Preparing Yourself Whenever You Need Your Car Towed

Wondering what things to know when getting your car towed? Perhaps your vehicle broke down, and you need to take it to the shop. Often, a towed car means a bad time. The engine or transmission might not be functioning right, or perhaps you’re broken down on the side of the road. Either way, a bit of preparation can help you avoid further hassles while your car is getting towed.

So what needs to be done before getting your car towed? Below is a list of things to keep in mind:

1. First, you always want to have a roadside emergency kit as it will help you stay safe while waiting for the tow truck. If you’re broken down on the side of the road, and the kit has electric flares or reflectors, deploy them to make your car more visible.

2. You’ll want to take photos of your car, assuming you have a smartphone or camera on hand. This way, if the car is damaged while being towed, you’ll have evidence. However, don’t put yourself at risk by taking photos, say by stepping into a busy street.

3. Inform the tow truck driver of any special circumstances with your vehicle. Perhaps the emergency brake is worn out and shouldn’t be relied on. Or maybe you have heavy stuff in the trunk that you can’t simply remove.

4. If you have any valuables in your vehicle that you can quickly and easily remove, do so. Your laptop, makeup, GPS navigation devices, anything like that should be removed, especially if you can fit it in your pockets, backpack, purse, etc. 

5. Finally, sign the paperwork authorizing the tow truck driver to take your vehicle. This is pretty standard, but you always want to ensure that everything is in order before signing anything. That means reading the fine print. If something seems off, don’t sign until you clarify the issue. Confirm the ID of the tow truck driver as well. And if you’re paying for the tow out-of-pocket, make sure you clarify how much everything costs upfront and if any additional charges could arise. This may save you from arguments later on.

Again, a bit of preparation can go a long way if you’re ever stuck and need to get your car towed. By following the steps above, you can help ensure that your car arrives at its destination safely and without any extra hassles. If your car is breaking down, you want to guide it out of the roadways. If you can pull into a parking lot, it’s advisable to do so. At night, you’ll want to find well-lit areas when possible.

If you’re ever in need of roadside assistance, be sure to follow the steps above to help ensure that your car arrives at its destination safely and without any extra hassles.

Categorised in: Towing