What To Do After an Accident Tow — A Step-by-Step Guide for Missouri Drivers

Getting into an accident is stressful, unexpected and overwhelming — even if the damage is minor. Once the scene is cleared and your vehicle has been towed, many drivers aren’t sure what to do next. Should you call your insurance company? Can you get belongings out of the vehicle? Where is your car stored? Who pays the towing fees?

To make things easier, here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on what to do after an accident tow, written with drivers in the St. Louis Metro Area in mind.

1. Know Where Your Vehicle Was Taken

After police, EMS or a towing company clears the roadway, your vehicle will be taken to either:

• A secure storage facility

• A repair shop (if you requested one)

• An impound lot (if required)

If Superior Transport Services handled your tow, your vehicle is taken to:

📍 11 Elaine Drive, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366

🕘 Storage Hours:

Mon–Fri: 8 AM–5 PM

Sat–Sun: By Appointment Only

Tip: Your accident report usually includes the tow company name and location.

2. Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately

Your insurer will need to know:

• Where the vehicle was towed

• The name of the towing company

• The storage facility address

• Whether the vehicle is drivable

• Any injuries or damages

This allows them to:

• Open a claim

• Assign an adjuster

• Approve repairs

• Cover towing or storage fees (in most cases)

Superior Transport works closely with insurance carriers to help streamline the process.

3. Gather the Required Documents

Before a storage facility can release your vehicle — or any items inside — Missouri law requires:

• A valid driver’s license or state ID

• Vehicle title or notarized bill of sale

• Current registration or a title-only registration

• Proof of insurance

If the vehicle is police-impounded, you will ALSO need a police release.

Important: Items like tools, wheels, stereos, or aftermarket parts cannot be removed until the insurance company approves it in writing.

4. Decide Where the Vehicle Will Go Next

Once your insurance adjuster inspects the vehicle, you’ll have a few options:

✔ Repair the vehicle

Your insurer will help you choose a repair shop (or you can choose your own).

✔ Have it moved to another location

Superior can tow your vehicle from the storage facility to:

• A repair shop

• Your home

• A dealership

• Another storage lot

✔ Declare it a total loss

Your insurer will arrange transport to their salvage auction.

5. Retrieve Personal Belongings (With Exceptions)

You ARE allowed to remove:

• Prescription medications

• Prescription eyewear

• Child car seats

• Medical devices

• Handicap placards

• Keys

• Personal items (if allowed by insurance)

You ARE NOT allowed to remove:

• Tools

• Batteries

• Tires

• Rims

• Stereos

• Speakers

• Vehicle parts

• Aftermarket accessories

These require written approval from your insurance company.

This protects you from liability and ensures nothing is removed before the adjuster documents the vehicle.

6. Understand Towing & Storage Fees

Most insurance companies cover towing and storage fees from accident scenes.However, if you delay notifying them or picking up the vehicle, fees can accumulate.

Superior Transport follows all Missouri administrative guidelines for:

• Towing fees

• Daily storage fees

• Documentation requirements

• Release procedures

Your insurance company can pay these directly or reimburse you.

7. Don’t Panic — Accidents Happen

The aftermath of an accident is overwhelming, but you are not alone. Tow operators, law enforcement and insurance adjusters follow established processes to help keep you safe, informed and back on track.

Superior Transport Services is here to help guide you through every step — from towing to storage to relocation.

8. FAQ

Q: Where is my vehicle stored after an accident tow?

Most accident tows go to a secure storage facility. Superior Transport stores vehicles at: 11 Elaine Drive, O’Fallon, MO.

Q: Can I get items out of my car after an accident tow?

Yes — but items like tools, wheels, stereos or parts require written approval from your insurance company.

Q: Who pays towing and storage fees?

Most insurance companies cover these fees as part of your claim.

Q: Do I need a police release?

Only if the vehicle was placed in police impound.

Q: Can Superior move my car to a repair shop?

Yes — Superior can tow the vehicle anywhere you need once your insurance gives the green light.

Need Help Right Now?

If you’ve just been in an accident, we’re here to help.

📞 24/7 Dispatch: 636-946-3870

📍 O’Fallon, Missouri

🚚 Serving the St. Louis Metro Area