Accident Towing & Collision Recovery in Mississauga: What You Need to Know

A car accident is stressful enough without worrying about what happens next. Whether you’ve been rear-ended on Highway 403, sideswiped near Square One, or involved in a fender bender on Hurontario Street, knowing exactly what to do can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

This guide covers everything Mississauga drivers need to know about accident towing, collision recovery, reporting requirements, and working with insurance after a crash.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Mississauga

The moments after a collision are critical. Following these steps protects your safety, your legal rights, and your insurance claim.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Check for Injuries

Take a breath. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries before doing anything else. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately and avoid moving injured persons unless there’s an immediate danger like fire.

Step 2: Move to Safety (If Possible)

If your vehicle is drivable and blocking traffic, carefully move it to the shoulder or a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights. If you have road flares or reflective triangles, set them up to warn other drivers.

If you cannot move your vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives, especially on busy roads like Highway 401, 403, or the QEW.

Step 3: Document Everything

Use your phone to capture:

  • Photos of all vehicles involved from multiple angles
  • Damage to your vehicle and others
  • The accident scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, and weather
  • License plates of all vehicles involved
  • The other driver’s licence, insurance card, and vehicle registration

Step 4: Exchange Information

Collect the following from all drivers involved:

  • Full name and contact information
  • Driver’s licence number
  • Insurance company and policy number
  • Vehicle make, model, and licence plate

Important: Never admit fault or apologize at the scene. In Ontario, fault is determined by your insurance company based on provincial Fault Determination Rules, not by what’s said at the scene.

Step 5: Get Witness Information

If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and phone number. Witness statements can be valuable when filing your insurance claim.

When to Call 911 vs. a Collision Reporting Centre

Not every accident requires police at the scene. Here’s how to know which number to call.

Call 911 If:

  • Anyone is injured
  • You suspect impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
  • A criminal act occurred (hit and run, assault, stolen vehicle)
  • The collision involves a pedestrian or cyclist who was injured
  • The accident happened between midnight and 8:00 AM and a vehicle is not drivable

Visit a Collision Reporting Centre If:

  • Total damage to all vehicles exceeds $5,000
  • No one is injured
  • There’s no criminal activity involved
  • Police did not attend the scene

Under Ontario law, you must report the collision within 24 hours if damage exceeds $5,000 and police were not present. Vehicles that need to be towed must go directly to a Collision Reporting Centre from the accident scene.

Need help right away? Our 24-hour emergency towing team can transport your vehicle safely to the nearest reporting centre.

How Accident Towing Works in Mississauga

When your vehicle isn’t drivable after a collision, you’ll need professional accident towing services. Here’s what to expect.

Choosing a Tow Truck

You have the right to choose your own towing company. Don’t let a tow truck driver who shows up uninvited pressure you into using their services. Many “chaser” tow trucks arrive at accident scenes hoping to secure your business, sometimes with inflated prices or connections to specific body shops.

Before agreeing to any tow:

  • Ask for the total cost upfront
  • Request to see their rate schedule
  • Confirm they will tow directly to a Collision Reporting Centre
  • Don’t sign anything you don’t understand

Where Your Vehicle Goes

After an accident in Mississauga, your vehicle typically goes to:

  1. Collision Reporting Centre: Required if damage exceeds $5,000 and police weren’t at the scene
  2. Body Shop: After completing the police report, your vehicle can be towed to a repair facility
  3. Secure Storage: If you need time to decide on repairs or wait for an insurance adjuster

At Mississauga Towing, we offer insurance-approved towing with direct billing to most major providers. We handle the paperwork so you don’t have to pay upfront.

Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing for Accident Recovery

For accident-damaged vehicles, flatbed towing is usually the safest choice. All four wheels are lifted completely off the ground, preventing further damage to the drivetrain, suspension, or undercarriage.

Flatbed towing is especially important for:

  • Vehicles with front-end or rear-end damage
  • All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles
  • Cars with flat tires or bent wheels
  • Luxury or low-clearance vehicles

Collision Reporting Centres in Mississauga

Peel Region has multiple Collision Reporting Centres (CRCs) where you can file your police report. Here are the locations serving Mississauga drivers:

Peel Regional Police – 11 Division (Erin Mills)

Address: 3030 Erin Mills Parkway, Mississauga, ON L5L 1A1
Phone: (905) 820-6536
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Sundays and Holidays)

This location is convenient for drivers in Erin Mills, Meadowvale, and Streetsville.

Peel Regional Police – Headquarters

Address: 7150 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5N 8M5
Phone: (905) 821-8393
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed weekends and Holidays)

Shoppers World Brampton

Address: 499 Main Street South, Unit 60F, Brampton, ON L6Y 1N7
Phone: (905) 459-8585
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Weekends and Holidays, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

What to Bring to the Collision Reporting Centre

  • Your driver’s licence
  • Vehicle registration (ownership)
  • Insurance pink slip
  • Details of the collision (location, time, how it happened)
  • Information about other drivers involved
  • Photos of the accident scene and damage

Remember: You must report to the CRC in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred, not necessarily the one closest to your home.

Does Insurance Cover Accident Towing?

In most cases, yes. Here’s how accident towing and insurance work together in Ontario.

