What to Know Before Towing Your Vehicle After an Accident

What to Know Before Towing Your Vehicle After an Accident

SUMMARY

  • After an accident, do not assume your vehicle is safe to drive simply because it still starts and moves. Collision damage can affect tires, wheels, suspension, steering, cooling components, structural areas, and electronics.
  • A vehicle should generally be towed when driving it could create a safety problem or cause additional damage. Warning signs can include fluid leaks, damaged tires, steering problems, loose body parts, overheating, severe warning messages, or components rubbing against a wheel.
  • If the vehicle is blocking traffic but can be moved safely, moving it to a safer nearby location may be appropriate before arranging towing.
  • Before the tow truck arrives, document the vehicle and accident scene when it is safe to do so. Take photos of visible damage, vehicle position, surrounding conditions, and important personal property inside the vehicle.
  • Know where the vehicle is being towed. Ask for the destination before it leaves the scene so you do not later have to locate it or arrange a second tow unnecessarily.
  • You can often request that a damaged vehicle be towed directly to the collision repair facility you intend to use, depending on the circumstances, towing availability, law-enforcement direction, and insurance arrangements.
  • Electric, hybrid, all-wheel-drive, and four-wheel-drive vehicles may have manufacturer-specific towing requirements. The owner’s manual or OEM towing procedures should guide the towing method.
  • Do not assume a vehicle with an EV or hybrid powertrain can be towed with its drive wheels on the ground. Incorrect towing can potentially damage the drivetrain or high-voltage-related systems.
  • Remove important personal items from the vehicle when practical, including medication, work equipment, garage-door openers, child seats if appropriate, and other valuables.
  • Nebraska drivers should also be aware of crash-reporting requirements. For crashes occurring on or after July 18, 2026, a crash involving injury, death, or apparent property damage of $2,000 or more to any one person’s property is reportable under Nebraska rules when not investigated by law enforcement.
  • Wenzl’s Collision Center provides professional collision repair, structural measuring, OEM-focused repair procedures, insurance assistance, and post-repair quality control at 4515 N 62nd St, Lincoln, NE 68507, United States.

Introduction

After an accident, one of the first practical questions may be:

Can I drive my car away, or does it need to be towed?

Sometimes the answer is obvious.

A wheel is badly damaged.

Coolant is pouring onto the road.

The front bumper is dragging against a tire.

The vehicle will not start.

In other situations, the damage looks relatively minor, and the vehicle still moves under its own power.

That can make the decision less clear.

A vehicle does not necessarily need to be completely immobilized before towing becomes the better choice. NHTSA’s crash-data guidance even recognizes that a vehicle can be considered disabled when it could technically move but driving it would cause further damage.

Before deciding what to do, consider the condition of the:

  • Tires and wheels
  • Steering
  • Suspension
  • Cooling system
  • Lights
  • Body panels
  • Underbody
  • Electronic safety systems

Then think about where you want the vehicle to go.

A little planning at the accident scene can help prevent unnecessary towing charges, delays, and confusion later in the collision repair process.

When Should a Vehicle Be Towed After an Accident?

A tow is generally appropriate when driving the vehicle could be unsafe or could cause more damage.

Examples include:

  • Flat or seriously damaged tire
  • Bent or broken wheel
  • Steering problems
  • Significant suspension damage
  • Fluid leaks
  • Vehicle overheating
  • Loose bumper or body panel
  • Hood that will not latch
  • Broken lighting needed for safe operation
  • Severe dashboard warnings
  • Components rubbing against a tire
  • Significant structural deformation

This is not an exhaustive list.

When you cannot confidently determine whether the vehicle can be driven safely, towing is often the more cautious choice.

Does the Vehicle Have to Be Completely Disabled Before It Should Be Towed?

No.

A car may still:

  • Start
  • Shift into gear
  • Move forward
  • Steer

and still be a poor candidate for normal driving.

NHTSA’s crash-investigation guidance distinguishes between a vehicle that can simply move and one that can leave the scene without additional risk of damage. A vehicle that could technically be driven but would suffer further damage by doing so may still be treated as disabled.

