Claims how-to
Towing and storage after an accident
By Sipho Dlamini · 5 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Golden rule
- Call your insurer before agreeing to any tow
- Risk
- Pirate tows charge large tow and storage fees
- Often covered
- Towing and storage under comprehensive cover
- Keep
- All paperwork and the storage location
After an accident, only allow your car to be towed by a service your insurer approves, because unauthorised (pirate) tow truck operators can charge huge towing and daily storage fees and hold your car until you pay. In South Africa your insurer usually has approved towing partners, and many policies include towing and storage cover. Always phone your insurer before letting anyone tow your car.
Tow truck scams at accident scenes are a known problem, so a few minutes of caution can save you thousands of Rand.
This guide explains how to handle towing safely and who pays for what.
Beware unauthorised tow trucks
Tow trucks often arrive at accident scenes within minutes, sometimes before the police. Unauthorised operators may pressure you to sign and tow your car to a yard you do not know, then charge inflated towing and daily storage fees and refuse to release the car until you pay. Do not sign anything or hand over your keys to an operator your insurer has not approved.
Call your insurer first
Before agreeing to any tow, phone your insurer or broker. Most have approved towing partners and will arrange or authorise a tow to an approved storage facility or repairer. If you are unsafe at the roadside, move to safety and make the call from there. Note the name and details of any tow operator who arrives.
Who pays for towing and storage
Many comprehensive policies include towing and storage as part of accident cover or roadside assistance, often up to a limit. If your insurer arranges the tow, they usually deal with the cost directly. If you allow an unauthorised tow, you may be stuck paying fees the insurer will not cover, so always use the approved route.
If your car is already at a pirate yard
If your car has been towed to a yard you did not authorise and you are facing large fees, tell your insurer immediately. They may help negotiate or move the car. Keep all paperwork, photograph any documents you were given, and do not pay disputed amounts without checking with your insurer first.
Protecting your claim
- Use only insurer approved towing
- Get the storage location and contact details in writing
- Keep all tow and storage invoices
- Do not let the car be stripped or moved again without authority
- Report the accident and get your SAPS case number
Clean towing and storage records keep your claim moving smoothly.
Frequently asked questions
Who should tow my car after an accident?
Only a towing service your insurer approves. Phone your insurer before agreeing to any tow. Approved operators take your car to an approved facility and the insurer usually handles the cost.
What is a pirate tow truck?
An unauthorised tow operator that arrives at accident scenes, pressures you to sign, tows your car to an unknown yard, then charges inflated towing and daily storage fees. Avoid signing anything with them.
Does car insurance cover towing?
Many comprehensive policies include towing and storage under accident cover or roadside assistance, often up to a limit. Check your schedule. If the insurer arranges the tow, they usually deal with the cost.
What if my car was towed to a yard I did not choose?
Tell your insurer immediately. They may help negotiate or move the car. Keep all paperwork, photograph documents, and do not pay disputed fees without checking with your insurer first.
Can a tow company hold my car until I pay?
Unauthorised operators sometimes try to. This is why you should only use insurer approved towing. If it happens, involve your insurer and keep records of all charges and communications.
Should I let a tow truck take my car at the scene?
Not before phoning your insurer. Move to safety, call them, and let them arrange or authorise the tow. Do not hand over keys or sign documents for an unknown operator.
How do I avoid huge storage fees?
Use only approved towing, confirm where the car is going in writing, and act fast so the car does not sit accruing daily storage. Keep all invoices and clear them through your insurer.
