Being in a car accident is stressful. Once the immediate shock passes, you’re left with questions: Who do I call? How do I get my car towed? Will insurance cover this? In Saskatoon, the process involves coordinating with police, SGI, and a towing company—often while standing on the side of the road.
At Saskatoon Towing, we handle accident towing every day. We know the process, work directly with SGI, and can help you navigate the chaos. This guide explains exactly what to expect after an accident in Saskatoon—from the moment of impact to getting your vehicle repaired.
What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Saskatoon
Before worrying about towing, focus on safety and documentation:
1. Check for Injuries
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
2. Move to Safety (If Possible)
If your vehicle is driveable and it’s safe to do so, move it out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. If you can’t move the vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
3. Call Police
In Saskatchewan, you must report the accident to police if:
- Anyone is injured or killed
- It’s a hit and run
- An impaired driver is involved
- Any vehicle must be towed from the scene
- An out-of-province vehicle is involved
For Saskatoon accidents, call the Saskatoon Police Service non-emergency line at (306) 975-8300, or 911 if there are injuries.
4. Exchange Information
Collect from the other driver(s):
- Name and contact information
- Driver’s licence number
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance information
5. Document the Scene
Use your phone to photograph:
- Damage to all vehicles
- The accident scene and road conditions
- Licence plates
- Any relevant road signs or signals
- Witness contact information
6. Call for Towing
If your vehicle can’t be driven safely, call Saskatoon Towing at (639) 562-9281. We’ll dispatch a truck to your location.
How Accident Towing Works in Saskatoon
Accident scenes require more than just hooking up a vehicle. Here’s what our accident towing service involves:
Safe Vehicle Recovery
Damaged vehicles often can’t roll normally. We use flatbed tow trucks to safely load accident-damaged vehicles without causing further damage. If your vehicle is in a ditch, rolled over, or blocking traffic, we have the equipment to recover it safely.
Debris Cleanup
Accidents leave broken glass, vehicle parts, and fluids on the road. Our team clears debris to restore safe road conditions. This is especially important on busy Saskatoon streets where debris creates hazards for other drivers.
Fluid Containment
Leaking fuel, oil, or coolant is an environmental and safety hazard. We contain and clean up vehicle fluids as part of our accident response.
Secure Storage
Your vehicle needs somewhere to go while you sort out insurance. We transport it to our secure storage facility or directly to an SGI-accredited repair shop—your choice.
Does SGI Cover Accident Towing in Saskatchewan?
Yes, SGI typically covers towing costs for accident-damaged vehicles. Here’s how it works:
Basic Coverage
Saskatchewan’s basic auto insurance through SGI includes coverage for towing your vehicle after an accident. The towing cost is part of your overall claim.
How to Claim Towing Costs
- Report your claim to SGI – Call 1-800-667-9779 or file online at sgi.sk.ca/eclaim
- Provide the towing receipt – Keep your receipt from Saskatoon Towing
- Towing is included in your claim – It’s added to your total repair costs
Direct Billing Option
At Saskatoon Towing, we offer insurance-approved towing with direct billing. In many cases, you won’t pay anything upfront—we bill SGI directly as part of your claim. Ask us about this option when you call.
What If the Other Driver Is at Fault?
If you’re not at fault, SGI will pursue the other driver’s insurance for reimbursement. You still file your claim through SGI, and they handle the rest. Your towing costs are covered regardless of fault determination.
Where Does Your Vehicle Go After an Accident?
You have options for where we take your damaged vehicle:
Option 1: SGI Claims Centre
SGI has claims centres where adjusters can appraise your vehicle’s damage. If your vehicle isn’t driveable, call SGI first to make arrangements—they’ll coordinate with us for towing to their facility.
Option 2: SGI-Accredited Repair Shop
You can have your vehicle towed directly to an SGI-accredited body shop. They can complete the damage assessment and begin repairs once SGI approves your claim. SGI doesn’t require you to use a specific shop—you choose where to have repairs done.
Option 3: Secure Storage
If you need time to sort out insurance or decide on repairs, we can store your vehicle at our secure facility. This keeps it safe while you make decisions.
Option 4: Your Home
If your vehicle is driveable but you don’t feel safe driving it, we can tow it to your residence.
The SGI Claims Process: Step by Step
Here’s what happens after the tow truck leaves:
Step 1: Report Your Claim
Contact SGI as soon as possible:
- Phone: 1-800-667-9779
- Online: sgi.sk.ca/eclaim
Have ready: your driver’s licence, vehicle registration, and details about the accident.