For example, driving with:

  • A damaged cooling system
  • A tire rubbing against bodywork
  • A loose underbody panel
  • Significant suspension damage

could turn a repairable collision problem into a larger one.

What Should You Check Before Deciding to Drive or Tow?

If you are in a safe location, perform a visual check from outside the vehicle.

Look at the:

  • Tires
  • Wheels
  • Bumpers
  • Hood
  • Doors
  • Trunk or liftgate
  • Lights
  • Underbody

Look for obvious:

  • Leaks
  • Smoke
  • Loose parts
  • Severe deformation

Then check the dashboard for warnings involving:

  • Brakes
  • Steering
  • Airbags
  • Temperature
  • Powertrain
  • Stability control
  • Driver-assistance systems

Do not crawl underneath a vehicle on the side of a roadway.

A roadside visual check is only meant to help you decide whether professional assistance is needed.

Should You Move the Vehicle Out of Traffic First?

If the vehicle can be moved safely and local conditions allow it, getting out of active traffic can reduce the risk of another collision.

AAA‘s current post-accident guidance recommends moving the vehicle out of harm’s way when it can be done safely.

However, do not force a badly damaged vehicle to move if doing so could:

  • Damage a tire or wheel
  • Cause a fluid leak to worsen
  • Drag loose components
  • Create another hazard

Follow law-enforcement direction when officers are managing the scene.

Why Should You Check the Tires and Wheels?

A collision involving a wheel can affect:

  • Tire sidewall
  • Wheel
  • Suspension
  • Steering
  • Alignment

Avoid driving when you notice:

  • Tire losing air
  • Sidewall cut or bulge
  • Severely bent wheel
  • Tire contacting damaged bodywork
  • Wheel sitting at an unusual angle

Even if the vehicle can move, continued driving may make the damage worse.

What if the Vehicle Pulls or the Steering Feels Different?

A new steering or handling problem after a collision should be taken seriously.

Possible causes can include:

  • Tire damage
  • Wheel damage
  • Alignment changes
  • Suspension damage
  • Steering damage
  • Structural movement

You do not need to diagnose which one is responsible at the roadside.

If steering has changed significantly, avoid unnecessary driving and arrange an inspection or tow.

Wenzl’s Collision Center provides auto body repair and collision services that include structural measuring, steering and suspension work, and alignments when required.

Why Are Fluid Leaks Important?

A new leak after an accident can indicate damage to a vehicle system.

Depending on the impact area, leaking fluid could involve:

  • Engine cooling
  • Transmission
  • Brakes
  • Windshield washer system
  • Other components

Not every puddle means collision damage. Clear water from air-conditioning condensation, for example, can be normal.

But if fluid appears immediately after the crash and you cannot identify it, do not assume the vehicle is safe for normal driving.

What if the Car Is Overheating?

A front-end accident can damage:

  • Radiator
  • Cooling fan
  • Hoses
  • Condenser
  • Other cooling-related components

If the temperature gauge begins rising or a temperature warning appears, continuing to drive could create additional mechanical damage.

Have the vehicle towed rather than trying to make it several more miles to the repair shop.

Can a Damaged Bumper Make Towing Necessary?

Potentially.

A cracked bumper cover alone may not prevent driving.

But towing becomes more appropriate when the bumper is:

  • Hanging loose
  • Dragging
  • Rubbing against a tire
  • Likely to detach

Modern bumpers can also hide damage involving:

  • Reinforcement
  • Energy absorber
  • Brackets
  • Sensors
  • Wiring

The appearance of the outer bumper cover does not tell you everything about the damage underneath.

What if the Hood Will Not Latch?

Do not drive normally with a hood that cannot be securely latched.

If the hood opens while the vehicle is moving, it can block the driver’s view.

Front-end collision damage can affect:

  • Hood
  • Hinges
  • Latch
  • Surrounding panels
  • Upper body structure

A towing professional can transport the vehicle without requiring you to risk driving it with an unsecured hood.

