Towing Issues: Recoup my car from tow yard., full coverage insurance, tow truck company

Question
Yesterday I was hit by another car and, because of confusion at the time, and although my car was driveable, I allowed a tow truck to tow my car to their yard. An accident report was filed with both insurance companies. At the time the tow truck driver claimed that my car could not be towed to my house or any other place, except for their yard or a body shop.
Today I want to get my car out of the tow truck yard, what can I expect from the tow truck company? I live in California.

Thank you.

Answer
Well this kind of thing is very common in certain parts of the US.

California does not really have it as pronounced as places like Chicago, Dallas or Philadelphia.

Now as a rule, a tow company will tow your vehicle anywhere you want it to go, but at that point it would need to be paid for the services and charges. If it went to your house you would have to pay. If it went to a body shop then they would be paying the bill.

Yes even if you have insurance most tow companies do not bill the insurance company directly.

Now what happened is sounding like a bit of a "gray area tow" as to the legality of it...

Did the tow truck just show up, or did the police call for the tow?
That can be a key point here as if the truck was just cruising then you can be faced with some real big charges and an even bigger shock.

Have you contacted your insurance company and let them handle it?

That generally is the best advise I have and even if you do not have full coverage insurance they should be able to help you with this issue by giving  you some guidance or answers.

But as to what to expect at the tow company, well bring your license, proof of insurance, proof of ownership, and lots of cash is the best answer I can give.

I hope this helps and everything works out for you.