If you’ve ever had your car towed, you know how stressful and annoying it can be. Apart from the inconvenience, though, a lot of drivers are curious about how having their car towed would impact their credit history. Will it affect your insurance, driving record, or standing with the law? The short answer is it depends on the reason the vehicle was towed.
We’ll go over everything in this blog, from voluntary towing after a breakdown to situations involving law enforcement. By the end, you’ll know the difference and what to anticipate in the event that you ever require towing services.
What Is a Towing Service?
A towing service is a professional company that employs tow trucks to relocate vehicles that are parked illegally, broken down, or stranded. For roadside assistance, accident recovery, and the removal of abandoned or illegally parked vehicles, towing services are necessary.
Does Towing Affect Your Record?
Not in the majority of cases. If you choose to hire a tow truck for assistance, no report is made to your local police, DMV, or insurance company unless there was a violation of the law.
However, if authorities ordered the towing, it may be subject to legal or administrative consequences. Here are the main differences:
Tows That Don’t Affect Your Record:
- When your vehicle breaks down, you contact a towing company.
- Your vehicle is stranded on private land or off the road.
- When your car won’t start at home, you arrange for a tow.
- When an accident occurs and you are not at fault, your vehicle is hauled away.
These are all normal events that stay off your record.
Tows That Could Show Up or Cause Trouble:
- You parked in a no-parking zone or fire lane.
- Your inspection or registration has ended.
- Your parking tickets have not been paid.
- Your car was abandoned or blocking traffic.
Authorities frequently report these kinds of tows, which might result in court notices, penalties, or tickets. Yes, these could appear on your driving or legal history.
Insurance Impact: What You Should Know
Insurance is another common concern. Many drivers ask, “Will my insurance go up because I need a tow?”
The truth is that it depends on the reason.
- Your insurance is unaffected if your vehicle broke down and you had to employ a tow service to get to a repair facility.
- Your insurance history can be affected if your car was towed following an accident and a claim is made, particularly if you were at fault.
- Your towing expenses might be reimbursed if your insurance covers roadside assistance; this usually has no effect on your rate.
What Happens If Your Car Is Towed by Authorities?
In situations where your vehicle is towed against your will, like after a parking violation, the procedure is different.
Here’s what usually happens:
- The vehicle is brought to a police or city impound lot.
- Fees for storage and release will apply.
- You may also receive a ticket or citation.
Unpaid tickets or major infractions may appear on your driving record or affect your ability to renew your license plates or registration, depending on your area and driving history.
How to Avoid Unwanted Towing?
Having a car towed is a stressful situation that no one wants to endure. The following easy actions will lower your risk:
- Always read parking signs and time limits.
- Make sure your insurance, inspection, and registration are up to date.
- As soon as you can, pay your parking tickets.
- In the event that your vehicle breaks down, use a trustworthy towing company.
Final Thoughts
Getting your car towed isn’t always a big deal, especially if it’s part of normal roadside assistance or vehicle transport. However, it may affect your record and cost you more than you expected if it contains parking infractions or legal issues. Always use a reliable towing service, understand your rights, and handle tickets or fees quickly.
Need reliable tow service? Look for a licensed and insured towing company that prioritizes safety, transparency, and fast response times because not all tow trucks are the same. Reach out to us today at (626) 412-6119.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a voluntary tow show up on my driving record?
No, it won’t be recorded or show up on your driving record if you choose to hire a towing company for a flat tire or breakdown.
Can you choose your towing service after an accident?
Yes, most of the time. You are free to choose the towing company of your choice, unless law enforcement dispatches a tow truck for safety reasons.
Before rates go up, how long are cars held?
Storage costs usually go up every day the car is left unclaimed. Reclaiming your car as soon as possible is essential because towing companies have different time frames
