Cars provide us with the convenience of traveling to various destinations, be it commuting to work, visiting family in a different state, or embarking on a thrilling road trip, complete with visits to roadside attractions.
However, the more time spent on the road, the higher the likelihood of requiring Car towing services. In such instances, selecting the appropriate tow truck becomes imperative. A costly tow or getting into an accident with an untrained tow truck driver are both undesirable outcomes. Whether stranded due to a breakdown or involved in an accident, it is essential to follow these tips to ensure a seamless towing experience.
Check If you really need to tow your car:
While a car accident can often result in towing, it’s not always necessary. Whether your car needs to be towed depends on its condition.
There are certain indications that driving your car would not be safe. In addition to obvious issues such as a car on fire, there are some other things to be aware of, such as:
- Leaks coming from beneath the hood
- Tires that are low or damaged
- Rearview mirrors that are damaged, broken, or missing
- The presence of steam
- The car handling differently
- The temperature or oil light being on
If you’ve had to pull over due to a breakdown, it’s important to see if you, a friend, or a family member can make the repair before getting back on the road. Having someone else change your tire tomorrow is significantly less expensive than immediately having your car towed!
Contact your insurance company
It’s important to remember that you can file an insurance claim with your car insurance when you need to have your vehicle towed. However, it’s critical not to make the mistake of filing your claim after the fact. This may result in your insurance company refusing to cover the towing company you hired.
Instead, when you know that your car needs to be towed, call your insurance company. They can not only tell you what your policy covers, but they may also be able to help you locate a qualified towing company if you’re having trouble finding one yourself.
Contact Your Service Provider:
In addition to calling your insurance company when you require a tow, you can also contact roadside assistance. Don’t assume you don’t have a roadside assistance policy. You may have one and be unaware of it!
Car manufacturers, credit card companies, and other memberships may be able to assist you in locating a reliable car towing near me, and in some cases, cover the cost of the tow.
Check the papers thoroughly:
It’s essential to pause and review the paperwork given by the car towing driver before signing it and allowing your car to be towed, even if you’re eager to get moving. You want to ensure that your vehicle is being towed to the desired location and not to an unapproved, overpriced mechanic.
Moreover, you want to ensure that the contract includes the cost and that it isn’t an empty agreement. It’s critical not to sign an agreement that isn’t transparent about these specifics.
Ask the amount you need to pay:
It’s crucial to inquire about payment options, whether your insurance company dispatches a tow truck, roadside assistance comes to your rescue, or you call a towing company yourself. This involves knowing the exact amount you need to pay, as well as how you should pay.
Do you have to pay the tow truck operator as soon as the car is towed, or can you settle the invoice at a later time? Is cash the only acceptable payment method, or do they accept credit cards? Should the payment be billed to your insurance? These are all details that should be resolved before signing the contract to ensure you don’t make any errors.
Inspect the vehicle and take pictures:
It’s important to take a few photos before the tow truck takes your vehicle away if you were involved in an accident. Documenting the damage caused by the accident is crucial for insurance companies to process your claim. If witnesses are available, it’s also crucial to get their statements before leaving the scene.
Similarly, if your vehicle breaks down on the side of the road, you should take photos of it. Doing so ensures that the tow truck operator does not inflict additional damage to your car while transporting it to the mechanic.
Collect your belongings from the car:
It’s essential to remove all of your valuables from the car before handing control of your vehicle to the tow truck driver. This includes electronic devices such as portable GPS systems, cell phones, and tablets, as well as other important items.
For instance, you may want to take any cash, credit cards, or jewelry with you to avoid them getting lost or stolen.
Conclusion
Having your car towed can be a stressful experience, but following these tips can help make the process as smooth as possible. From checking if you really need a tow to inspecting your vehicle and removing valuables before handing it over to the tow truck driver, taking these steps can help ensure that your car is safely transported to the desired location without any additional hassle or costs. You can also avail the car towing service in your RSA package. Roadside assistance market is very big globally and projected to grow by USD 5.28 billion at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period of 2030.