Should You Tow a Vehicle With Broken Lights?

It depends on the extent of the damage, the lighting conditions, and whether required lighting remains functional.

Collision damage can affect:

  • Headlights
  • Brake lights
  • Turn signals
  • Taillights
  • Mounting brackets

Even when a lamp still illuminates, a broken housing or mounting point may allow the assembly to move or detach.

If the vehicle cannot meet basic safe-driving requirements, towing is appropriate.

Can Hidden Damage Make a Vehicle Unsafe Even if It Looks Fine?

Potentially.

Modern vehicles contain structural and mechanical components beneath exterior panels.

A collision that appears to involve only a bumper or fender may also affect:

  • Mounting points
  • Reinforcement
  • Suspension
  • Structural areas
  • Wiring
  • Sensors

That does not mean every minor-looking accident causes serious hidden damage.

It means exterior appearance alone cannot always confirm that the vehicle is ready for normal road use.

Why Should You Photograph the Vehicle Before It Is Towed?

When it is safe to do so, take clear photos before the vehicle leaves the accident scene.

Photograph:

  • Each damaged area
  • Entire vehicle
  • Vehicle position
  • Other involved vehicles
  • Surrounding roadway
  • Relevant signs or signals

AAA recommends documenting the crash scene and vehicle damage as part of the post-accident process.

Photos can also help establish the vehicle’s condition before towing.

Should You Photograph the Tow Truck Too?

It can be useful to document:

  • Tow company name
  • Truck number
  • Contact information

Most importantly, know where your vehicle is going.

If you are upset or distracted at the scene, it can be surprisingly easy to lose track of which towing company removed the vehicle.

Save the tow company’s contact information in your phone.

Can You Choose Where Your Vehicle Is Towed?

Often, you can request a destination, although circumstances vary.

Possible factors include:

  • Law-enforcement direction
  • Roadway safety
  • Tow-provider availability
  • Insurance arrangements
  • Distance
  • Storage policies

When you already know which collision repair facility you want to use, ask whether the vehicle can be taken there directly.

Sending it first to a storage lot and then arranging another tow can add:

  • Time
  • Handling
  • Potential fees

If you want Wenzl’s Collision Center to evaluate the vehicle, ask whether the tow can be directed to the Lincoln facility at 4515 N 62nd St, Lincoln, NE 68507.

Should You Automatically Accept an Unsolicited Tow Truck?

Be cautious.

AAA advises drivers to be wary of unexpected “helpers,” including tow trucks they did not request, particularly when the driver is being pressured toward a specific repair facility or service.

Before allowing the vehicle to leave, confirm:

  • Who requested the tow
  • Company name
  • Destination
  • Expected charges
  • How you can retrieve the vehicle or personal items

Do not feel pressured to make a collision-repair decision simply because someone appeared at the scene.

What Should You Ask the Tow Truck Driver?

Useful questions include:

  • Where are you taking my vehicle?
  • What is the towing charge?
  • Are there mileage charges?
  • Will there be storage fees?
  • When does storage begin?
  • How can I access the vehicle later?
  • Can you tow directly to my chosen repair shop?
  • What towing method will you use?

When possible, obtain or keep documentation showing the destination and tow provider.

Why Do Storage Fees Matter?

If your vehicle is towed to a storage facility instead of directly to a repair shop, daily storage charges may begin accumulating.

That can make it important to determine the next step quickly.

Ask:

  • Where is the vehicle stored?
  • What are the daily fees?
  • What authorization is needed to release it?
  • Can insurance arrange transfer?
  • Can the collision facility help coordinate the move?

Do not leave the vehicle at an unfamiliar storage location for several days simply because no one explained what happens next.

Should You Call Your Insurance Company Before the Tow?

You can contact your insurer when practical, but immediate roadway safety comes first.

If the vehicle is blocking traffic or clearly unsafe to drive, towing may need to happen before a full insurance discussion.

Once the immediate situation is under control, notify the insurer and provide:

  • Vehicle location
  • Tow-company information
  • Repair-shop destination

Wenzl’s Collision Center works with all insurance companies and can assist with estimates, supplements, deductibles, and insurer communication during repairs.

