Accident Towing in Chicago: Cost, Insurance, and Where Your Car Goes

Rick’s Emergency Roadside Assistance provides Chicago towing and recovery, accident towing in Lake View East, 24-hour towing in Lake View East, and wheel-lift towing across Chicago’s North Side.

A vehicle does not have to be completely destroyed to require towing after a crash. Damage to a tire, wheel, steering component, suspension part, radiator, cooling system, brake, light, body panel, glass, airbag system, or fluid line may make driving unsafe even when the engine still starts.

Rick’s uses wheel-lift towing only and does not operate a flatbed. Accident-towing availability depends on the exact vehicle, drivetrain, damaged-wheel position, wheel movement, steering, transmission, parking brake, keys, leaking fluids, loose parts, scene access, destination, and manufacturer requirements.

Severe collision damage may require a flatbed, rotator, heavy-duty recovery unit, traffic-control equipment, hazardous-material response, or another service Rick’s does not provide.

When Does a Vehicle Need Towing After an Accident?

Towing is usually the safer choice when the vehicle cannot be driven normally or when hidden damage may create a risk.

Do not decide only by looking at the size of the dent. A relatively small collision can damage steering, suspension, wheel alignment, cooling-system parts, sensors, lights, electrical wiring, and safety equipment.

The vehicle may need towing when:

• A wheel is crooked, pushed backward, leaning, locked, or rubbing the body
• A tire is flat, shredded, cut, separated, or losing air rapidly
• The steering feels loose, heavy, off-center, or unusually difficult
• The brake pedal feels different or the vehicle does not stop normally
• Coolant, oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, or fuel appears to be leaking
• Smoke, steam, sparks, or a burning odor is present
• The radiator, cooling fan, belts, or front-end components are damaged
• The airbags deployed
• Glass, lights, mirrors, doors, hood, trunk, or body panels are unsafe
• The vehicle starts but will not move normally
• The transmission will not shift into gear or neutral
• The vehicle cannot be made visible and safe beside traffic

Can You Drive the Vehicle Away After a Minor Crash?

Possibly, but only when the vehicle can be operated normally and no safety-related damage is apparent.

Before driving, consider whether:

• All tires are inflated and the wheels appear straight
• The steering turns normally without pulling, binding, or unusual noise
• The brakes feel and operate normally
• No important fluid is leaking
• The hood, doors, trunk, bumpers, and body panels are securely latched
• The headlights, brake lights, and turn signals operate
• The windshield and mirrors provide adequate visibility
• No warning message, smoke, steam, overheating, or unusual odor is present
• No part drags beneath the vehicle or rubs a tire

When you are uncertain, towing is safer than testing a damaged vehicle in traffic.

A vehicle that moves several feet is not automatically safe for the full trip to a repair shop.

Move the Vehicle Only When It Can Be Done Safely

A vehicle remaining in an active traffic lane can create a second crash.

When the vehicle can move normally and emergency responders have not told you to leave it in place, moving to a nearby safe location may reduce danger.

Do not force a vehicle to move when:

• A tire or wheel is trapped, locked, or visibly damaged
• Steering or braking does not work normally
• Fuel, coolant, oil, or another fluid is leaking heavily
• Parts drag beneath the vehicle
• Smoke, fire, sparks, or hazardous fumes are present
• The vehicle could strike a pedestrian, cyclist, responder, or another car

Follow police, fire-department, and emergency-dispatch instructions at the scene.

What Information Does the Accident-Towing Dispatcher Need?

An accident tow requires more information than an ordinary no-start call.

The dispatcher needs to know whether the scene is cleared and whether the vehicle can be handled using the available towing equipment.

How Much Does Accident Towing Cost in Chicago?

Accident-towing prices depend on the vehicle, drivetrain, loaded distance, unloaded travel, time of day, wheel condition, damage, keys, scene access, recovery work, and destination.

Rick’s regular daytime cash hook-up reference begins at $100 for a qualifying 2WD vehicle and includes the first 3 loaded miles.

