What Happens to Your Car After an Accident in California?
What Happens to Your Car After a Collision?
After the immediate shock of an accident, most drivers aren't sure what happens next — especially to their vehicle. Here's the complete process.
Step 1: The Scene Is Secured
If the accident involves injury or a vehicle blocking traffic, law enforcement will respond and may request a tow. In California, you have the right to choose your own towing company during a consent tow. Don't let an officer or third party pressure you into using a specific company.
If you need accident recovery quickly, call 747-204-8846 — we work directly with law enforcement and insurance adjusters.
Step 2: Your Vehicle Is Towed
Your vehicle will be loaded — ideally onto a flatbed truck to prevent any further damage during transport — and taken to either:
- A body shop of your choosing
- An insurance-approved facility
- A temporary storage location if no shop decision has been made yet
Important: You're paying by the day for storage at a tow yard. Make a decision about the destination quickly.
Step 3: Insurance Assessment
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the vehicle. They determine:
- Repairable: Repair cost is less than the vehicle's actual cash value (ACV)
- Total loss: Repair cost exceeds the ACV (typically 70–80% of value in California)
Step 4: Repair or Total Loss Settlement
If repairable: The shop completes the repairs using parts approved by your insurer. You pay your deductible.
If totaled: Your insurance pays you the ACV of your vehicle (market value before the accident). You surrender the title.
Step 5: If You Disagree with the Assessment
You have the right to dispute an adjuster's estimate. Get independent repair estimates and document them. In California, you can also file a complaint with the Department of Insurance.
When to Call a Tow Immediately After an Accident
- Your vehicle is not safely drivable
- Airbags deployed
- Fluid leaks visible underneath
- Frame or axle appears damaged
- You're on a freeway or unsafe location
Call Fast Hook Towing LLC at 747-204-8846 any time. We respond to accident scenes across the entire Inland Empire 24/7.