There are few things more frustrating and nerve-wracking than having a car broken down on the side of the road. It could disrupt your schedule, leaving you stranded with no way to get to work, home, or your next appointment. Also, depending on the issue, you may not know exactly what is wrong with your car, which could give you anxiety about the bill. If your car breaks down on the side of a busy road or at night, you may feel unsafe.
Fortunately, you can call a towing company to take you and your vehicle to a repair shop or some other safe location. However, before you call your tow truck, you may want to make a few other calls first. Below are three calls to consider making before you schedule a tow truck:
Call a friend or family member. The first call you may want to make is to your spouse or a friend or family member. At the very least, you should let them know where you are and what is going one. They may be able to meet you so you're not alone or give you a ride home or to work after the car is towed. Also, if your friend has car knowledge, they may be able to get you back on the road and avoid the tow truck altogether. Many car issues are easily solvable. For instance, a flat tire or a dead battery can often be temporarily fixed. Think about who you may be able to call who can help with those types of issues.
Call your insurance company company. Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance through their policies. If that's the case, you may already be paying for towing and not even know it. If you've never used the roadside assistance option, you could be unaware of your options. Call your insurer and find out if towing is covered under your protection.
If it's not, you may want to search for roadside assistance companies and call one. They often have discounted rates with tow truck companies and repair shops and may be able to get you a prioritized service. Many roadside assistance companies will allow you to sign up over the phone, so you can purchase membership and schedule a tow in your first call.
Call a repair shop. Your tow truck company will need to know where to tow the car. If you're in a safe location and have time, you may want to call around to a few shops and describe your issue. Very often they can tell what the issue may be and give you a rough estimate over the phone. They also may be able to tell you how long their turnaround time is. Keep in mind that you'll likely want to find a shop close to where the car is located. Many tow truck companies start charging mileage fees over a certain threshold. That can substantially increase the cost of the tow. Try to keep the shop to under a few miles away from your current location.
When you're ready, contact a few tow truck companies in your area. They can get you and your car to safety so you can get back to your day.
Share7 November 2018
When was the last time your car died unexpectedly? Although car trouble can sometimes sneak up on you, you can be ready whenever your car dies by knowing how to call for help when you need it. I started thinking more seriously about getting ready for a tow truck driver when my vehicle began having a lot of electrical problems, and I am really glad I made those initial steps in the right direction. This website is all about getting ready for your next tow, and understanding how to eliminate problems along the way. Read more about towing on this blog.