Accident Calls
ACCIDENT CALLS
POLICY:
By law, AAA cannot send service to any vehicle that was involved in an accident in the 5 boroughs of New York City.
It is a law in the 5 Boroughs of New York City ( Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn and Bronx) that the New York City Police must dispatch a tow truck the scene of any accident. This program is called the Directed Accident Response Program (DARP).
This law only applies to accidents in the 5 boroughs of New York City.
If the vehicle is not in the 5 Boroughs AAA can send service.
If an unauthorized tow truck responds to the scene of an accident in New York City the driver is subject to heavy fines. The tow truck and the member’s vehicle could also be impounded.
If a member's vehicle has already been towed by the police to a destination, the member must pay all charges and have the car released before AAA service can be provided.
PROCEDURE:
- Advise member that we are prohibited by law from dispatching a tow truck to the scene of an accident in the 5 boroughs of New York City. Under the DARP program the NYC Police must dispatch a truck.
- Advise the member to have the police arrange for a tow truck.
- If a member insists that AAA send service, advise the member that AAA will contact the police for the member so the police can arrange for a tow truck. Spot the call to facility 1302 and type “Accident Call” in comments.
If a member advises that the police are on location and advising the member that AAA can dispatch a tow truck we still cannot. Have the member advise the police that under the DARP Directed Accident Response Program" (DARP).
- program the police must arrange for a tow truck. AAA cannot.
- Advise the member to send the original receipt for the tow to AAA ( Attention: Member Relations) within 60 days for an adjustment based on their membership coverage.
Frequently asked questions pertaining to
ACCIDENT CALLS
Table of Contents
1. Can AAA respond to accident calls outside of the 5 boroughs?
2. What if the Police are already on location?
3. What if the Police have been to the location already and left?
4. Will the member get reimbursed for the tow and how much?
Can AAA respond to accident calls outside of the 5 boroughs?
Yes. The DARP program only applies to accident calls in the 5 boroughs of New York City.
What if the Police are already on location?
If the Police are already on location advise them to have the Police dispatch a tow truck. Do not place a call for the member.
What if the Police have already been to the location and left?
The police are the only ones who can dispatch a tow truck to the location. All AAA can do is contact the Police and have them send someone back to the location to dispatch a tow truck.
Will the member get reimbursed for the tow and how much?
The member will get reimbursed for whatever they are entitled to under their membership type (Plus/Basic).