Emergency Assistance — What to do in a Traffic Accident
After a traffic accident, there's a strict order, and towing comes last. People → 112 → warning triangle → insurance → only then vehicle removal. If people are okay and the situation is secured, call +372 5610 1515 and we'll remove the car from the accident scene.
How it works
Describe the problem and confirm your location
Share your live location by SMS
Once your location is confirmed you get an accurate arrival estimate
The first five minutes
- Check on people. First yourself, then passengers, then those in the other car. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger.
- Call 112, if someone is injured, if the car is blocking traffic, if there is a risk of fire or fuel leak, or if the other party leaves or is uncooperative.
- Turn on hazard lights, put on reflective vest, place triangle on road. On highways, at least one hundred meters back; even further behind a curve or hill.
- Do not stand between two cars or in the roadway. Most secondary accidents happen when people stand next to the first one.
- Take pictures. The position of the cars before moving them, close-ups of damages, registration numbers, road conditions, traffic signs. Insurance will ask for these photos.
Documentation and Insurance
If there are no injuries and all parties agree on the situation, you can usually fill out the report yourself, and the police are not needed. Write down the other driver's name, phone number, registration number, and insurance provider.
Call your insurance provider before moving the car and ask two things: if they will order the tow and where the car should be taken. Comprehensive insurance often covers towing, but usually only if it's ordered through their own assistance line. In the event of a traffic insurance claim, the towing of the damaged car may be covered by the at-fault party's insurance. If you don't have comprehensive insurance or the insurance doesn't cover the incident, the tow is at your expense — and then it's worth calling us.
What the dispatcher asks
- Location — road number and nearest kilometer marker, intersection, or street. Also state which side of the road the car is on and if access is obstructed.
- Vehicle — make, model, drive axle, and weight. Do the wheels turn, does the steering work, is the car on its side.
- Extent of damage — are fluids leaking, are the wheels out of place, is the car safely movable. This determines whether a partial lift is sufficient or if a platform is needed.
- Where the car will be taken — insurance-designated location, repair shop, home, or storage lot.
You will get an estimated price and arrival time during the call, before departure.
If the car is off the road
A car in a ditch, on an embankment, or in soft ground needs to be pulled out before towing — this is a separate job and is described in car in a ditch. Mention immediately in the call if the car is not on solid ground.
An accident-damaged car is mainly towed on a slide platform: a damaged chassis or locked wheel cannot withstand towing on wheels. See towing service.
Price
Towing service in Tallinn city center starts from 65 €, in Harjumaa 75 €, night and weekend surcharge is 0 € — even if the accident happened on a Sunday night.
Elsewhere in Estonia, the price depends on the distance to the nearest carrier, vehicle type, and service type. You'll get the exact price immediately during the call, before departure. Also see what to do if your car breaks down, Jõhvi region and service overview.
Frequently asked questions
Am I allowed to move the car before documenting it?+
First, take pictures of its position. If the car is blocking traffic and it is safe to move, then move it — safety is more important.
Does insurance cover towing?+
Often comprehensive insurance covers it, but usually only if ordered through their own assistance line. Ask your insurance provider before ordering a tow.
Do you come even if the police are present?+
Yes. The carrier cooperates with officials at the scene.
The car is on its side. Can you tow it?+
Yes, we can. Be sure to mention in the call that the car is not on its wheels — this determines what equipment is dispatched.
Is overnight emergency assistance more expensive?+
No. The surcharge is 0 € at any time of day and any day of the week.
See also
The dispatcher answers immediately and sends the nearest helper.