The regular daytime cash hook-up reference begins at $150 for a qualifying AWD or 4WD situation and includes the first 3 loaded miles.

Loaded mileage after the first 3 miles is $10 per additional mile.

Rick’s after-hours period is from 11:00 PM through 7:00 AM.

After-hours cash hook-up references begin at $150 for qualifying 2WD vehicles and $200 for qualifying AWD or 4WD situations.

What Additional Charges May Apply After a Crash?

An ordinary rollable breakdown and a collision-damaged vehicle may require different preparation.

Possible additional charges include:

• Unloaded-travel fuel surcharge: $2.50 per unloaded mile
• Tight parking garage: Additional $50
• Vehicle without keys: Additional $75
• Winching: Starts at $150 per hour
• Recovery, repositioning, or additional labor
• Waiting time when the scene has not been cleared
• Loose-part preparation or special securement
• Storage when the vehicle is delivered to a storage facility
• Applicable taxes or card-processing charges

Tell Rick’s about the complete accident condition before dispatch so the reference estimate reflects the work as accurately as possible.

Short Accident-Tow Price Example

Consider a qualifying daytime 2WD vehicle requiring a 5-mile loaded tow after a minor collision.

Accident-Recovery Price Example

A vehicle off the pavement, against a curb, trapped by damage, or unable to reach the tow truck may require winching or repositioning before it can be towed.

Does Insurance Pay for Accident Towing?

Insurance coverage depends on the policy, the cause of the crash, applicable deductibles, towing coverage, collision coverage, the responsible party, and how the claim is handled.

Do not assume that every towing, recovery, storage, or rental charge will automatically be paid.

Ask the insurance company:

• Whether towing is covered under your policy
• Whether there is a towing-distance or dollar limit
• Whether the insurer must dispatch the towing provider
• Whether you may choose your own towing company
• Whether you must pay first and request reimbursement
• Which documents and receipts are required
• Whether recovery and storage charges are covered
• Whether rental transportation is included
• When storage reimbursement may end

Keep the towing invoice, payment receipt, photographs, crash-report information, destination, repair estimate, and insurance communications.

Can You Choose the Repair Shop?

Drivers generally have the ability to choose where their vehicle is repaired, although the insurance company may recommend participating facilities.

Before selecting a destination, ask the repair shop:

• Whether it accepts the vehicle’s make and type
• Whether it performs collision, mechanical, tire, suspension, or electrical repairs
• Whether it accepts after-hours deliveries
• Which entrance the tow truck should use
• Where the vehicle should be parked
• How keys should be left
• Whether the property has a gate or height restriction
• Whether it works with your insurance company

The repair shop’s approval does not guarantee that every repair cost will be covered. Discuss estimates, deductibles, parts, and authorization with the insurer and repair facility.

Dealership, Body Shop, Mechanic, or Tire Shop?

The correct destination depends on the damage.

One collision may require both body and mechanical inspection. Choose a destination that can receive the vehicle and coordinate the necessary evaluation.

What if You Do Not Know Where to Tow the Car?

Do not authorize a destination you do not understand simply because the crash is stressful.

Call your insurer, preferred mechanic, dealership, body shop, family member, fleet manager, or vehicle owner when practical.

Ask whether the destination:

• Is open or accepts after-hours deliveries
• Can safely store the vehicle
• Charges storage or administrative fees
• Can inspect the type of damage involved
• Requires advance authorization
• Has a gate, key-drop box, or special tow entrance

Provide Rick’s the complete street address rather than only a business name.

Be Careful About Unrequested Tow Trucks

A tow truck arriving at a crash does not automatically mean that you, your insurer, or law enforcement requested that particular company.

Before authorizing service, ask:

• Which company the operator represents
• Who requested the truck
• Whether the truck was dispatched by police, insurance, roadside coverage, or you
• Where the vehicle will be taken
• What the expected charges include
• Whether storage will begin at the destination
• What paperwork you are authorizing

Do not sign incomplete paperwork or release the vehicle to an unknown operator without confirming the company and destination.

