Towing costs can add another expense after an accident or roadside emergency, so it is good to check whether ICBC may cover the bill. The answer isn’t the same for every driver. Coverage can depend on why the vehicle needed towing, the insurance coverage in place, and how the expense fits into the claim. The claim process is fairly straightforward once you have the right information. Drivers usually need to report the incident, keep the towing receipt, and submit supporting documents through the appropriate ICBC claim process. This blog walks you through each step, so you know what to do before the tow truck arrives and after it leaves.
Does ICBC Cover Towing Expenses?
Yes, ICBC covers towing expenses, but coverage depends on why the vehicle needed towing and which insurance applies.
If a vehicle needs towing after a crash, ICBC may cover reasonable towing and storage expenses as part of the claim. For drivers who are responsible for the crash, ICBC states that Collision coverage can help pay for vehicle repairs as well as towing and storage costs. Drivers who are responsible and do not have Collision coverage may have to pay these expenses themselves.
The situation differs when a vehicle needs towing because of a mechanical breakdown rather than a collision. Drivers who have ICBC Roadside Plus can claim certain emergency roadside expenses. This coverage currently reimburses up to $50 per incident, with a maximum of two claims during the policy term. Eligible situations can include mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, jump starts, and towing caused by a mechanical breakdown.
So, whether ICBC covers a towing bill usually comes down to three things: why the vehicle was towed, which coverage was active at the time, and whether the expense qualifies under that coverage.
Drivers should check their policy or speak with ICBC before assuming they’ll be reimbursed for the full towing cost.
How Can Drivers Claim Roadside Towing Expenses?
The most important part of the process is connecting the towing expense to the correct ICBC claim.
Report the Incident to ICBC
If the towing cost relates to a motor vehicle crash, report the incident to ICBC.
Drivers can report a claim online or by phone. ICBC’s online reporting service is available 24 hours a day.
Once you create the claim, keep the claim number. It will help when uploading receipts, speaking with a claims representative, or checking the status of the reimbursement request.
Review the Towing Invoice
Before submitting the receipt, check that it clearly explains the service provided.
A useful towing invoice should show information such as the towing company’s name, service date, amount charged, and payment details. It may also include the pickup location, destination, vehicle details, and any storage charges.
If storage and towing appear as separate charges, keep records for both.
This makes it easier for ICBC to understand exactly what expense you’re claiming.
Upload the Receipt to the Existing Claim
ICBC allows drivers to sign in to their online claim and upload supporting documents.
These documents can include receipts for expenses already incurred. Drivers can also see certain claim details, including the status of eligible reimbursement requests.
Upload a clear copy of the towing invoice and keep the original. Also save a photo or scanned copy separately. Receipts can fade or become difficult to read over time.
Allow ICBC to Review the Expense
ICBC will review the towing cost against the claim and applicable coverage.
The towing receipt alone does not guarantee reimbursement. The insurer may need to confirm why towing was necessary and whether the cost qualifies under the policy.
ICBC notes that uploaded documents can take a few business days to review. A claims representative may contact the driver if they need more information. For this reason, keep all accident and towing information available until the claim is complete.
What Documents Do Drivers Need for a Claim?
The exact documents can vary by situation, but clear records make the process easier.
Drivers should generally keep:
- The towing invoice or receipt
- Proof of payment
- The ICBC claim number
- Vehicle details
- Date and location of the incident
- Storage receipts, where applicable
- Photos of the damaged vehicle after an accident
- Repair shop or destination information
- Police or incident information, if available
- Any documents specifically requested by the ICBC claims representative
ICBC’s online claim service allows drivers to upload receipts, photos, video footage, forms, and other supporting documents.
The best approach is to keep everything related to the incident in one place until the claim has been settled.
Need Accident or Emergency Towing in Surrey?
Surrey drivers deal with heavy traffic on Highway 1, busy streets in Newton and Fleetwood, and long stretches of Fraser Highway. A breakdown or crash can happen anywhere, at any hour. When it does, you want a towing team that answers fast, explains the price honestly, and gives you clear paperwork for your ICBC claim.
So, if you ever need accident or emergency towing in Surrey, consider GRD Towing. We provide:
- Accident towing: We move your vehicle from the crash scene to a safe location, a repair shop, or your home, based on what you and ICBC decide.
- Emergency breakdown towing: If your engine stalls, your battery dies, or your car will not start, we come to you and take your vehicle where it needs to go.
- Flatbed towing: We load damaged, low-clearance, or All Wheel Drive vehicles onto a flatbed to protect them during the ride.
- Vehicle recovery: If your vehicle ends up in a ditch, on a shoulder, or off the road, we pull it out safely.
When you call, tell our dispatcher your exact location and your vehicle type. These details help us get to you faster. You cannot plan for a crash or a breakdown, but you can decide who you call when one happens. Save our number, 778-758-2244, in your phone today so you don’t have to search for it on the side of the road.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee that ICBC will reimburse any towing or roadside assistance expense. Coverage, claim eligibility, reimbursement limits, and required documents can vary based on the circumstances of the incident and the insurance coverage in place. Drivers should review their policy details and confirm current requirements directly with ICBC before submitting a claim.