When the car needs to be towed: what should you do?

First step when the car needs to be towed

Finding yourself in a situation where the car needs to be towed can be both stressful and demanding. It is important to act calmly and methodically to ensure both your own and others' safety, as well as to make sure that all practical matters are taken care of in the best possible way.

Secure the accident scene

The very first thing you need to do is ensure safety. Turn on hazard lights and place a warning triangle at a safe distance from the car if it is safe to move out. This reduces the risk of other vehicles being involved in the accident or damage.

Get an overview and contact the necessary parties

If the car is to be towed, it often means it cannot be driven further. Take time to check if anyone is injured and call the emergency number (113) if there are personal injuries. Contact the tow truck through the insurance company's roadside assistance or via roadside assistance subscription if you have this. If you don’t have an agreement, the roadside assistance can still help, but there will be costs that you will need to cover. Remember to check with your insurance company before ordering help.

Documentation before towing

Before the car is taken by the tow truck, it is important to document the situation thoroughly. Take pictures of the damages to all involved vehicles, the roadway, and any other conditions, such as road markings, signs, or weather conditions. This is crucial to be able to prove what happened when you later report the damage to the insurance company. In the event of a collision with other vehicles, a damage report must always be filled out – preferably together with the other party at the scene.

How to fill out the damage report on-site

The damage report form should be filled out together with the other party. Note the registration numbers, insurance details, witnesses and sketch diagrams, and optionally attach pictures from your phone. For many, this can be time-consuming, but digital solutions make it much easier than before. Using, for example, Skademeldinger.no, you can fill everything out together on your phone, sign digitally, and you both receive a copy that can be sent to the insurance company immediately. This simplifies the process and provides greater assurance that everything necessary is included.

Who pays for towing?

It is your insurance that usually covers the costs of towing and roadside assistance, provided you have partial insurance, full coverage, or roadside assistance coverage. If you only have liability insurance, you will typically have to pay yourself, but there are some exceptions among certain companies if the car is unable to be driven after a collision. Check the coverage in your insurance company’s terms, as it can vary between providers, and be aware that a deductible may apply. Some credit card agreements also include roadside assistance if the rental car is paid with the card.

What happens after towing?

The car is transported to a workshop, your home address, or another desired location, depending on the agreement with the tow truck driver. If the car has incurred damage after a traffic accident, the insurance company always requires a completed damage report before coverage is paid out. You can follow up directly with the insurance company afterwards, and if you chose shared digital completion (for example via Skademeldinger.no), this process usually goes much faster.

What about rental cars or financial consequences?

Depending on the type of insurance you have and who was responsible for the accident, you may be entitled to a rental car during the repair period. Comprehensive or extended comprehensive insurance generally includes rental car coverage, but only for the injured party. Remember that for most damages that trigger towing, it can also affect your insurance bonus, especially if you are responsible for the accident. Read more about this with the largest companies; the terms may vary.

Report the damage correctly – you get faster assistance

A complete and correctly filled out damage report – preferably signed digitally and shared between the parties – allows the insurance company to easily process the case and possibly order a rental car and workshop services for you. Consider a digital solution like Skademeldinger.no for faster and easier case processing, and avoid misunderstandings between you and the other party.

What should I do if the police need to be contacted?

In the case of serious personal injuries, severe material damages, or if someone refuses to provide personal details/leave the scene – always call the police (02800). Remember that it is mandatory to stop and assist in accidents on public roads, and failure to do so could lead to penalties. The police will also document the incident and provide you with information about further processes.

Summary: step-by-step

• Secure and notify the accident scene above all
• Document damages and take pictures
• Fill out the damage report form, preferably digitally with the other party
• Order towing through your insurance
• Maintain contact with the workshop and follow up with the insurance company
• Be informed about any rental cars and consider the consequences for bonus/deductible

Please note that insurance terms and roadside assistance terms may change, and you should check the current applicable rules with your insurance company. The information is updated as of April 2025.