When law enforcement directs the vehicle’s removal because it blocks traffic or creates a hazard, follow the officer’s instructions and ask where the vehicle is being taken.

How to Verify Rick’s When the Truck Arrives

Ask the operator to confirm:

• Your name
• The vehicle description
• The pickup location
• The requested towing service
• The selected destination
• The company that was contacted

The operator should know information from the dispatch request rather than relying only on details visible at the crash.

Call Rick’s directly when you are uncertain whether the arriving operator matches the dispatch.

What Is Storage, and When Do Storage Charges Begin?

Storage charges may apply when a damaged vehicle is delivered to a towing yard, storage facility, body shop, repair facility, dealership, or another property that charges for keeping vehicles.

Ask:

• The exact destination address
• Whether the destination charges daily storage
• When the storage clock begins
• The daily or overnight rate
• Whether weekends and holidays count
• Whether after-hours release charges apply
• What documentation is required to release the vehicle
• Which payment methods are accepted
• Whether an appointment is required

Storage can become a significant expense when a vehicle remains at a facility for several days.

Contact the insurer promptly and ask when the vehicle should be moved to a repair facility, salvage location, or another approved destination.

Should the Vehicle Go Home Instead of to a Storage Lot?

Towing the vehicle home may avoid certain storage charges, but it is not appropriate for every situation.

Consider whether:

• The property permits damaged or inoperable vehicles
• The driveway or parking space can receive the vehicle
• The vehicle leaks fluid
• The vehicle can be unloaded and positioned safely
• The keys and steering are available
• The vehicle blocks another car, garage, sidewalk, or alley
• A repair shop will later require a second tow

A second towing trip may cost more than taking the vehicle directly to the correct repair destination.

Take Photographs Before the Vehicle Is Towed

Photograph the scene only when you can do so without entering traffic or interfering with emergency responders.

Useful photographs may include:

• All sides of every involved vehicle
• Close views of visible damage
• Vehicle positions before they are moved
• License plates
• Traffic lights, stop signs, lanes, and road markings
• Skid marks, debris, potholes, curbs, and damaged property
• Fluid on the pavement
• Airbags and interior damage
• The odometer and dashboard warning lights
• The tow truck and company identification
• The vehicle after it reaches the destination

Do not stand in an active lane or beneath unstable vehicle parts to obtain a photograph.

Exchange Driver and Insurance Information

When the scene is safe, exchange relevant information with the other driver.

Common information includes:

• Name and contact information
• Driver’s-license information
• Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate
• Insurance company and policy information
• Vehicle-owner information when different from the driver
• Witness contact information
• Police agency and report or incident number

Avoid arguing about fault at the scene. Provide accurate factual information to law enforcement and the insurance companies.

Does the Crash Need to Be Reported?

Crash-report requirements depend on injuries, property damage, insurance status, location, and whether law enforcement responded.

Contact law enforcement when anyone is injured, traffic is blocked, another driver leaves, a driver appears impaired, public property is damaged, the vehicle cannot be moved, or the extent of damage may meet reporting requirements.

Illinois State Police provides current crash-report information and an online reporting system for certain qualifying crashes.

Review official guidance or contact law enforcement rather than relying on an informal estimate of the damage amount.

Official Illinois crash-report information is available through the Illinois State Police crash-report portal.

What if the Other Driver Leaves?

Call 911 and provide the direction of travel, vehicle description, license plate, driver description, and any photographs or video available.

Do not chase the other vehicle.

Ask witnesses to remain or provide contact information.

Photograph your vehicle, debris, road markings, and surrounding cameras when it is safe.

Contact your insurance company and provide the police-report information.

What if the Vehicle Is Not Where You Left It?

Police, emergency responders, the City of Chicago, a private property owner, or another authorized party may have moved or towed the vehicle.

Check with the police agency that handled the crash and ask where the vehicle was taken.

For vehicles towed or relocated by the City of Chicago, use the City of Chicago vehicle-search system or call 311.

