If you’re on an RV trip or shopping, you may need to bring your vehicle along. There are a number of alternatives to driving when moving a car from one place to another, but there are certain safety precautions you should take while towing a car.
When you’re driving, a lot may go wrong; crashes and accidents are the worst-case scenarios. Your automobile may need to be towed to a local repair shop if you are in an accident or collision and it is no longer safe to drive. Other situations when you may need to call a triple-A towing or roadside help include running out of petrol, getting a flat tire, or having a dead battery.
However, it is important to be aware of your rights as a towing client and what to watch out for when the tow driver comes before you have your car taken. A growing number of people are attempting to take advantage of people who are shaken up after crashes or accidents, even though most truck drivers and towing businesses are trustworthy and competent.
Here are the essential steps you need to take before towing your car:
· Safety is a must:
Your car probably broke down in an unexpected place. If your automobile dies on the road, get yourself and your vehicle to safety as soon as possible. Put your vehicle in neutral and pull over if you can. If you can’t, install cones, flares, flags, or other warnings around your car. Stay in the vehicle if it’s too risky to leave.
Put the warning lights on and a “Towing” sign in the window. If you’re not skilled, don’t do repairs. Even if your vehicle isn’t towed, someone may start it or replace the tire.
· Gather your essentials to get help:
Obtain the car’s documentation before calling for a tow. Include your license, registration, insurance, and membership cards for any roadside help programs.
· Make an Insurance Company Call:
Call your insurance once you’ve recovered from the incident, even after business hours. You may learn more about what to do next from your insurer. They can help you determine fair towing fees and ensure that your car is fixed without delay. Sometimes your insurance company may arrange to have your automobile picked up and direct you to one of their approved repair shops.
If you belong to a roadside assistance group like AAA, which includes towing services at your membership cost. Other people you could reach out to are an automaker and Credit Card Businesses
· Towing preparation:
Get your vehicle ready for towing while you wait for the tow truck. Photographs are important to document the crash location and any damaged property. Then, before letting the tow truck driver inside the automobile, remove anything of high monetary value.
· Wait for the towing truck:
Depending on the service you contact, a truck will be sent from a nearby garage or towing firm on the company’s recommended partners list. Wait in your vehicle while waiting for the tow truck to arrive, which won’t happen immediately. Keep the windows mostly open, and watch out for persons who attempt to approach or solicit you who aren’t from the towing firm. Don’t let yourself be taken advantage of; keep the doors secured, and keep an eye out!
· Double-check a recovery vehicle:
Some tow truck drivers may wait by the side of the road to be the first on the scene of an accident. You should verify the vehicle you expect from the firm you place your order with.
· Complete the paperwork and get the receipt:
Not a blank contract or work order, but an itemized invoice, is what the tow truck driver is required to provide you. Never agree to a contract that doesn’t make clear where your car will be hauled and how much it will cost.
Recheck the prices if you are getting charged at the standardized rates. From place to place, the rate could change. You may locate the prices in your region online or via an insurance guide.
Keep the towing receipt in a secure place on your person. If your insurance provider includes towing services in their package, you will need to deliver it to them.
