By Abschleppdienst Altun, Bremen. Last updated:
In short
After an accident that wasn’t your fault, the liability insurer of the person who caused it usually pays. If you are to blame yourself, it depends on your comprehensive insurance (Vollkasko) or your breakdown cover (Schutzbrief). In every case you remain the customer who placed the order.
Accident not your fault
As a rule, the liability insurer of the person who caused the accident covers the cost of towing to the nearest suitable garage. If your car is to go further away, the insurer can reduce the payment, and you then bear the extra costs. Keep the invoice safe and submit it.
Accident your fault
Then it depends on your policies. Breakdown cover (Schutzbrief) often covers towing and breakdown help up to a certain amount, and comprehensive insurance (Vollkasko) sometimes pays costs too. If you have breakdown cover, it is best to call its emergency centre first: if you commission us yourself, the reimbursement is often limited.
Shared fault
If both sides are at fault, often only part of the costs is reimbursed. How much is usually only settled later.
Important: you remain the customer
You are the customer, even if an insurer pays in the end. If the other party’s insurer does not settle the invoice in full within two months of the invoice date, you are responsible for paying the outstanding amount. This is set out in our supplementary sheet on payment for insurance claims.
This helps you sort out the claim
If it is safe to do so, do the most important things right there on the spot:
- Photos of the accident scene and the damage
- Names, number plates and insurance details of those involved
- Keep the towing company’s invoice
Note
This text is general guidance and not legal advice. In an individual case, your insurer or a solicitor specialising in traffic law can help you.