When an Accident Happens, Knowing the Next Steps Matters
If you’ve been in a car accident in Ontario, your vehicle may be towed before you even have time to process what happened. Whether you’re injured, your car is undrivable, or the police call for a tow, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
At Foglesong Towing, we know how confusing those first few hours can be. We’ve helped countless Inland Empire drivers recover their vehicles safely and avoid unnecessary costs. This guide explains what to do if your car is towed after an accident, who to call, where your car might go, and how to protect your rights.
1. Confirm Where Your Vehicle Was Taken
After an accident, your vehicle can be towed by police request, insurance instruction, or at your own request.
If you don’t know where it went:
- Call the Ontario Police Department non-emergency line at (909) 986-6711. Provide your license plate or VIN to locate your vehicle.
- If the accident occurred on a freeway, contact the California Highway Patrol (CHP) dispatch office for Rancho Cucamonga at (909) 980-3994.
- You can also check FindMyTowedCar.com to see if your vehicle was logged into a regional tow database.
Pro Tip: Tow yards often take up to two hours to register vehicles into their system. If the car doesn’t show up right away, wait and check again. If the crash was on a state route, check Caltrans QuickMap for incident notes.
2. Gather Photos and Documents Before It’s Towed
If you’re still at the scene and it’s safe:
- Take photos of the damage to all vehicles, license plates, and the overall scene.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with all involved parties.
- Remove valuables, personal paperwork, and anything sentimental. Once impounded, access may be limited until fees are paid.
These details help you when filing an insurance claim, and protect you from disputes later about pre-existing damage.
3. Know Who Authorized the Tow
In California, a car can legally be towed after an accident under California Vehicle Code §22651 if:
- The driver is injured or incapacitated,
- The vehicle is blocking traffic,
- The driver is arrested (ex., DUI),
- Or the car is too damaged to drive safely.
If law enforcement initiated the tow, they’ll document it in the police report and issue a release form. If a private company arrives first, confirm they are on the police rotation list or that you personally authorized the tow.
Never release your car to an unverified tow operator, unsolicited tow trucks are one of the most common forms of predatory towing in California.
4. Call Your Insurance Company Immediately
Your insurer can often cover or reimburse towing and storage fees under collision coverage or roadside assistance. Many have preferred tow providers that simplify the release process.
If the other driver was at fault, their insurance may be responsible for the costs, but that process can take time. To avoid extra storage fees, let your insurer know where the vehicle was taken as soon as possible.
5. Retrieve Your Vehicle Quickly to Avoid Storage Fees
Tow yards charge daily storage fees that can add up fast, often $70–$90 per day in San Bernardino County.
Here’s what you’ll need to retrieve your vehicle:
- A release form from the Ontario Police Department or CHP (if police-ordered)
- A valid ID and proof of ownership or registration
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for any accrued towing or storage charges
If your vehicle was totaled, your insurance adjuster can often arrange to transfer it to a salvage yard like Copart or IAA, which stops further storage charges.
6. Understand Your Rights and Typical Costs
Under local agreements (Towing Service Agreements or TSAs), towing rates for light-duty vehicles are generally capped around:
- $300–$325 base rate for the initial tow
- $75–$85 per day for storage
- ½ of the tow rate for an after-hours gate fee
You also have the right to:
- Receive an itemized invoice showing all charges
- Access personal belongings from your car without paying the full balance
- Request copies of tow documentation for your insurance claim
If you believe you’ve been overcharged, contact the City of Ontario Police Tow Administration Office or file a complaint with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair.
7. Choose a Reputable Tow Company
If you’re given the option to call your own tow provider after an accident, make sure it’s a licensed, insured, and trusted company.
Foglesong Towing has served the Inland Empire since 1982 with:
- 24/7 accident recovery and towing
- CTTA-certified drivers
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Partnerships with local police and insurance providers
When the unexpected happens, having a reliable tow company on your side helps you stay in control.
Final Thoughts: Stay Calm, Stay Informed
Accidents are stressful enough without worrying about where your car went or what it will cost to get it back. Knowing your rights, acting quickly, and working with trusted professionals can make all the difference.If your car has been towed after an accident in Ontario or anywhere in the Inland Empire, call Foglesong Towing, day or night, for professional, honest help that puts your safety first.