A car crash leaves you with two problems at once: a damaged vehicle that needs to go somewhere, and an insurance claim that needs to be started. The tow is often the first expense of the claim, and decisions made at the roadside — where the car goes, who pays, what paperwork you keep — can make the rest of the process smoother or more frustrating. Lake Front Towing works with most insurance providers every day across Oak Creek, Franklin, Greenfield, Cudahy, and the rest of the Milwaukee area. This guide explains how towing and insurance fit together in plain language. It is general information, not legal or insurance advice, so always confirm the details with your own insurer.
Step one: call your insurer early
Most insurance companies want to hear about a crash as soon as possible, and many have 24-hour claim lines or apps. Calling early lets you ask the questions that matter for the tow: Does my policy include towing coverage? Do you have a preferred body shop? Should the car go to storage until an adjuster sees it? If you cannot reach your insurer right away, you can still arrange the tow and sort out reimbursement later — just keep every receipt.
Who pays for the tow?
It depends on who caused the crash and what coverage you carry. In general:
- If another driver was at fault, their liability coverage typically pays for reasonable towing and storage as part of your property damage claim, though it may take time to be settled.
- If you have collision coverage, your own policy usually covers towing related to the crash, subject to your deductible, and your insurer may later recover costs from the at-fault driver.
- If you have a separate towing or roadside endorsement, it may cover the tow regardless of fault, up to a limit.
Some insurers pay towing companies directly; others ask you to pay and submit the receipt for reimbursement. Ask your dispatcher and your insurer how it will work in your case.
Where should the car go?
This is the biggest decision you make at the scene. You usually have four options:
- A body shop you choose. In most cases you can pick your own repair shop even if your insurer recommends a different one — confirm the details of your policy with your insurer.
- Your insurer's recommended shop. Some insurers offer guarantees or faster processing at partner shops.
- Your home. This gives you time to decide, but an adjuster will need access, and you will need another tow later.
- Secure storage. A good option when you are unsure whether the car will be repaired or declared a total loss.
If you are not sure, storage keeps your options open. Ask about storage fees upfront, because they usually accrue daily, and let your insurer know where the car is so the adjuster can inspect it quickly.
Total losses and moving the car again
If the adjuster decides the vehicle is a total loss, the insurer will typically arrange to move it from the shop or storage lot to a salvage facility. Remove all personal belongings and your license plates if your insurer or the DMV instructs you to. Make sure you know where the car is at every stage — a vehicle that has been towed twice is easy to lose track of if no one keeps the paperwork.
The paperwork that matters
Keep a folder, paper or digital, with:
- The police report number and the officer's name.
- The other driver's name, contact information, insurer, and policy number.
- Photos of all vehicles, the scene, and any injuries.
- Your tow receipt, showing the pickup location, destination, and date.
- Storage receipts if the car was held anywhere.
- Repair estimates and invoices.
- Notes from every call with your insurer, including the date and the person you spoke with.
Personal items and the car's contents
Before the car leaves the scene, take out anything you will need: keys to your home, garage remotes, medications, phone chargers, child seats, work equipment, and documents. If you forget something, the shop or storage lot can usually arrange access, but it is easier to grab it at the scene. If a child seat was in the car during a significant crash, ask your insurer about replacing it; many seat manufacturers recommend replacement after a crash.
Avoiding common mistakes
Do not let an unrequested tow truck take your car — use the company you called or the one police requested. Do not sign anything you do not understand. Do not admit fault at the scene or speculate about it with the other driver. Do not delay reporting the claim. And do not drive a damaged car "just to get it home" if it is leaking fluids, has broken lights, or steers oddly; the extra damage may not be covered.
How Lake Front Towing helps
When you call (414) 520-7264, the dispatcher will ask which insurance company you use and where the car should go. Our operator documents the vehicle's condition before loading it, which helps your claim. You get a clear receipt with all the details your insurer needs. If the car goes to storage, we can move it later to the shop or salvage facility your insurer designates.
Frequently asked questions
Can you bill my insurance company directly?
For many insurers, yes. Tell the dispatcher your insurer, and we will explain how payment will work.
Will my rates go up because I used a tow?
The tow itself is rarely the issue; rate changes generally depend on the claim and fault. Ask your agent.
What if I am not sure which shop to use?
Choose storage or have the car brought home while you decide. There is no need to rush that decision at the roadside.
Need a tow after a crash? Call (414) 520-7264 — we will help you keep the claim on track. Learn more about our accident recovery.