Accident Recovery · The Money Questions
Who pays for towing after an accident in New Brunswick?
It's the first question every accident customer asks once the adrenaline wears off. The honest answer: usually your insurance - but the details matter, and knowing them before you need them saves real money and stress.
The Short Version
In most claims, towing is part of the covered loss.
When you have a collision claim, reasonable towing from the scene - and storage while the claim is sorted out - is typically covered as part of the loss. That's the norm we see across the major Canadian insurers we deal with every week.
The practical version of how it plays out:
- At the scene, you don't need your insurer's permission to get your vehicle towed somewhere safe. Getting it off the road and secured is always the right move.
- We document everything - photos, condition notes, where the vehicle went. That paper trail is what makes the insurance side smooth.
- Where direct billing is supported, we bill the insurer - you never touch the invoice. Where it isn't, you pay and submit the receipt with your claim.
- Storage runs as part of the claim until the adjuster makes a decision - repair or write-off. Report where your vehicle is stored to your insurer promptly; unreported storage days are the most common source of disputes.
The Edge Cases
Where it gets more complicated.
- No collision coverage? If you carry liability-only insurance and the accident is your fault, towing and storage may come out of pocket. We'll quote you honestly up front either way.
- Wildlife strikes usually fall under comprehensive coverage rather than collision - different deductible, sometimes different rules. See our wildlife collision guide.
- Write-offs: if the insurer totals the vehicle, they typically take ownership as part of the settlement and arrange removal from storage. Clear your personal belongings out before that happens - once a vehicle goes to salvage, getting your sunglasses back is a bureaucratic adventure.
- Not-at-fault accidents: New Brunswick's insurance framework generally has your own insurer handle your vehicle damage in multi-vehicle collisions - which is convenient, because it means one adjuster and one process for you regardless of fault. Your insurer or broker can explain how your specific policy applies.
This is general information from a towing operator, not insurance advice - policies differ, and your insurer or broker is the authority on your coverage.
Why It Matters Who You Call
A tow operator who knows the insurance drill saves you money.
Sloppy documentation, unreported storage, a vehicle towed somewhere the adjuster can't access - these are the things that turn covered costs into disputed costs. We've spent six years building the routine that avoids them: photos before loading, prompt adjuster contact, secure storage the appraiser can visit, and direct billing wherever the insurer supports it.
Related reading: our full accident recovery service · what to do in the minutes after a collision
In an accident and need the vehicle moved?
One call, 24/7. We'll walk you through the insurance side while the truck rolls.
Call (506) 292-5604