The City’s database covers City-towed and relocated vehicles. A vehicle removed by a private towing company may not appear there.

Remove Essential Personal Property

When the scene and vehicle are safe to access, remove essential property before the tow.

Prioritize:

• Medication
• Identification and wallet
• Phone and charger
• House and work keys
• Insurance and registration documents
• Child seats and necessary child supplies
• Work equipment needed immediately
• Parking passes and garage remotes
• Valuable or fragile items

Do not enter an unstable vehicle, reach through broken glass, touch leaking fluids, or interfere with police and fire personnel.

Tell the towing operator about loose property, tools, cargo, or damaged parts that may move during transport.

What Happens to the Vehicle Keys?

Confirm whether the keys will stay with you, remain with the towing operator, or be placed in the repair facility’s approved key drop.

The keys may be needed to:

• Unlock the steering
• Shift the transmission into neutral
• Release the parking brake
• Disable the alarm
• Access the interior or trunk
• Move the vehicle at the destination

Tell Rick’s before dispatch when the keys are missing, broken, locked inside, held by police, or otherwise unavailable.

Rick’s reference pricing includes an additional $75 no-key fee, but not every accident-damaged vehicle can be safely towed without keys.

Accident Towing With a Locked Wheel

A collision may lock a wheel because of brake damage, bent suspension, axle trouble, a failed bearing, body contact, transmission damage, or a stuck parking brake.

Tell Rick’s exactly which wheel is locked:

• Front left
• Front right
• Rear left
• Rear right
• Multiple wheels

Do not force the vehicle to move against a locked wheel.

Wheel-lift towing depends on whether the damaged or locked wheel can be raised and whether the wheels remaining on the road can rotate safely.

Accident Towing With a Crooked Wheel

A wheel that leans, points differently, sits pushed backward, or rubs the vehicle may indicate significant suspension, steering, hub, axle, bearing, or structural damage.

Do not attempt to straighten the wheel, attach a strap to it, or drive the vehicle to test the alignment.

Send clear photographs to Rick’s when requested.

Severe wheel damage may require equipment beyond Rick’s wheel-lift capabilities.

Accident Towing With a Flat or Shredded Tire

A collision-damaged tire should not remain on the pavement and rotate during an ordinary tow.

The damaged-tire position affects whether wheel-lift towing is possible.

Tell Rick’s whether:

• The tire is low, completely flat, shredded, or separated
• The wheel is bent or cracked
• The tire rubs the body
• More than one tire is damaged
• A usable spare is available
• The suspension appears bent or broken

A spare-tire installation may not be appropriate when the collision also damaged the wheel, steering, suspension, or lug hardware.

Accident Towing With Leaking Fluids

Different fluids may indicate different types of damage, but drivers should not attempt to identify or handle an unknown liquid at a crash scene.

Move away and call 911 when fuel may be leaking or when the fluid creates a fire, environmental, or traffic hazard.

Tell Rick’s the fluid’s general location, color, amount, odor, and whether the leak continues.

Do not start or move the vehicle to see whether the leak stops.

A heavily leaking vehicle may require emergency response or specialized containment before towing.

Accident Towing After Airbag Deployment

Airbag deployment may obstruct the steering wheel, dashboard, side windows, seats, or interior visibility.

The collision may also have affected seat belts, sensors, electrical systems, battery cables, steering, body structure, and other safety components.

Do not cut, remove, fold, or push deployed airbags out of the way to continue driving.

Tell Rick’s which airbags deployed and whether the vehicle has smoke, electrical warnings, broken glass, or interior damage.

Towing is usually the safer choice.

Front-End Collision Towing

A front-end collision may damage the radiator, condenser, cooling fans, headlights, hood latch, bumper supports, suspension, steering, sensors, belts, and fluid lines.

Do not drive when:

• The hood does not latch securely
• Coolant or another fluid leaks
• The temperature begins rising
• A fan, belt, pulley, or front-end component is damaged
• A wheel is crooked or pushed backward
• Lights or turn signals do not work
• Parts rub a tire or drag on the pavement

Even when the engine starts, the vehicle may not be capable of safe travel.

