Vehicle Storage After Accidents: What You Need to Know
When your vehicle is towed after an accident or breakdown, understanding storage procedures, costs, and your rights can save hundreds of dollars and prevent additional complications during an already stressful time.
Vehicle storage after accidents or major breakdowns is often an unexpected expense that can quickly escalate into a significant financial burden. In Edmonton's complex regulatory environment, involving police services, insurance companies, towing operators, and storage facilities, understanding your options and rights is crucial. Whether your vehicle is in police impound, private storage, or awaiting insurance inspection, knowing how the system works can save you money and stress.
Time is Money
Vehicle storage costs typically start immediately after towing and can range from $25-50 per day. Acting quickly to understand your options can save significant money.
Types of Vehicle Storage Situations
Different circumstances lead to different types of vehicle storage, each with its own rules, costs, and procedures for retrieval.
Police Impound Storage
When Police Impound Occurs:
- Traffic accidents with violations: DUI, dangerous driving, no insurance
- Criminal investigations: Vehicle needed as evidence
- Abandoned vehicles: Left on roadways or public property
- Unlicensed driving: Driver without valid license or registration
- Court-ordered seizure: Legal proceedings involving the vehicle
Police impound involves strict procedures and often higher costs, but also provides certain protections under provincial legislation.
Private Towing Company Storage
- Accident towing: Vehicle towed from accident scene to storage yard
- Breakdown towing: Mechanical failures requiring extended storage
- Insurance-directed storage: Awaiting adjuster inspection or totaling decision
- Repair facility storage: At auto body shop or mechanical repair facility
Understanding Storage Costs and Fees
Vehicle storage costs can vary significantly depending on the type of facility, location, and circumstances of the storage.
| Storage Type | Daily Rate | Additional Fees | Release Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Impound | $35-55/day | Administration, release fees | Police authorization, ID, insurance |
| Private Tow Yard | $25-45/day | Gate fees, after-hours access | Payment, ownership proof |
| Repair Facility | $15-35/day | Diagnostic fees, estimate charges | Payment of services, storage fees |
| Insurance Storage | $30-50/day | Inspection fees, transfer charges | Insurance authorization |
Cost Control Tip
Many storage facilities offer reduced rates for longer-term storage if you know the vehicle will be there for weeks or months. Ask about volume discounts.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
Understanding your legal rights regarding stored vehicles helps protect you from excessive charges and ensures proper treatment of your property.
Vehicle Owner Rights
Your Legal Rights Include:
- ✓ Right to reasonable storage rates: Charges must be fair and documented
- ✓ Right to access personal property: Retrieve belongings from the vehicle
- ✓ Right to choose repair facility: Not required to use storage company's services
- ✓ Right to prompt notification: Must be informed of storage location and costs
- ✓ Right to dispute charges: Challenge excessive or improper fees
- ✓ Right to reasonable access: Inspect vehicle during business hours
Storage Company Responsibilities
- Secure storage: Protect vehicle from theft, vandalism, weather
- Reasonable care: Prevent unnecessary damage during storage
- Proper documentation: Maintain records of condition and charges
- Timely notification: Contact owner about storage terms and costs
- Fair pricing: Charge only reasonable and disclosed rates
Insurance Considerations
Your insurance policy may cover some storage costs, but understanding the details can prevent unexpected expenses.
What Insurance Typically Covers
Usually Covered
- ✅ Post-accident storage: Reasonable storage after covered collisions
- ✅ Temporary storage: While awaiting repair estimates
- ✅ Total loss storage: Until vehicle is declared total loss
- ✅ Investigation period: During claims investigation
- ✅ Reasonable time limits: Usually 30-60 days maximum
Usually NOT Covered
- ❌ Mechanical breakdown storage: Non-collision related storage
- ❌ Extended owner delays: Beyond reasonable time frames
- ❌ Premium storage facilities: Luxury or specialized storage
- ❌ Personal choice storage: Elective storage for convenience
- ❌ Uncovered accidents: When insurance doesn't apply
Insurance Claim Process
- Report incident immediately: Notify insurer about accident and towing
- Provide storage details: Location, daily rate, expected duration
- Get pre-authorization: Confirm coverage before extended storage
- Document all costs: Keep receipts for storage and related expenses
- Coordinate with adjuster: Schedule prompt vehicle inspection
Strategies to Minimize Storage Costs
Proactive planning and quick action can significantly reduce vehicle storage expenses and complications.
