What happens after your vehicle is towed?

1. Where Is Your Vehicle Taken?

After a tow, your vehicle is typically taken to one of the following locations:

• Your home
• A repair shop
• A dealership
• An auto body shop
• A secure storage facility

If the tow happened after an accident, the vehicle is often taken to a body shop or a storage yard until insurance arrangements are made.

If you’re unsure where your vehicle was taken, contact the towing company (hopefully us!) directly as soon as possible to confirm the location.

2. Will There Be Storage Fees?

In many cases, yes. If your vehicle is kept at a storage facility, daily storage fees may apply.

The total cost can depend on several factors such as:

• How long the vehicle stays in storage
• The type of vehicle (truck, car, bigger vehicle)
• Whether it was involved in a collision or not

To avoid unnecessary charges, it’s important to make arrangements quickly, either for repairs, insurance inspection, or vehicle pickup.

3. What If the Tow Was After an Accident?

In British Columbia, accident claims are handled through Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).

After a collision:

• File a claim with ICBC.
• Provide details of the towing company and vehicle location.
• ICBC may direct your vehicle to an approved repair facility.
• An adjuster may inspect the vehicle before repairs begin.

If the vehicle is declared a total loss, ICBC will guide you through the settlement process.

4. How Do You Retrieve Your Vehicle?

To pick up your vehicle from a storage facility or repair shop, you will usually need:

• Government issued photo ID
  
• Proof of ownership or registration
  
• Payment for towing and/or storage (if not covered by insurance)

If someone else is picking it up on your behalf, they may require written authorization.

It’s best to call ahead to confirm pickup hours and what payment methods are accepted at that location.

5. What If Your Vehicle Is Undrivable?

If your vehicle cannot be safely driven after being released, you may need the following:

• A secondary tow to a repair facility
  
• A flatbed tow (especially for AWD, 4WD, or luxury vehicles)
  
• Insurance coordination for transport

Driving a damaged vehicle can cause further mechanical issues and major safety risks, so always confirm with a professional before attempting to move it yourself.

6. How Long Can a Vehicle Stay in Storage?

Storage policies vary quite widely. Some vehicles remain in storage for only a few days, while others may remain for weeks if insurance claims or repairs are delayed. It really depends on the situation.

However, the longer a vehicle stays in storage, the higher the fees may be. Acting quickly can save you some significant costs.

Tips to Make the Process Easier:

• Take photos of your vehicle before it is towed (if possible).
• Remove personal belongings.
• Keep all towing and repair receipts for insurance reimbursement.
• Confirm storage rates upfront.
• Ask about payment options before pickup.

Final Thoughts

While having your vehicle towed in Kelowna can feel overwhelming, the process is usually straightforward once you understand the steps. The key is quick communication with the towing company, your repair shop, and your insurance provider.

If you ever find yourself needing reliable towing or have questions about what happens after your vehicle is transported, working with a professional, transparent towing service such as us, Kelowna Towing, can make all the difference!

If you need more info please reach out to us at (250) 800-2622.