What To Do After Calling A 24/7 Towing Service
Despite new car tech and safety protocols, vehicles still frequently break down and accidents are always possible. That's why it's essential to be prepared for potentially getting stuck on the road after a fender bender, flat tire, or running out of fuel. This brief guide explains the steps to take after calling a professional towing company.
Get Your Auto Off the Road
While not always possible after a major incident, if your car is suddenly disabled or was in a minor collision in the roadway, do your best to remove it from the flow of traffic. The best approach is to put the vehicle in neutral and push it to the nearest safe place. Don't try to move the auto if it puts you in danger, which can be the situation of fast-moving thoroughfares or after dark.
Make Yourself Visible to Other Drivers
Turn on the hazard lights and put out cones around the vehicle. Setting off flares is a good idea, especially after dark. If you don't have cones and flares, they are affordable, easy to obtain, and should have a place in your roadside emergency kit.
Get Important Items and Documents Together
While waiting for the company to arrive, make use of the time wisely. Gather essentials, such as insurance and registration info, purses, wallets, cellphones, portable electronics, and anything with personal information on it. After all, you'll need most of these before your car is repaired, and prying eyes and sticky fingers may be eager to take your possessions.
Call Your Insurance Provider
Those who have full coverage auto insurance typically have policies that cover more than repairs. Depending on how your policy is set up and what riders you carry, even some with liability only get coverage for towing services and roadside assistance, too. If the accident is severe, calling the police is a smart idea, as they might want to come to the scene to take photos and file an official report that can help defend you or prove your case if the situation warrants legal charges.
Stay Inside the Car Until the Police or Your Tow Truck Arrives
With documents and personal items and all those phone calls taken care of, now it's time to stay calm and wait. Don't open the door or window without an approacher identifying themselves for your own safety. Depending on how far away (and how busy) the tow company and police are from your location, the wait can be short or last an hour or more. So be patient and watchful.
Good Experiences Begin with Reputable Tow Companies
It's never good to find yourself stranded on the side of the road. However, choosing a reputable 24/7 towing company can definitely make the experience less stressful.
For more information on 24/7 towing, contact a company near you.