After a crash in New York City, who tows my car, and where does it go?

New York City's Administrative Code section 20-518 says an accident vehicle that cannot be safely driven "shall be removed by a tow truck of the towing company participating in the directed accident response program when such company has been directed to do so by the police department." For a vehicle under 15,000 pounds, it may not be removed "by a tow operator chosen by the person in charge of such vehicle."

DCWP's guide says that after an accident on any street or highway in New York City, "you must use a DCWP-licensed towing company authorized by the police to tow your vehicle." It adds: "You cannot call your own roadside assistance program or towing company." DCWP regulates this city program, called the Directed Accident Response Program, for "vehicles that have been involved in an accident and cannot safely be driven under their own power."

The code bars a tow operator from going to or responding to an accident scene, or removing a vehicle, unless the police direct it. A vehicle of 15,000 pounds or more is treated differently.

The code says the company must tow the vehicle "to the storage facility of such responding company" or "to a location within the city designated by the person in charge of such vehicle, provided, however, that placement of such vehicle in such location is not in violation of any other law." DCWP says: "The towing company must take your car wherever you say, within New York City."

DCWP says: "You have the right to have your car repaired by whomever you choose." It adds that if you do not want the tow company to fix the car, you should "clearly tell the truck driver not to repair it and don't sign the tow truck company's Authorization to Repair form."

DCWP says the company must give you an Authorization to Tow form and a receipt. It says to sign one that "specifies towing only, not repairs or other services," and never to sign a blank form. A Designated Representative form, which lets the tow company deal with your insurer for you, is "never required," DCWP says. NYC311 adds that the form or receipt should show the company's name, address, phone, license number and legal tow rates.

The code also says the company must give you the "consumer bill of rights regarding towing of accident vehicles and repair shops" before the vehicle is towed from the scene. If you are hurt and taken to a hospital, it must be given when you first reach the company's premises.

DCWP says licensed tow companies "must accept a credit card" and tells drivers not to accept "cash only." DCWP also says licensed companies show their name, address, phone and a DCWP license medallion on the driver's side. You can check a license on DCWP's site or by calling 311, and complaints go to DCWP online.

DCWP says that if the car breaks down away from a city highway, you can call a tow company of your choice.

• Is my car safe to drive?
• Did the police call the tow company, and can I see its name, license number and rates on the form?
• Where is it taking my car, and can it go where I name inside the city?
• Is the form for towing only, not repairs?
• Did I get the Consumer Bill of Rights?
• Can I see an itemized bill and pay by card?
• If I want my own repair shop, what do I tell the driver?