Step 2: Vehicle Appraisal
An SGI appraiser or accredited repair shop will assess the damage and estimate repair costs. If your vehicle isn’t driveable, SGI will arrange for the appraisal at wherever it was towed.
Step 3: Adjuster Review
Your assigned claims adjuster reviews the appraisal and confirms your coverage. They’ll contact you with next steps.
Step 4: Repair or Total Loss
If repairable: Choose any repair shop you want. SGI doesn’t direct you to specific facilities. The shop orders parts and completes repairs.
If totalled: If repair costs exceed your vehicle’s value, SGI declares it a total loss. Your adjuster will explain the settlement process and vehicle value determination.
Step 5: Repairs Completed
SGI pays the repair shop directly (minus any deductible you owe). You pick up your repaired vehicle.
What If Your Vehicle Is Totalled?
A “total loss” means repair costs exceed the vehicle’s actual cash value. Here’s what happens:
- SGI determines your vehicle’s pre-accident value
- You receive a settlement based on that value
- Your deductible is subtracted from the settlement
- SGI takes ownership of the damaged vehicle
If you disagree with SGI’s valuation, you can dispute it with documentation showing comparable vehicle values.
Accident Towing for Special Vehicles
Different vehicles require different towing approaches after an accident:
AWD and 4WD Vehicles
All-wheel-drive vehicles must be transported on a flatbed to prevent drivetrain damage. This is especially important for accident-damaged AWD vehicles where wheels may not roll freely.
Electric Vehicles
EVs require special handling after accidents due to battery safety concerns. We use flatbed towing and follow manufacturer protocols for damaged electric vehicles.
Motorcycles
Accident-damaged motorcycles are transported on flatbeds with proper tie-downs to prevent additional damage.
Commercial Vehicles
Trucks, vans, and heavy-duty vehicles require specialized equipment. We have the capacity to tow commercial vehicles after accidents.
Accident Towing Across Saskatoon
We respond to accidents throughout Saskatoon and surrounding areas:
- Stonebridge
- Lawson Heights
- Nutana
- Riversdale
- University Heights
- Briarwood
- Circle Drive, Highway 11, Highway 16, and all major routes
Frequently Asked Questions About Accident Towing
Do I have to use a specific towing company after an accident?
No. You can choose your own towing company. Police may call a tow truck if you don’t specify one, but you have the right to request Saskatoon Towing.
Will I have to pay for towing upfront?
It depends on the situation. We offer direct billing to SGI in many cases, meaning no upfront cost to you. Call us at (639) 562-9281 to discuss your specific situation.
How long can my vehicle stay in storage?
We offer secure storage while you sort out your claim. Storage fees may apply after a certain period. SGI typically covers reasonable storage costs as part of your claim.
What if the accident happens at night or on a weekend?
We provide 24-hour accident towing. Call (639) 562-9281 any time—we respond to accidents around the clock.
Can you tow my vehicle if it’s badly damaged or won’t roll?
Yes. Our flatbed trucks and winching equipment can recover vehicles in any condition, including those that are severely damaged, in ditches, or rolled over.
How quickly can you respond to an accident?
Response times vary based on location and current demand, but we prioritize accident calls. In most Saskatoon locations, we can arrive within 30-45 minutes.
Accident Checklist: Keep This Handy
Save this checklist in your phone for emergencies:
- ☐ Check for injuries – call 911 if needed
- ☐ Move to safety, turn on hazards
- ☐ Call police if required (injuries, tow needed, hit and run)
- ☐ Exchange info with other driver(s)
- ☐ Take photos of damage, scene, licence plates
- ☐ Get witness contact information
- ☐ Call Saskatoon Towing: (639) 562-9281
- ☐ Report claim to SGI: 1-800-667-9779
Need Accident Towing in Saskatoon?
Accidents are stressful enough without worrying about how to get your vehicle moved. Saskatoon Towing provides professional accident recovery with:
- 24/7 emergency response
- Flatbed towing for all vehicle types
- Debris cleanup and fluid containment
- Direct billing to SGI available
- Secure storage while you sort out your claim
Call us 24/7 at (639) 562-9281
We’ll get your vehicle off the road safely and help you navigate the next steps. Contact us any time you need accident towing in Saskatoon.
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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.
