When your car is involved in a collision, or it has broken down, you are no longer able to drive it safely. There’s a good chance your automobile will have to be towed and fixed at a mechanic of your choosing. Don’t take the chance of driving it because it could result in an accident, or you could end up doing more damge.
However, before having your automobile towed, you should be aware of your rights as well as what to watch for when the towing company arrives. Even though the majority of tow truck drivers are professionals, some take advantage of the situation.
Some may try to persuade you to agree to something you shouldn’t if your head isn’t straight. Here are some of the most critical things you should do to avoid this.
- Examine Whether You Require a Tow
Collisions can be frightening and nerve-wracking experiences. Your first instinct might be to call a tow company and have your car towed right away. However, in some cases, the vehicle can still be driven after a collision.
Try to examine your vehicle to see whether it can still be driven safely. Determine whether or not there are any fluid leaks. Examine your headlights and taillights to ensure they are in good operating order. Examine your mirrors and test the steering and braking systems. Check if your hood can still be properly closed.
You may also see if there have been any airbag deployments. If that is the case, you should not drive your car any longer. If there are police officers on the scene, you could also enlist their assistance in establishing whether or not your vehicle is safe to drive.
You can assume it is still safe to drive if there are no leaks, functional lights, steering and braking, and a hood that can be closed securely. But don’t just take it home with you. Instead, take it to the shop and have it thoroughly inspected.
- Wrecker Tow vs. Roll-Back Tow Trucks
Wreckers were once the industry standard for towing autos. These trucks have wheel lifts that pick up one end of the vehicle while towing it, allowing the other end to roll along the ground.
This poses issues with damaged cars that can’t track straight, and it also makes the vehicle more vulnerable to damage because it’s on the ground. Their small size and winch-based lift system, on the other hand, allows them to reach cars in tight spaces and pull vehicles off the road.
A flatbed on a roll-back truck can tilt and move back, producing a ramp. After that, the car can be towed or driven onto the bed. The vehicle is now off the road and the wheels do not have to turn. This facilitates the movement of seriously damaged automobiles while also preventing minor collisions.
Which is the best option? In most circumstances, having your car towed by a roll-back truck is the best option. However, because these vehicles are so large, they are unable to fit into some locations. A wrecker may be the only route out of a parking garage if you have an accident or a breakdown. A wrecker may also be required to pull your vehicle from a ditch.
- Getting Your Car Ready for Towing
Remove any important stuff from your vehicle. Towing firms are usually not responsible for goods left inside your vehicle that are lost or stolen. You should also remove the vehicle’s insurance and registration. This documentation will very certainly be required while your car is being towed and fixed.
Take some photos or videos of your car before towing, including any damage. Make sure to photograph both the front and rear bumpers. Straps may be attached to tow hooks on the ends of your automobile by the driver, making these the most probable spots to be damaged during the tow.
You can then offer these images or videos to your insurance provider to assist you in the event of theft or vandalism while in transit, which regrettably happens frequently.
- Carefully Choose Who to Contact
It’s as simple as calling a number and inputting information to make the contact, but picking who to call may require some thought. The answer is simple if you have a roadside assistance organization that includes towing services as part of your membership fee. Other people you might want to contact are:
- Dealer
If your automobile is still under warranty, call the roadside assistance hotline for your car manufacturer or if you’re enrolled in a program for assistance.
- Insurance
Roadside and towing assistance may be included in your vehicle’s policy, depending on what type of coverage you have.
- Credit Card Companies
Some businesses that aren’t directly tied to the automotive industry provide roadside assistance to customers in certain situations.
NOTE: It’s strongly advised to conduct research and be prepared for the next time this happens if you don’t already have a strategy in place for who to call when situations like this arise. Otherwise, a tow might set you back more than $100.
- Check the Towing Representative and the Paperwork Before Signing
It’s important to double-check the towing representative who arrives, as many local tow truck drivers are already waiting on the side of the road, eager to obtain new business. When your vehicle is still drivable, they may try to persuade you to have it towed.
To avoid this, make sure you collect all of the necessary information from the towing firm. Whether a tow truck arrives too soon after you haven’t called for it and you aren’t sure if it is from a respectable company, approach with care.
Instead of a blank contract, the tow truck driver should offer you an itemized invoice. This way, you’ll know exactly how much it will cost to tow your vehicle to the place of your choice.
Make sure you simply agree to pay to have your automobile towed, not to have it repaired at a certain location. Never sign a contract unless it clearly states what you’re paying for and where your car will be towed. Keep the documentation in a safe place for later use.
Conclusion
When you’re on the road, anything may happen, with crashes and accidents being the worst-case scenario. If you are involved in a collision or accident and your vehicle is no longer safe to drive, you will almost certainly need to have it towed to a local repair shop.
In addition you may need to contact a towing business or roadside help if you run out of gas, get a flat tire, or have a dead battery. Nonetheless, before having your car towed, you should be aware of your rights as a towing customer and what to expect when the tow truck arrives.
While the majority of truck drivers and towing businesses are trustworthy and professional, an increasing number of people are attempting to take advantage of those who have been shaken by accidents or crashes.
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