Rear-End Collision Towing

A rear impact may damage the bumper structure, trunk, fuel system, exhaust, rear suspension, lights, sensors, hatch, spare-tire area, or rear body structure.

Do not drive when:

• The trunk or hatch cannot be secured
• The exhaust drags or is pushed into the body
• Fuel odor or leaking fluid is present
• A rear wheel is crooked or rubbing
• Brake lights or turn signals do not operate
• The bumper or body panel may detach

Side-Impact Collision Towing

A side impact may damage the doors, pillars, side-curtain airbags, glass, wheels, suspension, steering, seats, wiring, fuel system, and structural components.

A door that closes after a crash is not proof that the structure is undamaged.

Do not drive when the door cannot latch, glass obstructs visibility, a wheel has shifted, airbags deployed, or the body rubs a tire.

Undercarriage and Curb-Impact Damage

A vehicle that crosses a curb, median, pothole, parking block, or road debris may damage the oil pan, transmission, exhaust, suspension, wheels, fuel lines, battery enclosure, splash shields, and underbody structure.

Tell Rick’s whether:

• The vehicle is resting on the curb or obstacle
• One or more wheels are off the pavement
• Fluid is leaking beneath the vehicle
• The exhaust or underbody hangs down
• The vehicle is hybrid or electric
• The vehicle must be winched before towing

Do not crawl beneath the vehicle to inspect the damage.

Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Accident Towing

Hybrid and electric vehicles may contain high-voltage batteries, orange cables, electronic parking brakes, specialized cooling systems, and manufacturer-specific towing procedures.

Tell Rick’s immediately that the vehicle is hybrid or electric.

Keep away from:

• Orange cables
• Exposed electrical parts
• Damaged battery enclosures
• Smoke, hissing, popping, heat, or unusual odors
• Leaking or unidentified material

Call 911 when the vehicle presents an electrical, chemical, or fire hazard.

Some hybrid and electric vehicles require all four wheels to remain off the road. Rick’s uses wheel-lift towing only, so the exact vehicle and manufacturer requirements must be reviewed.

AWD and 4WD Accident Towing

Some AWD and 4WD vehicles cannot be transported with only two wheels raised.

Accident damage can make the towing decision more complicated when one or more wheels cannot rotate normally.

Provide the complete make, model, year, trim, drivetrain, transmission, damaged-wheel position, and manufacturer towing information when available.

Rick’s can accept only qualifying wheel-lift situations. Vehicles requiring flatbed transportation need another properly equipped provider.

Work-Vehicle and Commercial Accident Towing

Work cars, service vans, pickups, fleet vehicles, and commercial units may carry tools, machinery, shelving, ladders, parts, or other equipment.

Tell Rick’s:

• The business or fleet name
• The vehicle number
• The make, model, year, and approximate weight
• The cargo and added equipment
• Whether the load shifted during the crash
• Whether hazardous or restricted materials are present
• The fleet contact and approved destination

Loose or shifted cargo may require additional handling before towing.

Rick’s can review many light-duty and select medium-duty situations, but some vehicles may exceed the available equipment limits.

Accident Towing From a Parking Garage

Garage collisions may occur against columns, walls, gates, parked vehicles, ramps, charging stations, or low structures.

Tell Rick’s:

• The complete garage address
• The correct vehicle entrance
• The posted entrance clearance
• Any lower interior clearance
• The parking level and space number
• The gate code or security contact
• The direction the vehicle faces
• Which wheels are damaged or locked
• Whether the vehicle can steer and shift into neutral
• Whether fluid or debris is present

Rick’s can handle many tight-space situations depending on safe access, clearance, drivetrain, wheel movement, steering, transmission position, parking brake, keys, damage, vehicle weight, and equipment space.

The tight-garage reference fee is an additional $50.

Winching a Vehicle After a Crash

Winching may be required when the vehicle is off the pavement, against a barrier, trapped by wheel damage, resting on an obstacle, or unable to roll toward the tow truck.