Does Insurance Decide Which Collision Shop Receives the Vehicle?

Your insurer may recommend repair facilities or explain claim procedures.

That does not mean you should assume the first suggested destination is automatically your only option.

Before authorizing a second tow or repair work, understand:

  • Where your vehicle currently is
  • Which repair facility you want
  • What your policy covers
  • Whether additional towing charges could apply

If you want Wenzl’s Collision Center to handle the repair, contact the shop or use its request appointment page to begin coordinating the next steps.

Should You Have the Vehicle Towed Directly to the Body Shop?

When practical, that can simplify the process.

A direct tow may help avoid:

  • Extra vehicle transfers
  • Additional storage
  • Additional towing arrangements
  • Delays before damage assessment

However, a collision facility may need to confirm:

  • Available space
  • Intake procedures
  • Business hours

Contact the facility before directing an after-hours tow when possible.

What Happens After a Damaged Vehicle Arrives at Wenzl’s?

Wenzl’s Collision Center follows an organized collision-repair process.

According to its current collision repair information, the process can include:

  • Estimate and inspection
  • Parts pre-ordering
  • Check-in and pre-scan
  • Complete disassembly
  • Blueprinting
  • Hidden-damage identification
  • Structural and body repair
  • Refinishing
  • Reassembly
  • Calibration when required
  • Post-scan and quality checks

The shop also communicates estimate changes and obtains approvals when additional damage is discovered.

This means the roadside appearance of the vehicle is only the beginning of the damage assessment.

Why Might the Initial Tow Be Followed by More Damage Findings?

Because collision damage can be hidden.

Once technicians remove damaged:

  • Bumpers
  • Panels
  • Trim
  • Other components

they may find additional damage involving:

  • Brackets
  • Reinforcement
  • Structural components
  • Wiring
  • Sensors

Wenzl’s states that it performs complete disassembly and blueprinting to identify hidden damage and develop an updated repair plan before moving forward.

Can a Vehicle Be Towed if a Wheel Will Not Turn?

Yes, but the tow operator may need specific equipment or loading techniques.

Tell the towing company if:

  • Wheel is locked
  • Suspension is collapsed
  • Tire is missing
  • Vehicle cannot shift
  • Parking brake will not release

This gives the operator useful information before arriving.

Do not force the vehicle to roll when collision damage prevents normal wheel movement.

Does All-Wheel Drive Change the Towing Method?

It can.

All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles may have manufacturer-specific towing requirements designed to protect:

  • Transmission
  • Transfer case
  • Differentials
  • Drivetrain

The owner’s manual should specify acceptable methods.

A flatbed tow is commonly appropriate for many damaged vehicles, but towing requirements should still follow the specific manufacturer guidance.

Are Electric Vehicles Different to Tow?

Yes, potentially.

Electric and hybrid vehicles can have specific towing requirements because of their electric drive systems and high-voltage components.

The correct procedure depends on the:

  • Vehicle
  • Drive configuration
  • Damage

Do not assume that an EV can be towed with drive wheels rolling simply because the same method worked for another vehicle.

Check the owner’s manual or OEM emergency-response and towing information.

Why Can Incorrect EV Towing Cause Problems?

On some electric vehicles, rotating the drive wheels during improper towing can affect electric-drive components.

A collision may also create concerns around:

  • High-voltage battery
  • Battery enclosure
  • High-voltage wiring

when those areas are damaged.

The towing operator should know the vehicle is electric or hybrid before selecting a towing method.

What if an Electric Vehicle Has Underbody Damage?

Underbody damage can be especially relevant on vehicles with a high-voltage battery mounted beneath the passenger compartment.

Do not crawl under the vehicle or touch damaged high-voltage components yourself.

If you notice:

  • Smoke
  • Unusual heat
  • Battery warning messages
  • Significant underbody deformation

Tell emergency personnel and the towing provider.

Manufacturer-specific EV handling procedures may apply.

