Consider These 7 Things Before Calling A Tow Truck

There are many things to think about when you need a car to drive around in. You may consider investing in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or one that can cope with rugged terrain. Sometimes our cars fail us or we are involved in an accident and we need it to be towed away. If this has just happened to you, this article will advise you on 7 things to think about before you call a tow truck.

1.  Research The Company

Before you choose to contact a towing company, check them out online, using your smartphone. You’ll need to be sure they are reputable, which includes them being duly registered and accredited. Find out from their website how long they’ve been in business and what scenarios they cater for. You’ll want a trusted towing company that’s available 24/7 whether you have a light or heavy-duty vehicle. Many specialist websites advise you if they can do local and long-distance towing and they may also feature helpful articles on things like jumpstarting vehicles or maintaining your car (to avoid future breakdowns).

Seek Reviews

There may be some reviews from previous customers posted on the company’s website. If you find their web pages are lacking in information or look unprofessional, check them out on Yelp, Google and Facebook. Look especially for recent negative experiences from people who were in your situation. Also, ask your friends if they have recently used a quality towing company, and can recommend one to you.

2.  Be Wise At The Scene

Be sure to check that you really need your car towed away. If your battery is flat, try and get hold of a jumper cable because another car may be able to get yours running again. If you’ve simply run out of petrol, call a friend or relative to bring you some in a can. You may have a friend who can pick you up, or better still someone who has the experience to diagnose the issue and fix your car at the roadside.

If your car is definitely out of action, provide the towing company with as much information as you can, so they have the right vehicle and equipment to help you. This may save you money if they only need to send a smaller truck. If you were involved in an accident, be sure to get a medical assessment as soon as possible and contact a lawyer if someone else was at fault.

3.  Check You’re Parked Okay

Make sure your car is situated where it cannot pose a risk to other drivers or pedestrians. Put safety first and turn off the car engine and lights. Put on your hazard lights or call 911 if you need assistance from the emergency services. Check that there are no children or animals inside your vehicle before leaving it unattended.

Find out if there are any restrictions on where you can park, such as near fire hydrants, parking meters or handicap zones. It would be hugely ironic if you were towed away by the authorities while you were waiting to be towed away by a mechanic!

4.  Ask The Company Questions Beforehand

You’ll need to find out what are the towing company’s service hours – it may be no use to you if they all go home at 5pm. Also, check their geographical areas to make sure they can collect you and take you where you need to go.

Find out what happens if your vehicle isn’t able to be towed due to its weight capacity, and ask any other questions you can’t find answers for online.

5.  Think About Costs

Ring your insurance company and ask them about their policy on roadside assistance – it may be that they can cover your towing costs. They also may specify which company you must use, so it’s important to do this early on.

When you phone the towing company ask them if there’s an additional charge for winter weather, traffic congestion, or other factors that may increase the cost of getting towed. Find out if there is a flat fee or if you will be charged according to mileage. Be sure to request a full and transparent estimate before you commit. You won’t want to end up facing hidden costs or extra service charges. It’s worth speaking to several companies to ensure you get the best deal. There may be specific payment options as well, which could help you decide.

6.  Ask About Timescales

If you are in trouble, the number one thing to do is get yourself back on track as soon as possible. You’ll want to find someone who can come soon and get your car up and running as quickly as they can.

If a company says something like ‘it’s an emergency so we will come immediately’ this isn’t always true. This is because these companies often have several jobs lined up at once. They won’t tell you there may be a delay because it could cost them your business. On the plus side, if you have to wait it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve forgotten you.

7.  Protect Yourself And Your Possessions

It’s not rare for cars to be damaged whilst they are being towed. For this reason, you should take photos of your vehicle to use as evidence should this occur. Get all your valuables out of the car before calling a tow truck because they will not be responsible for any lost items. Particular care should be taken if there is money, jewelry or important paperwork onboard.

Let someone know you have broken down, and where. Tell them who is going to tow your car for your own personal safety. Let them know where you’re going and when they should expect to hear from you again.

These have been 7 key things for you to think about before you contact a tow truck. Hopefully, you’ll either fix your car and not need one, or you’ll find a good company that can meet all your needs. You may be up and running really soon, and be able to get on with your life once more.