What to do when waiting for help from a towing company

car roadside

Whether you’ve just purchased your car or you’ve been driving for several years, one of the things you must know is that there are instances if you have to rely on the assistance of a towing company. While you often take your car for servicing and maintenance, it can still break down unexpected or might get involved in a traffic accident. If you’re stuck somewhere in northern California, you should call the best towing company in Palo Alto. With this in mind, there are particular things you must do while you are waiting for a tow truck for safety purposes and these include the following:

Ensure That Your Car is Parked at a Safe Spot

If your car stopped in the middle of the road, it may block the traffic flow and you would want to pull over so you will not cause other accidents. If the engine of your vehicle is malfunctioning, you would want to push the car off the road. If necessary, turn the hazard lights on.

Turning On Your Car’s Hazard Lights

The car’s hazard lights can be found on your dash and its symbol is red triangle. If you have noticed something wrong, you should turn on the car’s hazards lights. It will signal the other drivers that you’re having some difficulties. Even if it is daytime, you must turn on the lights and it’ll also help tow truck to distinguish your vehicle.

Call Authorities

If you’re involved in a road accident, you should contact the authorities to report incidents. Failing to report accidents may have some serious legal implications. Apart from that, if you like to file a claim with your car insurance company, you’ll require a case number. Although the accident occurred because of the other party’s fault, the claim number would be needed by your insurance company.

Remove All of Your Valuables

While you are waiting, take some time removing all your important or valuable items from your vehicle. It goes for the things with a sentimental value. It won’t only give you peace of mind, but also it would ensure that you have your valuables and you do not need to make trips to the location your vehicle is being stored while awaiting for the tow truck. Your chosen towing company isn’t responsible for loss or damage of your personal items in your car.

Stay Inside the Car

If there’s nothing you could do except wait for a tow truck to arrive, it’s recommended that you should stay inside your car for the reason that it may be dangerous to walk around your car or stand on a highway.

Don’t Dehydrate and Stay Calm

It’s recommended that you should not wear out the battery of your phone. You might have to make another call. Never forget to stay hydrated and if you’re close to the city, a flatbed tow truck might take several minutes to arrive. On contrary, if you’re away from the city, it could take sixty minutes or longer.

5 Tips For Choosing a Towing Company

towing service

When your car gets stuck you may feel panicked. This may happen to everyone at one time or another. It seems like you are now at the mercy of a tow company. This does not have to be the case. These are 5 tips for choosing a tow company.

1. Out of Town Towing

If you are out of town and your car broke down you may want to contact the police department in that town. They will be able to give your recommendations of reliable long-distance towing companies that can help tow your car.

2. Get AAA

Service such as Triple-A will be there for you if your car needs to be towed. They will contact the towing companies. Since you pay for this service, you will not have to pay the tow driver out of pocket. Some insurance companies also offer towing service. You should get this as part of your insurance plan. That way all you need to do is contact the insurance company and everything will be taken care of.

3. Over the Phone Service

You can tell a lot about how a company is going to treat you by the first call. Bad customer service on the phone can be an indication or poor customer service when the tow driver arrives. If you are treated disrespectfully on the phone, call another tow company.

4. Ask for the Price

If you do not have to tow on your insurance, ask the tow company for the price upfront. They should be able to give you a cost and tell you about additional things that may not be included. If you do not have cash be sure they accept credit cards or another form of payment.

5. Ride

If there is no one around to come and get you, ask if you are able to ride with the driver to your tow location. If not, you will be stuck where you broke down. Most companies should be able to also you to ride with the driver.
These are some things to look for in a towing company. If in the Denver area, you should research towing companies in Aurora, CO to find reputable ones beforehand, so you are not in a panic if your car breaks down.