Why Do OEM Towing Instructions Matter?

Vehicles differ in:

  • Drivetrain
  • Ground clearance
  • Parking-brake systems
  • Electronic shifters
  • Towing attachment points
  • EV systems

A towing method appropriate for one vehicle may be unsuitable for another.

This is similar to collision repair itself.

The safest approach is to follow manufacturer-specific information rather than use one towing procedure for every vehicle.

The I-CAR OEM Technical Information Matrix is a useful resource for collision professionals locating vehicle-specific manufacturer information.

Should You Remove Personal Belongings Before the Tow?

When the accident scene is safe and you have enough time, remove important belongings.

Consider:

  • Wallet
  • Phone accessories
  • Medication
  • Work equipment
  • Electronics
  • Garage-door opener
  • House keys
  • Important documents
  • Other valuables

If the vehicle may ultimately be declared a total loss, retrieving belongings early can save another trip later.

Do not risk your safety by spending excessive time collecting items from a vehicle in an active traffic lane.

What About Child Safety Seats?

If a child restraint was inside the vehicle during a collision, review the manufacturer’s replacement guidance and NHTSA recommendations rather than automatically assuming it should continue to be used.

NHTSA provides specific criteria for determining when a child safety seat may be reused after a minor crash.

If you remove the child seat from the vehicle, keep it until you understand what your insurer and manufacturer require.

Should You Remove Your License Plate?

Usually, not simply because the car is being towed for repair.

The vehicle still belongs to you unless ownership later changes through a total-loss or other transaction.

If the vehicle is eventually declared a total loss, your insurer or Nebraska DMV can explain the applicable title and registration steps.

Do not start removing vehicle identification items at the accident scene unless there is a specific reason.

What Documents Should Stay With You?

Keep important claim and ownership information accessible rather than leaving everything in the damaged vehicle.

Useful information includes:

  • Insurance details
  • Tow receipt
  • Tow-company contact information
  • Police or crash-report information
  • Repair-shop contact information

Photographing important documents with your phone can also provide a backup.

What Should You Know About Nebraska Crash Reporting?

Nebraska has specific requirements for reportable crashes.

For crashes occurring on or after July 18, 2026, Nebraska DMV states that a crash is reportable when:

  • Someone is injured or killed, or
  • Apparent property damage is $2,000 or more to any one person’s property

If law enforcement investigates the crash, the driver generally does not need to separately submit the Driver’s Motor Vehicle Crash Report.

If a reportable crash is not investigated by law enforcement, the report must be submitted to the Nebraska Department of Transportation within 10 days.

Does the Tow Truck Driver Decide Whether the Car Is a Total Loss?

No.

A towing operator transports the damaged vehicle.

A total-loss determination is a separate process that may involve:

  • Collision repair estimate
  • Vehicle value
  • Insurance evaluation
  • Extent of damage

A vehicle being towed does not automatically mean it is totaled.

Many tow-in vehicles can be professionally repaired.

What if the Vehicle Is Eventually Declared a Total Loss?

Nebraska has separate title rules for vehicles that meet its salvage definition.

The Nebraska DMV explains that certain late-model vehicles can fall under salvage-title requirements when repair costs exceed 75% of retail value, and additional rules apply when insurers take ownership or an owner retains a vehicle after a total-loss settlement.

This is a title and insurance issue that comes later.

At the accident scene, your priority should be:

  • Safety
  • Vehicle transportation
  • Documentation
  • Knowing where the vehicle is going

Can the Repair Shop Help With Insurance After the Vehicle Is Towed?

Yes.

Wenzl’s Collision Center states that most of its collision work involves insurance claims and that its team works with all insurance companies.

Its insurance assistance can include:

  • Explaining estimates
  • Helping customers understand deductibles
  • Communicating with insurers
  • Handling supplements when additional damage is found

The shop notes that its team includes extensive prior insurance-adjuster experience.

Why Does Choosing the Repair Shop Early Help?

Knowing where you want your vehicle repaired can simplify decisions immediately after the accident.

