- towing
How to book a tow truck service
Updated 29 Oct 2019
Elizabeth Crawley
Picture this, you’re at a busy intersection and your car has suddenly decided to stop working… Great. Cars are piling up behind you and you need to find a tow truck to get your car off the road as soon as possible. This is a stressful situation that no one ever plans for, but don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Whether your car has broken down or you’ve been in an accident, there are a number of things you need to consider before booking a tow truck. Here’s how you can make the process of booking a tow truck as easy as possible.
Know the details
Before you contact any towing service, make sure you know the details of your situation. Find your exact location using your phone’s map services and instruct the towing service whereabouts on the road you are located. You will need to know the make, model, and year of your vehicle, the level of damage to the vehicle, and whether the vehicle is running and able to move. Providing this information will assist the towing company with understanding what tow truck is necessary and what equipment will be needed.
Know the destination
To prevent unwanted costs, make sure you know exactly where you want your vehicle towed to. Call your preferred mechanic to confirm that your vehicle can be towed to their workshop or click here to find one of our local, trusted mechanics on AutoGuru.
Contact your insurance company
If you have been in an accident, contact your insurance company to find out if your towing service could be covered. Many insurance companies already have agreements with or a preference for towing service companies to ensure you get a reputable service.
Make sure they have the right tow truck
There’s more than just one type of tow truck, there’s actually three; flatbed, hook and chain, and wheel-lift. Not all towing companies carry all three types of tow trucks, so it’s important you contact the towing company and ensure they have one best suited to your vehicle. Different situations will call for different types of trucks and if you choose the wrong one you may risk damaging your vehicle or will have to wait for a new tow truck to arrive.
Ask about the costs and payment
Don’t forget to ask how much their service will cost and how far they are willing to tow your vehicle. There’s no point booking with a towing company that is not willing to tow your vehicle to your preferred destination. It is also important to confirm the payment methods they provide.
We know booking a tow truck can be stressful and want to help you make the right decision. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure you use these tips to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Written By
Elizabeth Crawley
Liz is a Marketing student at QUT and is marketing intern here at AutoGuru. With her father owning his own mechanical workshop, she has grown up surrounded by the automotive aftermarket.
On days off, you'll find Liz down by the beach enjoying the sunny Gold Coast weather.