Who Pays for the Tow Truck After a Car Accident in Texas?
After a car accident, one of the first unexpected costs many people face is the tow truck bill. Whether your car is too damaged to drive or simply needs to be moved off the road for safety, tow trucks can be expensive — sometimes several hundred dollars or more, depending on the distance and storage time.
So, who’s actually responsible for paying that bill?
In Texas, the answer depends on who was at fault, what kind of insurance coverage you have, and how quickly the claim is handled.
1. Texas Is an “At-Fault” State
Texas follows what’s known as an “at-fault” system, which means that the person who caused the accident — or more accurately, their insurance company — is ultimately responsible for covering damages. This includes not just the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, but also reasonable towing and storage fees that result directly from the crash.
However, the process isn’t always instant. The other driver’s insurance won’t pay until fault is confirmed and their claim investigation is complete, which can sometimes take weeks. In the meantime, you might be left with a bill that needs to be paid up front — and that’s where your own insurance coverage can come into play.
2. Your Own Insurance May Cover the Tow (Temporarily)
If you have collision coverage or towing and labor coverage (sometimes called “roadside assistance”) on your own policy, your insurance company can pay the towing bill immediately.
Then, once the other driver is officially found to be at fault, your insurance company will subrogate — meaning they’ll seek reimbursement directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance company for what they paid on your behalf. This process happens behind the scenes, and if successful, your insurance may even refund your deductible.
If you don’t have towing coverage and you end up paying the tow bill yourself, don’t panic — you can still request reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance company once liability is confirmed.
3. What If You Were Found Partially at Fault?
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that as long as you are less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages — but they will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
So, if you were found 20% at fault for the accident, and your towing bill was $300, the at-fault driver’s insurance would still owe you $240.
If you’re 51% or more at fault, however, you likely won’t be able to recover those costs from the other driver’s insurer.
4. The Importance of Acting Quickly
Tow yards and impound lots often charge daily storage fees, which can add up fast — sometimes $25 to $50 per day. Insurance companies typically only cover reasonable towing and storage costs, so waiting too long to move your vehicle can cost you money out-of-pocket.
If your vehicle is totaled, your insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance will usually tow it to a salvage or inspection facility, but if there’s a delay in determining fault or liability, those storage costs can linger. Always contact your insurance company or your attorney immediately after the accident so they can help move your vehicle and document all costs.
5. Keep Documentation for Reimbursement
If you pay for the tow yourself, it’s critical that you keep all receipts, invoices, and towing reports. These will be required to get reimbursed by either insurance company later.
Additionally, take photos of:
The tow truck picking up your car
The accident scene
Any damage to your vehicle before towing
This helps establish a clear connection between the accident and the towing costs — something insurance companies often demand before paying.
6. How an Attorney Can Help
While it may seem like a small issue compared to your medical injuries or lost wages, tow truck bills can turn into a major headache — especially when insurance companies drag their feet.
A personal injury attorney can:
Handle communication with the insurance companies
Ensure the at-fault driver’s insurance reimburses your towing and storage costs
Prevent your claim from being undervalued or denied
Include your towing expenses as part of your total damage demand in the injury case
When an attorney is involved, insurers tend to act faster and take your property damage claim more seriously — because they know a lawsuit could follow if they delay or underpay.
