STORAGE & AUCTIONS
If your car has been towed and stored following an accident, it's normal to wonder who pays the storage fees and what happens next. Nationwide works with insurers, police, and vehicle owners to manage vehicle storage, and we're here to help make sense of the process.
4,000+
Vehicles stored Nationally
1,200+
Vehicles auctioned annually
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In most cases, towing and storage fees after an accident are ultimately covered by whoever is found to be at fault, or their insurer, once liability is established.
Until that's confirmed, the vehicle owner is often the one contacted about the account, since the vehicle is sitting in storage in their name.
A few things that generally affect who pays:
Because storage fees can add up the longer a vehicle sits uncollected, it's worth contacting your insurer as early as possible after an accident to understand your position and avoid unnecessary costs.
Impoundable offences exist in each state. Depending on the offence, your car can be impounded and further information will be provided by the relevant authorities on the scene.
This includes if your car has been involved in a road incident, or has been stolen and later recovered.
Police will be able to tell you where your car is, or, if you know that we towed it - providing that you have proof of ownership give us a call for further information. We cannot provide information to third party owners without written consent by the registered owner. If another tow provider moved your car, we have no visibility of where it ends up and cannot search for it.
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Once a vehicle is towed following an accident, it's typically held in secure storage while the insurance claim is assessed. Nationwide's role in this process includes:
While your insurance claim is being assessed, we keep your vehicle in secure storage and liaise with your insurer about assessment and collection. Our team is available to help you understand the next steps.
24/7 availability and support
Over 35 years of industry experience
Secure, undercover storage facilities
Established relationships with insurers across Australia
Certified for quality, safety and environmental management (ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001)
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It depends on the outcome of the insurance claim and who is found to be at fault. In the meantime, the vehicle owner is often the point of contact for storage arrangements. Contact your insurer early to understand your specific situation.
Storage fees vary depending on the vehicle, how long it's stored, and the provider. Contact our team for a quote specific to your situation.
Impoundable offences exist in each state. Depending on the offence, your car can be impounded and further information will be provided by the relevant authorities on the scene. This includes if your car has been involved in a road incident, or has been stolen and later recovered.
Police will be able to tell you where your car is, or, if you know that we towed it - providing that you have proof of ownership give us a call for further information. We cannot provide information to third party owners without written consent by the registered owner. If another tow provider moved your car, we have no visibility of where it ends up and cannot search for it.
Storage fees can continue to accrue the longer a vehicle remains uncollected, which is why it's worth contacting your insurer and our team as soon as possible after an accident.
This depends on your specific policy and the outcome of the claim. Check your policy documents or contact your insurer directly to confirm what's covered.
Contact our team with your details and vehicle registration, and we'll confirm the next steps, including any outstanding requirements before collection.
Use our online form to get a free, no obligation quote, or call our team to talk through your situation.
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