Instead of sending the vehicle to:

  1. Tow yard
  2. Insurance inspection location
  3. Final repair facility

You may sometimes be able to reduce unnecessary transfers by selecting the repair facility earlier.

The exact process depends on the circumstances.

But knowing your preferred shop gives you a destination to discuss with:

  • Tow provider
  • Insurer
  • Law enforcement when applicable

What Should You Look for in a Collision Repair Facility?

After the immediate towing decision, evaluate the shop based on more than proximity.

Consider:

  • Technician training
  • OEM repair procedures
  • Structural measuring
  • Diagnostic scanning
  • ADAS calibration capabilities
  • Parts policies
  • Paint and refinishing
  • Insurance assistance
  • Warranty
  • Communication

Wenzl’s states that it follows OEM procedures and I-CAR guidelines, employs multiple I-CAR Platinum technicians, uses computerized structural measuring and scanning, and provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty on qualifying workmanship and paint.

Why Do OEM Repair Procedures Matter After a Tow-In Collision?

A vehicle that needs towing may have more significant damage than can be evaluated at the roadside.

Modern collision repair can involve:

  • High-strength steels
  • Aluminum
  • Structural adhesives
  • Electronics
  • Cameras
  • Radar

Vehicle manufacturers can specify how affected components should be:

  • Measured
  • Repaired
  • Replaced
  • Welded
  • Bonded
  • Calibrated

I-CAR‘s technical resources help collision professionals locate manufacturer-specific repair procedures.

Why Is Structural Measuring Important?

If the collision affects structural areas, simply making panels look straight is not enough.

Computerized measuring can help technicians evaluate whether structural reference points remain within specifications.

Wenzl’s Collision Center lists professional structural measuring and computerized frame equipment among its collision repair capabilities.

This can help identify damage that was not obvious when the vehicle was loaded onto the tow truck.

Why Might Diagnostic Scanning Be Needed?

Modern vehicles contain electronic control modules associated with:

  • Airbags
  • Braking
  • Steering
  • Powertrain
  • Driver-assistance technology

Depending on the manufacturer and repair, pre-repair or post-repair scanning may be required.

Wenzl’s states that its repair process includes a pre-scan during check-in and post-repair scanning when applicable.

Scanning is separate from structural measuring and ADAS calibration.

Does Every Towed Vehicle Need ADAS Calibration?

No.

ADAS calibration requirements depend on:

  • Vehicle
  • Installed technology
  • Damage
  • Components removed
  • Components replaced
  • Structural work
  • Alignment work
  • OEM requirements

Wenzl’s provides ADAS recalibration when applicable as part of its collision repair process.

A vehicle needing a tow does not automatically mean calibration is necessary.

The repair procedures for the specific vehicle should determine that.

What Happens if Additional Damage Is Found?

The repair estimate may change.

Wenzl’s states that it performs complete disassembly of the damaged area to identify hidden issues and create a complete repair plan.

If additional damage is found, the shop communicates the changes and obtains approvals before proceeding.

When insurance is involved, additional accident-related repairs can be submitted through a supplement.

What Questions Should You Ask Before Your Vehicle Is Towed?

Try to answer these questions before the vehicle leaves:

  • Is the car actually safe to drive?
  • Who requested this tow company?
  • Where is the vehicle being taken?
  • What are the towing charges?
  • Will storage fees apply?
  • Can the vehicle go directly to my repair shop?
  • Does my vehicle require a special towing method?
  • Have I removed important belongings?
  • Do I have the tow company’s contact information?
  • Does my insurer need to be notified immediately?

Knowing the answers can prevent confusion once the accident scene has cleared.

What Should You Avoid After an Accident?

Avoid:

  • Driving a vehicle with obvious safety-related damage
  • Ignoring leaks or overheating
  • Driving with a damaged tire or wheel
  • Allowing a vehicle to leave without knowing its destination
  • Assuming every tow truck that appears was requested
  • Leaving valuable personal property inside unnecessarily
  • Assuming a tow means the vehicle is automatically totaled
  • Allowing towing concerns to distract from immediate personal safety

The first goal is getting people and the vehicle out of danger.

