Towing Your Car? Here's What To Tell The Towing Company Over The Phone
Posted on: 22 July 2020
Breaking down on the side of the road can be a frustrating situation, especially if you're traveling with others. It can also be confusing, as you may not know exactly what to do besides wait for the vehicle towing company to come pick you up.
If you're in need of a tow, there are a few pieces of information you'll need to give to the towing company that can make their job a lot easier.
Your Location
Before you call for a tow, make sure you know exactly where you're at. Tow truck operators spend a lot of time on the streets and may know the area better than anyone else, but it can still be tough to deduce where you are if all you're able to do is describe your physical location. Check your own GPS to find your location and be ready to read it to them over the phone. Also, be sure to tell them if you just need a tow or if you need an "immediate tow." Immediate tows are used if your car is blocking traffic, whereas regular tows can wait a little longer.
Your Situation
Vehicle towing companies also need to know what your situation is. Are you on an incline? Did you skip off into a ditch? Did a tire blow? Also, what kind of car do you have? This type of information is important to relay to them, as it will determine what kind of equipment they bring to tow you out. All-wheel vehicles need to be loaded onto a flatbed trailer instead of hauled using a tow bar because it could destroy the chassis, so make sure you describe your situation in detail so they won't have to go back for more equipment.
Your Destination
Whether you want the tow back to your house or to your mechanic, you'll need to let them know as soon as possible. Most vehicle towing services will take you to a mechanic of your choice, but they may have limitations on how many miles they'll transport your vehicle, so they might suggest alternatives if yours is out of range. Also, though not normally required, it's a good idea to have your insurance information on hand so that they can know how many miles your insurance will cover. Having your insurance info will also expedite the charging process and make sure you're back on the road as quickly as possible.
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