preparing for roadside emergencies in advance

What To Expect When Calling For A Tow For Your Vehicle

Your car has broken down on the side of the road or maybe you are stuck in a ditch and need help getting out. You are about to call a tow service and ask for help. You have a general idea of what towing companies do, obviously, but if you've never used such a service before, you might not know exactly what to expect. Here's what happens when you call most towing companies and what you should do while you wait for the tow truck to arrive.

You'll Talk to Dispatch Who Will Talk to the Driver

When you call most tow truck companies, you will not be speaking directly with the driver who will arrive to help you. Most of those drivers are already out on the road somewhere. You will talk to the dispatch operator who will learn about your situation and then find the closest driver to you. Dispatch should be able to provide an approximate time of arrival and may have additional instructions for you.

Wait in a Safe Spot for the Truck

You will provide a description of your vehicle and your location to the tow truck firm. You should then wait in a spot where you feel safe. If your car is technically off the road but still kind of close to passing traffic, you may want to get out of the vehicle and wait at a better spot where you can better see cars coming and going past you.

Remove Valuables From Your Vehicle

While you wait for your tow, use this opportunity to remove anything from the vehicle you don't want going to the auto repair shop. Put everything on your person so you have peace of mind and don't have to worry about it later.

The Driver Will Secure and Prepare Your Vehicle

When the tow truck arrives, the driver will assess the situation. The vehicle will be secured for its ride on the trailer or whatever type of towing mechanism this tow truck company uses. Stand clear of the tow truck and your car while the driver works on the problem.

You Will Need Your Driver's License and Might Need Cash

The tow truck driver may ask for certain information or to confirm info you've already given to dispatch. This could include your driver's license information. Some tow truck companies may allow you to pay with a debit or credit card but other tow companies may require cash. If you need to find an ATM or bank to get cash, let the driver know this and discuss options that work for both of you.

Grab a Ride With the Driver

Hop in the cabin of the tow truck and head off to the repair shop. You've just completed using a towing service for the first time and you'll hopefully be back on the road soon.

Contact a towing service today to learn more.


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