If You Have Collision Coverage

Collision coverage typically includes towing costs after an accident. Your insurance company will arrange for your vehicle to be transported from the Collision Reporting Centre to an approved body shop.

If You’re Not at Fault

Under Ontario’s no-fault insurance system, you deal with your own insurer regardless of who caused the accident. Your insurer will cover towing and may later seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Direct Billing

At Mississauga Towing, we work directly with most major insurance companies. Our insurance towing service means:

  • No upfront payment required in most cases
  • We handle all paperwork and documentation
  • Certified receipts provided for your claim
  • Transparent, insurance-approved rates

What If I Don’t Have Collision Coverage?

If you only have basic liability insurance, towing costs may not be covered. However, if another driver was at fault, their insurance should cover your towing expenses. Our team can help explain your options when you call.

How to Avoid Tow Truck Scams After an Accident

Unfortunately, some tow truck operators take advantage of accident victims. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO) warns drivers to be cautious. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unsolicited arrivals: Tow trucks that show up without being called may be “chasers” looking for business
  • Pressure tactics: Being rushed to sign documents or choose a body shop immediately
  • Vague pricing: Refusing to provide a clear quote before hooking up your vehicle
  • Body shop recommendations: Under Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, tow truck operators cannot recommend repair shops unless you ask

Protect Yourself

  • Call your own trusted towing company or your insurance provider’s recommended service
  • Ask for a written estimate before authorizing any tow
  • Never sign blank documents
  • Keep your vehicle keys until you’ve chosen where to send your car
  • Contact your insurance company before authorizing towing or repairs

Need a trusted towing service? Call Mississauga Towing at 647-601-6377 for transparent pricing and professional service.

What to Expect: The Accident Towing Process

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what happens when you call us for accident recovery in Mississauga:

1. You Call Us

Contact our 24/7 dispatch at 647-601-6377. Tell us your location, type of vehicle, and the nature of the accident. We’ll provide an immediate quote and estimated arrival time.

2. We Arrive Quickly

Our nearest available tow truck is dispatched to your location. You’ll receive a text with real-time tracking so you know exactly when help will arrive.

3. Scene Assessment

Our driver assesses your vehicle’s condition and determines the safest towing method. For accident-damaged vehicles, we typically use flatbed towing to prevent additional damage.

4. Debris Cleanup

We don’t just tow, we help restore safety. Our team can sweep glass, collect debris, and contain fluid leaks according to Mississauga’s safety regulations.

5. Transport to Your Destination

Your vehicle is carefully loaded and transported to the Collision Reporting Centre, body shop, or secure storage facility of your choice.

6. Documentation Provided

You receive certified receipts and itemized documentation for your insurance claim. If we’re billing your insurer directly, we handle all the paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does accident towing cost in Mississauga?

Accident towing costs in Mississauga typically start around $150-$250 for local tows, depending on the distance and type of tow truck required. Many insurance policies cover these costs entirely. At Mississauga Towing, we provide upfront quotes and work directly with insurers for direct billing when possible.

Do I have to use the tow truck that shows up at the accident scene?

No. You have the legal right to choose your own towing company. Don’t feel pressured by tow truck drivers who arrive uninvited at the scene. Call a trusted provider like Mississauga Towing at 647-601-6377 for reliable, transparent service.

How long do I have to report an accident in Ontario?

You must report the collision to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours if damage exceeds $5,000 and police were not present at the scene. If the accident occurs outside CRC business hours, you have 48 hours to attend with your vehicle.

Can I choose which body shop repairs my vehicle?

Yes. You have the right to choose any repair facility you want. Your insurance company may recommend approved shops, but the final decision is yours. Tow truck drivers are prohibited from recommending body shops unless you specifically ask.

What if my car is totaled after the accident?

If your vehicle is declared a total loss, your insurance company will handle the claim process. We can tow your vehicle to secure storage while you work with your insurer. Storage fees may apply, so it’s important to resolve the claim as quickly as possible.

Do I need a police report for an insurance claim?

For accidents with damage over $5,000, yes. The collision report from the Collision Reporting Centre serves as the official police documentation needed for your insurance claim. Keep a copy for your records.

What if the accident happened on Highway 401 or 403?

Collisions on 400-series highways fall under Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) jurisdiction. Call 911 or the OPP at *677 from your mobile phone. Our 24-hour towing service responds to highway accidents throughout Mississauga and the GTA.

Need Accident Towing in Mississauga? We’re Here 24/7

Being in a car accident is stressful enough. Let Mississauga Towing handle the recovery so you can focus on what matters most.

Our accident towing service includes:

  • 24/7 emergency dispatch with fast response times
  • Direct billing to most insurance companies
  • Flatbed towing for safe transport of damaged vehicles
  • Debris cleanup and scene safety
  • Transport to any Collision Reporting Centre, body shop, or storage facility
  • Certified documentation for insurance claims

Call now: 647-601-6377

Or contact us online for more information about our full range of towing services.

Note: All prices mentioned in this article are provided for general reference and informational purposes only. These prices are not fixed and may vary depending on facts, market conditions, location, time, availability, or other relevant factors. Actual prices may change without prior notice. Readers are advised to verify details independently before making any decisions.