Having your vehicle towed can be a stressful and costly experience. Whether it’s due to a breakdown, accident, or parking violation, there are several important things to consider and actions to take before having your vehicle towed. Being prepared can help minimize the inconvenience and expenses associated with towing. Some essential steps to take listed below is what we at Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance would like to share today.
What Do I Need to Know Before Towing?
Stay Calm: First and foremost, try to stay calm and composed. Getting upset won’t change the situation, and it can make the process more challenging to handle.
Assess the Situation: Determine why your vehicle needs to be towed. Is it due to a breakdown, accident, or a parking issue? Understanding the reason will help you take the appropriate steps.
Contact the Towing Company: If your vehicle is being towed due to a parking violation or at the request of a property owner, contact the towing company to confirm the location of your vehicle and inquire about their fees and policies.
Retrieve Personal Items: Before your vehicle is towed, make sure to remove all valuable items and personal belongings from it. This includes your wallet, phone, important documents, and any items of sentimental value. You may not have access to your vehicle’s interior once it’s towed.
Document Vehicle Condition: Take photos of your vehicle’s current condition, especially if it was involved in an accident. These photos can serve as evidence for insurance claims or disputes regarding damages during towing.
Check for Important Documents: Ensure you have your driver’s license, registration, and insurance information with you. You’ll likely need these documents when dealing with the towing company or law enforcement.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as a vehicle owner. Laws regarding towing and impounding vary by location, so it’s essential to know what you’re entitled to and any restrictions that apply.
Coordinate Transportation: Plan how you will get to your vehicle’s location once it’s towed. Whether it’s public transportation, a taxi, or a ride from a friend, having a transportation plan in place will prevent further inconvenience.
Ask for an Itemized Bill: When dealing with the towing company, request an itemized bill that includes all charges. Ensure that the fees are reasonable and that there are no hidden costs.
Verify Towing Destination: Double-check with the towing company where they plan to take your vehicle. Make sure it’s a secure and reputable impound lot or repair facility.
Inform Your Insurance Company: If your vehicle is towed due to an accident, promptly inform your insurance company. They can guide you through the claims process and help with the towing and repair expenses.
Follow Up: Stay in communication with the towing company and any relevant authorities to stay informed about the status of your vehicle. This will help you avoid storage fees or other issues that may arise if you leave your vehicle unattended for an extended period.
Resolve the Issue: Address the reason your vehicle was towed as soon as possible. If it’s a parking violation, pay any fines or penalties. If it’s due to a mechanical issue, arrange for repairs promptly to prevent additional towing and storage fees from accumulating.
Prevent Future Towing: Take steps to avoid future towing situations, such as parking legally, keeping your vehicle well-maintained, and having a roadside assistance plan in place for breakdowns.
Towing & Roadside Assistance in Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington, Carrollton & Plano Texas
Generally, having your vehicle towed can be a frustrating experience, but being prepared and taking these steps can make the process smoother and less costly. Remember to stay calm, know your rights, and act promptly to resolve the issue that led to the towing, ensuring your vehicle is back on the road as soon as possible. For towing and roadside assistance services, call Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance and let us assist you!
