reported were notorious in Florida.

What to Do If You’ve Been Overcharged

Steps to Protect Yourself

  1. Research Your County’s Rates: Look up your county’s maximum towing rates online or call the county clerk
  2. Compare Your Bill: Check if charges exceed county-established maximums
  3. Verify Proper Procedures: Ensure proper signage was posted and notification procedures were followed
  4. Document Everything: Keep all receipts, photos, and correspondence
  5. File Complaints: Contact your county’s enforcement agency such as the sheriff’s office, consumer protection department, or code compliance
  6. Consider Bond Option: Post a bond to get your vehicle immediately while disputing charges
  7. Seek Legal Help: Contact an attorney if facing significant overcharges or disputes

How to Find Your County’s Specific Rates

Since each Florida county sets its own maximum rates, you’ll need to research your specific area. Check your county government website and search for “towing rates,” “maximum towing fees,” or “wrecker ordinance.” City and municipal websites may have different rates than counties within city limits. Contact county consumer protection departments, as they often handle towing complaints and provide rate information. Many counties have sheriff’s offices that enforce towing regulations. County clerk offices can provide copies of ordinances and resolutions setting rates.

Statewide Resources

When to Seek Legal Help After a Towing

Dealing with insurance and towing companies after an accident can be extremely difficult and time-consuming, even when you do everything right. If you were hospitalized and couldn’t arrange the towing yourself, you may face additional challenges and potential overcharges.

Situations Requiring Legal Assistance

  • Fault Determination Disputes: When there’s disagreement about who caused the accident
  • Insurance Claim Denials: If your insurer refuses to cover legitimate expenses
  • Excessive Towing Charges: When charged above county maximum rates
  • Property Damage Disagreements: Disputes over repair costs or total loss values
  • Injury Complications: When injuries prevent you from handling the process yourself
  • Predatory Towing Practices: Victims of scams or illegal towing operations

How Legal Representation Can Help

Attorneys can handle insurance negotiations on your behalf and seek reimbursement for all accident-related expenses including towing, storage, and rental cars. They can challenge predatory towing practices and excessive fees while working to maximize your compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Learn more about why you need to hire a personal injury attorney and how to choose the right personal injury lawyer.

Florida Insurance Coverage Details

Coverage Types That May Apply

Several types of insurance coverage may help with towing and storage costs. Roadside assistance plans often include towing coverage up to certain distances. Collision coverage may include towing and storage as part of your claim. Comprehensive coverage sometimes covers towing for certain types of incidents. Rental reimbursement coverage helps with transportation while your car is being repaired. For more detailed information about insurance coverage options, see our guides on uninsured motorist insurance and what kind of car insurance you should have.

Florida Fault Laws

Florida is a no-fault state for Personal Injury Protection (PIP), but property damage follows traditional fault-based rules. If another driver was at fault for the accident, they or their insurance company should pay for towing and storage costs. However, you may need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later, as determining fault can take time.

Your Transportation Options

Immediate Transportation Needs

After your car is towed, you’ll need to get from the accident scene or hospital to your home or rental car location. You can ask the tow truck driver to take you home if it’s not out of their way, but they aren’t obligated to do so and have limited cab space. Consider calling a taxi, ride-sharing service, or asking a friend or family member to pick you up. Save your receipts for any rides you take, especially if the other driver was at fault, as you might be able to get reimbursed.

Rental Car Requirements

If you’re getting an insurance company to cover your rental fees after an accident, you can get a rental car that’s reasonably comparable to the car that was damaged. If you need room for child car seats or specific accessibility features, you should be able to get them without pushback. However, the insurance company won’t pay for a rental car that’s fancier than your damaged vehicle. For more detailed information, see our guide on everything you wanted to know about auto insurance.

How Long You Can Keep Your Car in Storage

It’s best to take your car out of storage as soon as you’re able. Every day your car is in storage is an additional day’s fees, and these costs add up quickly. Under the mitigation of damages rule, you have to try to get your car out of storage as quickly as you can.

Insurance companies won’t pay storage fees any longer than they think is reasonable under this rule. If you leave the vehicle for an extended amount of time such as a month, your car may be auctioned off. The sooner you take your car out of storage, the better for both your finances and your legal position.

Avoiding Towing Scams in Florida

How to Protect Yourself

Florida has implemented strong consumer protections, but scams still exist. Tow truck scams seek to take advantage of drivers in vulnerable situations. Asking for your credit card information over the phone is a red flag to watch out for. Be especially cautious about any tow truck that shows up at the accident scene without being called, as they may be trying to take advantage of your situation and inflate costs.

Choosing Reputable Services

If the police at the accident scene permit it and you’re able, you can call your own tow truck. If your insurance company doesn’t have a preferred towing service, you’ll need to decide which one to use yourself. It’s important that you only call reputable towing services. If you don’t know of any, look online for businesses with trustworthy ratings and reviews.

Know Your Rights When Your Car Is Being Towed

Under Florida law, you have the same rights to your towed vehicle as you would if your car was parked in a garage. Your car is still available to you, but first you must pay any legitimate storage fees. You will not be allowed to remove your car from storage until you have paid, but you have the right to access your car and retrieve contents from inside it during business hours.

Rate Protection in Florida

Florida counties set maximum rates that towing companies cannot exceed. These rates are publicly available and must be displayed at towing facilities. Towing companies must provide itemized invoices showing all charges. You have the right to dispute charges and can post a bond to retrieve your vehicle while the dispute is resolved.

Finding Help in Your Florida County

County-Level Resources

Each Florida county handles towing enforcement differently. Some use sheriff’s offices, others have dedicated consumer protection departments, and some use code compliance offices. Start by checking your county government website for towing information and complaint procedures.

Filing Complaints

If you believe you’ve been overcharged or subjected to illegal towing practices, document all charges and save all receipts. Take photos of tow-away signs and vehicle condition. Contact your county’s enforcement agency and reference specific violations of Florida Statute 715.07 when filing complaints. Check if your city has its own towing enforcement that may differ from county procedures.

Get Help After Your Car Has Been Towed

The car accident lawyers at Lowman Law Firm know every aspect of Florida traffic collision and towing laws. We can help you get reimbursed for towing, storage, and rental cars as well as for medical bills, property damages, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’ll fight to get the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

We work on a contingency basis — this means we don’t get paid unless you win.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation to discuss your accident and any towing-related issues you may have experienced.

Important Emergency Contacts to Keep Handy

Prepare for potential accidents by keeping these important numbers easily accessible. For additional preparation tips, see our article on 20 things every Florida driver should have in their car:

  • Your insurance company’s 24/7 claims number
  • Your preferred auto repair shop contact information
  • A trusted towing service if you have one
  • Your county’s consumer protection or sheriff’s office
  • Family members or friends for emergency transportation

This information is based on current Florida statutes and regulations as of 2024-2025. Towing rates vary significantly by county and are subject to periodic updates. Always verify current information with your local government and insurance provider.