Winching starts at $150 per hour.

The actual time depends on:

• Vehicle weight and position
• Distance from stable pavement
• Surface and slope
• Wheel, steering, suspension, and body damage
• Safe attachment options
• Obstacles and surrounding traffic
• Number and direction of pulls
• Available tow-truck position

Severe recovery situations may require equipment Rick’s does not provide.

What Happens When Rick’s Arrives?

The operator first reviews the crash scene, vehicle, damage, wheel position, drivetrain, access, and destination.

The operator may need to confirm:

• That emergency responders cleared the area
• That the vehicle matches the dispatch information
• Which end may be lifted
• Whether the wheels remaining on the road can rotate safely
• Whether the steering and parking brake can be controlled
• Whether loose parts require preparation
• Whether leaks, glass, or debris create a hazard
• Whether the vehicle falls within equipment limits
• Whether the approved destination can receive the vehicle

Stay outside the operator’s working area during inspection, lifting, winching, and securement.

Why the Tow May Be Declined After Inspection

Photographs and phone descriptions are helpful, but some damage cannot be fully evaluated until the operator reaches the vehicle.

Rick’s may be unable to complete the tow when:

• The vehicle requires all four wheels off the road
• The wheels remaining on the pavement cannot rotate safely
• The vehicle exceeds equipment limits
• Structural damage prevents safe wheel-lift attachment
• Severe leaking, fire, battery damage, or hazardous material is present
• The scene has not been cleared
• The garage or pickup location cannot be accessed safely
• Specialized heavy-recovery equipment is required

Honest equipment screening is safer than attempting an unsuitable tow.

What to Do While Waiting for Accident Towing

1. Follow police, fire, and emergency-dispatch instructions.
2. Stay away from active traffic, fuel, smoke, broken glass, and unstable vehicles.
3. Turn on hazard lights when it is safe and possible.
4. Do not restart or move a visibly damaged vehicle.
5. Photograph the scene only from a safe position.
6. Exchange information and obtain the report number.
7. Choose and confirm the towing destination.
8. Remove essential property when the vehicle is safe to access.
9. Keep the keys and authorization documents available.
10. Keep your phone nearby and answer Rick’s call.

How Fast Can Accident Towing Arrive?

Arrival time depends on Rick’s current location, traffic, weather, call volume, crash location, emergency-response activity, vehicle type, damage, recovery needs, and available access.

A truck may reach the area but remain unable to begin until police, firefighters, or other responders clear the scene.

Provide the correct side of the road, direction of travel, nearest intersection, and meeting location.

Keep your phone available and tell Rick’s immediately when the vehicle is moved, the scene changes, or law enforcement assigns another towing provider.

Read Rick’s guide about tow-truck arrival times in Lake View East.

Lake View East Accident-Towing Locations

Lake View East includes crowded intersections, bicycle lanes, apartment garages, narrow alleys, loading zones, one-way streets, buses, pedestrians, nightlife traffic, and tightly parked vehicles.

Helpful local references may include Clark and Belmont, Broadway and Belmont, Wellington and Halsted, Sheridan and Diversey, Belmont Harbor, Wrigleyville, Northalsted, Lincoln Park, Uptown, Roscoe Village, North Center, Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Edgewater, and Sauganash.

Always provide the complete address and nearest cross streets.

Explain whether the crash is curbside, inside a garage, in an alley, beside a bicycle lane, on a ramp, near an intersection, or blocking access.

Accident Towing in Lake View East and Chicago’s North Side

Call Rick’s after the crash scene is safe and cleared for towing.

Provide accurate information about the vehicle, drivetrain, damaged wheels, steering, keys, leaks, airbags, loose body parts, garage access, and destination.

Rick’s will review whether the vehicle can be safely handled with wheel-lift equipment.

When a flatbed, heavy recovery unit, hazardous-scene response, or another towing method is required, Rick’s will not represent the job as an ordinary wheel-lift tow.

FAQs About Accident Towing in Chicago