Pretend you’ve just had a crash in Edmonton. Your car needs repair, there are other vehicles surrounding you, and your head is spinning.

That’s when an accidental car towing in Edmonton becomes stressful. In such situations, it is very possible to make decisions that might not be financially beneficial.

So, these are seven mistakes you should avoid at all costs.

1. Relying On The First Available Tow Truck

Following a crash, you might find a tow truck has arrived at your location even before you contact anyone. This could be helpful but… take a breath.

The Edmonton Police Service advises motorists about predatory towing that occurs when a tow truck comes into the scene of an accident or break down unsolicited. Make sure you know all the details before signing any documents.

2. Not Inquiring Into The Cost Before The Tow

A shock to the wallet is certainly not what you want following an accident.

Before starting to move your vehicle, inquire about the tow charges and any additional fees, like storage. According to Alberta’s Vehicle Towing and Storage Regulation, which came into force on April 1, 2026, towing and storage companies must inform consumers of their costs and generally obtain their consent before towing, under certain exemptions.

3. Assuming Every Damaged Car Needs the Same Tow

One car could run fine. The second one might have broken a wheel, steering issues, suspension issues, or even serious bodywork damage. Moving an inappropriate car in an improper way could make matters worse.

Describe the incident and the extent of damage as clearly as you can. Does the car’s engine run? Can the wheels turn freely? Is the car balanced? Any leaks?

All of the information is helpful for the tow crew.

4. Forgetting Your Belongings Before The Car Leaves

The tow truck arrives. The vehicle is loaded. Then you suddenly remember your laptop sitting under the seat. It happens…

Before the car leaves, check the cabin, trunk, glove box, center console, and door pockets. Look for your wallet, work equipment, documents, chargers, bags, keys, and other personal items.

Alberta’s current towing rules also provide vehicle owners with access to their vehicle and belongings, subject to the regulation and its conditions. Still, checking your belongings before the tow can save time and stress.

5. Sending The Vehicle Somewhere Without Knowing Why

“Where shall we transport it?” is an apparently straightforward question to answer until you discover you’ve not made a decision.

You might need your vehicle to be transported to a Collision Reporting Centre, body shop, dealership, storage center, or any other place.

If you find your vehicle disabled following a collision in Edmonton, according to Edmonton Police Service, a towing firm like My Big Tow will take you along with your vehicle to the Collision Reporting Center.

Be sure of where the car is headed to beforehand. Make sure you have the information if you’ve been instructed by anyone.

6. Forgetting The Post-Collision Reporting Procedure

A tow truck removes your vehicle. This doesn’t negate the procedure you might have to complete following the collision.

If the collision involve a personal injury, death, hazardous situation, or crime in progress, you should report Edmonton Police. Otherwise, other cases may call for the non-emergency number of the police service or the Collision Reporting Centre.

Where safe, remove cars from the roadway. Swap contact information, take pictures, interview witnesses where possible, and create valuable documentation for your insurance company.

Don’t skip this step because you want the ruined vehicle removed as quickly as possible.

7. Delay In Arranging For Safe Recovery

Individuals may try to operate the car since they believe it would be less strenuous for them to drive back home.

This could be problematic.

In case your vehicle is in an unsafe, severely damaged condition, or incapable of operating normally, arrange for recovery is highly recommended. The same applies to situations where you’re caught up in a traffic jam, on a busy road, or experiencing adverse weather conditions.

My Big Tow offers 24/7 emergency towing and roadside assistance services in Edmonton, Alberta, which include accident or collision towing.

How To Proceed Until The Tow Truck Arrives

After booking your crash car pick-up in Edmonton, try to make it easy for yourself.

Try and stay in a safe place if possible. Keep your flashers on (where applicable). Be prepared to give all your relevant details to the tow driver.

Don’t try to move your car if it’s immobile. Let the dispatcher know what you see.

FAQs

1. Am I allowed to pick my towing company after an accident?

In most cases, yes. However, a lot of things can influence who is responsible for the tow. The consumer consent requirement currently applies in Alberta's towing regulations, except in some special cases where the towing can be done on the directions of law enforcement agencies.

2. How much does accident towing cost in Edmonton?

No standard price applies to all accidents. Several factors can influence the overall cost.

3. Can a damaged car go to a Collision Reporting Centre?

Yes. Edmonton Police Service suggests a tow truck is able to transport a disabled vehicle from the accident scene directly to a Collision Reporting Centre.

4. Is 24/7 emergency car towing needed in Edmonton?

In case your car becomes disabled after an accident and recovery is required, you might want to use 24/7 towing service.

What Should I Take Out Of My Car Before It Gets Towed?

Remove all valuable personal belongings, papers, devices, and keys before being towed. A wreck is tough enough; you don’t want any additional hassle from the tow service.

Take a deep breath. Look around. Ask the right questions. Make sure you know where your car will be taken. Get the right tow truck service after that.

For any accidental car towing in Edmonton, My Big Tow provides 24/7 emergency towing and roadside assistance in case of an accident.