Everything else can be handled after that.

Why Choose Wenzl’s Collision Center After an Accident in Lincoln?

Wenzl’s Collision Center has served Lincoln-area drivers since 1971 and remains a second-generation, family-owned collision repair facility.

Its collision repair capabilities include:

  • Structural and frame repair
  • Unibody repair
  • Body panel repair and replacement
  • Computerized structural measuring
  • Paint and refinishing
  • Paintless Dent Repair
  • Auto glass replacement
  • Steering and suspension work
  • Alignments
  • Pre-repair and post-repair scanning
  • ADAS recalibration
  • Insurance claim assistance

Wenzl’s also states that it pre-orders parts whenever possible to help shorten repair time and performs complete disassembly and blueprinting to identify hidden damage before major repairs move forward.

Learn more about the Wenzl’s Collision Center Lincoln location.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I tow my car after an accident?

Tow the vehicle when driving it could be unsafe or cause additional damage. Examples include serious tire or wheel damage, steering problems, fluid leaks, overheating, loose exterior components, an unsecured hood, or significant warning messages.

Can a car still need towing if it runs?

Yes. A vehicle can start and move while having damage that makes continued driving unsafe or likely to cause further damage.

Can I choose where my damaged car is towed?

Often, you can request a destination, although law-enforcement direction, roadway conditions, towing availability, insurance procedures, and other circumstances can affect where the vehicle initially goes.

Should I tow my vehicle directly to the collision repair shop?

When practical and the shop can receive the vehicle, towing directly to your chosen repair facility can help reduce additional transfers and potential storage delays.

Are electric vehicles towed differently?

Potentially. EVs and hybrids can have manufacturer-specific towing procedures related to their drive systems and high-voltage components. The owner’s manual or OEM guidance should determine the appropriate method.

What should I take out of my vehicle before it is towed?

When it is safe, remove important personal items such as medication, electronics, work equipment, garage-door openers, keys, documents, and other valuables.

Do I need to report an accident in Nebraska?

For crashes occurring on or after July 18, 2026, Nebraska considers a crash reportable when someone is injured or killed or apparent property damage reaches $2,000 or more to any one person’s property. If law enforcement investigates, a separate driver report is generally not required.

Where can I have my vehicle towed for collision repair in Lincoln, NE?

Drivers can contact Wenzl’s Collision Center at 4515 N 62nd St, Lincoln, NE 68507, United States for professional collision damage assessment and repair.

Know Where Your Vehicle Is Going Before the Tow Truck Leaves

After an accident, towing may feel like a minor logistical detail compared with everything else happening around you.

It is worth thinking about carefully.

Before the damaged vehicle leaves the scene, try to know:

  • Who is towing it
  • Where it is going
  • Whether storage fees may apply
  • Whether your chosen repair facility can receive it
  • Whether the vehicle requires a special towing procedure

Most importantly, do not drive a damaged vehicle simply to avoid the inconvenience of a tow if there are signs that driving could be unsafe or cause additional damage.

Once the vehicle reaches the collision facility, the visible accident damage may only be the beginning of the repair assessment.

Wenzl’s Collision Center uses detailed inspection, complete disassembly and blueprinting, computerized structural measuring, OEM repair procedures, diagnostic scanning, professional refinishing, and ADAS recalibration when required to develop the appropriate repair plan.

If your vehicle needs to be evaluated after an accident, visit:

Wenzl’s Collision Center
4515 N 62nd St, Lincoln, NE 68507, United States

Learn more about collision repair, visit the Lincoln location page, or request an appointment to begin the repair process.

About The Author

Marty Wenzl

With more than 40 years of hands-on collision repair experience, Marty grew up in the family business founded by his father in 1971 and helped return it to family ownership in 2013. His expertise includes collision repair, damage assessment, repair planning, and quality control. Marty is known for his commitment to OEM repair procedures, craftsmanship, and customer care, helping uphold Wenzl’s long-standing reputation for safe, high-quality repairs and hometown service.