Immediate Actions After Towing
First 24 Hours Action Plan:
- 1. Contact insurance company: Report incident and get claim number
- 2. Visit storage facility: Inspect vehicle and retrieve personal items
- 3. Understand storage terms: Daily rates, payment requirements, access hours
- 4. Document vehicle condition: Photos of damage before storage begins
- 5. Get repair estimates: Begin process if vehicle is repairable
- 6. Explore alternatives: Consider moving to cheaper storage if possible
Storage Alternatives and Options
- Home storage: Move to private property if vehicle is driveable
- Repair facility direct: Tow directly to chosen repair shop
- Alternative storage yards: Lower-cost facilities if available
- Quick disposal: Sell or scrap total loss vehicles quickly
- Personal pickup: Remove from storage as soon as legally possible
What to Expect During Extended Storage
If your vehicle requires long-term storage, understanding what happens over time helps you plan and protect your interests.
Extended Storage Considerations
Long-Term Storage Issues:
- Battery deterioration: Will need boost or replacement after 2-4 weeks
- Tire flat spots: Develop from sitting in one position too long
- Fluid degradation: Oil, coolant, fuel quality deteriorates over time
- Rust and corrosion: Especially problematic in Edmonton's climate
- Pest infestation: Rodents may damage wiring and upholstery
- Weather damage: Outdoor storage exposes vehicle to elements
Abandonment and Lien Laws
- Alberta abandonment period: Generally 60-90 days before disposal
- Storage lien rights: Facilities can claim ownership for unpaid storage
- Notification requirements: Must receive written notice before disposal
- Outstanding fees: Can accumulate even after disposal
- Legal proceedings: May be required to clear title issues
Retrieving Your Vehicle from Storage
The process for getting your vehicle back varies depending on the type of storage and reason for impoundment.
Required Documentation
Standard Requirements for Vehicle Release:
- Valid photo ID: Government-issued identification
- Proof of ownership: Registration, title, or lease agreement
- Current insurance: Valid auto insurance policy
- Payment method: Cash, certified funds, or credit card
- Police release (if impounded): Authorization from police
- Power of attorney (if applicable): Legal authority to retrieve
- Lien holder authorization: If vehicle is financed
- Court orders (if required): Legal documentation
Before Driving Away
- Inspect for damage: Document any new damage during storage
- Check vehicle operation: Battery, fluids, tires, brakes
- Verify all belongings: Ensure personal property is intact
- Test all systems: Lights, signals, wipers, heating/cooling
- Review all charges: Understand what you're paying for
Preventing Future Storage Issues
Learning from storage experiences helps you better handle future situations and minimize costs and complications.
Prevention Strategies
The best approach to vehicle storage issues is prevention through better planning, insurance coverage review, and understanding your local resources.
- Review insurance coverage: Understand storage benefits before you need them
- Research preferred providers: Know reliable towing and storage companies
- Keep emergency contacts current: Quick access to insurance, family, legal help
- Maintain vehicle documentation: Current registration, insurance, contact info
- Plan for emergencies: Know your options and rights before problems occur
Professional Storage and Recovery Services
We work with storage facilities throughout Edmonton to help minimize your costs and protect your vehicle during necessary storage periods.
Vehicle storage after accidents or breakdowns is an often-overlooked aspect of vehicle emergencies that can have significant financial and legal implications. Understanding your rights, insurance coverage, and available options helps you make informed decisions that minimize costs and complications. The key is acting quickly to understand your situation, exploring alternatives, and maintaining communication with all parties involved. While storage is sometimes unavoidable, being informed and proactive can help ensure you're treated fairly and that your vehicle is properly cared for during a difficult time.