How To Get Car Towed: Essential & Proven Steps

Need your car towed? This guide shows you exactly how to get a car towed safely and efficiently. Learn how to call for a tow truck, what information to provide, and how to prepare your vehicle. We’ll cover everything from roadside emergencies to getting a car towed from your property, making a stressful situation much easier.

Nobody likes it when their car breaks down, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. It’s stressful when your trusted vehicle suddenly stops working, leaving you stranded. The good news is that getting your car towed is a straightforward process if you’re prepared. Think of this guide as your friendly roadmap to navigate towing situations with confidence. We’ll walk through each step, making sure you know exactly what to do, from the moment you realize you need a tow to when your car is safely at its destination. Let’s get your car moving again!

Table of Contents

When Do You Need to Get Your Car Towed?

There are several common reasons why you might need to arrange for a tow. Understanding these situations can help you be better prepared and know when it’s time to call for professional help rather than attempting a risky repair on the roadside.

Mechanical Breakdowns: This is the most frequent reason. If your car suddenly won’t start, makes alarming noises, or its warning lights flash intensely, it’s often safer to tow it than to risk further damage.
Accidents: After a collision, even if the damage seems minor, your car might be unsafe to drive. Towing ensures it gets to a repair shop without causing more problems on the road.
flat tires (No Spare): If you have a flat tire and don’t have a spare, or if your spare is also flat, a tow truck is your best bet.
Running Out of Fuel: While you might think of this as a minor inconvenience, driving on an empty tank can sometimes damage your fuel pump, making towing the safer option.
Overheating: If your car’s temperature gauge climbs into the red zone, pull over immediately. Driving an overheating car can lead to severe engine damage, so towing is essential.
Illegal Parking/Abandoned Vehicles: Sometimes, you might need to get a car towed from your property if it’s parked illegally or has been left abandoned. This typically involves contacting local authorities or a specialized towing service.
Battery Issues (Beyond a Jump Start): If your battery is completely dead and a jump start doesn’t work, or if there’s a persistent electrical problem, towing might be necessary.

How to Get a Car Towed: Step-by-Step Guide

When the unexpected happens, staying calm is key. Follow these steps to ensure your car is towed safely and efficiently.

Step 1: Ensure Your Safety First

Your well-being and the safety of others on the road are the absolute top priority. If your car has broken down on the side of the road, follow these safety tips:

Pull Over Safely: As soon as you notice a problem, signal and pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible, onto the shoulder or a safe pull-off area. If you’re on a busy highway, try to get as far away from traffic as you can.
Turn on Hazard Lights: Make your vehicle visible to other drivers by turning on your hazard lights immediately.
Stay in Your Vehicle (If Safe): If you are on a busy road and can’t safely exit, it’s generally safer to stay inside your car with your seatbelt on.
Exit Safely (If Possible): If you can exit your vehicle safely, do so from the side away from traffic. Stand well clear of the roadway.
Use Reflective Triangles or Flares: If you have reflective triangles or flares, place them behind your vehicle to warn oncoming traffic, especially at night or in poor visibility. For guidance on proper placement, check resources from organisations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on roadside safety equipment.

Step 2: Determine Your Location

Knowing exactly where you are is crucial for the tow truck driver to find you. Use your smartphone’s GPS, look for mile markers, street signs, or nearby landmarks. Be as precise as possible.

Use your phone’s map app (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) to get a precise GPS coordinate or street address.
Note down any highway mile markers, exit numbers, or cross streets.
If you’re in a parking lot, identify the name of the lot or building.

Step 3: Contact a Towing Service

Now it’s time to call for help. You have a few options:

Option A: Roadside Assistance Providers

If you have a membership with a roadside assistance program, this is usually your first and best call. These include:

Auto Insurance Providers: Many car insurance policies include roadside assistance. Check your policy details or call your insurance company’s customer service line.
Automotive Clubs: Organizations like AAA offer roadside assistance to their members.
Vehicle Manufacturers: Some new car warranties include complimentary roadside assistance.

When you call them, have your membership number and vehicle details ready.

Option B: Independent Towing Companies

If you don’t have roadside assistance, you’ll need to find a local towing company. You can:

Search Online: Use your smartphone to search for “towing service near me” or “24-hour towing.”
Ask for Recommendations: If you’re near a gas station or a friendly passerby, they might be able to recommend a reliable local service.

It’s a good idea to call a couple of companies to compare prices if you have the time and aren’t in an emergency situation. Ask for an estimated arrival time and the total cost.

Step 4: Provide Necessary Information

When you call for a tow, the dispatcher will need specific details to send the right tow truck and ensure a smooth process. Be ready to provide:

Your Exact Location: As determined in Step 2.
Your Vehicle’s Make, Model, and Color: This helps the driver identify your car.
The Reason for Towing: Briefly explain the problem (e.g., “won’t start,” “flat tire,” “accident”).
Your Destination: Where do you want the car towed? This could be your home, a mechanic’s shop, or a dealership. Have the address ready.
Your Name and Contact Number: So the driver can reach you.
Any Vehicle Issues Affecting Towing: For example, if the steering is locked or the wheels are damaged, mention it.

Step 5: Discuss Towing Costs and Payment

Towing services vary in price depending on your location, the distance to your destination, and the type of tow truck needed. It’s important to clarify costs upfront:

Get an Estimate: Ask for a quote over the phone. This usually includes a hook-up fee and a per-mile charge.
Understand Additional Fees: Inquire about potential extra charges like mileage beyond a certain limit, off-road recovery, or after-hours service.
Payment Methods: Ask what payment methods they accept. Some services may require cash upfront, while others take credit cards.
Insurance Coverage: If your insurance or roadside assistance covers towing, ask if you need to pay the company directly and then submit a claim, or if they can bill the provider.

You can compare typical towing costs based on common scenarios:

Service Type	Average Cost (Local Tow)	Notes
Standard Tow (Flatbed or Wrecker)	$75 – $150	Covers most breakdowns within a few miles.
Long-Distance Tow (Over 50 miles)	$150 – $400+	Cost increases significantly with distance.
Specialized Towing (e.g., Motorcycles, AWD/4WD)	$100 – $250	May require specific equipment.
Emergency/After-Hours Service	Additional $50 – $100	Fees for towing outside regular business hours.

Step 6: Prepare Your Vehicle and Yourself

While you wait for the tow truck, take a few minutes to prepare your car and yourself:

Lock Your Car: Unless the driver needs to access something inside, lock your vehicle.
Remove Valuables: Take any important personal belongings, electronics, or sensitive documents with you.
Be Ready to Go: If you’re not already safely off the road, be ready to move yourself and any passengers to a safe location.
Gather Vehicle Documents: Have your registration and insurance information handy, though you likely won’t need them for the tow itself, it’s good practice.
Note the Damage: If it was an accident, take photos of the damage for insurance purposes before the tow.

Step 7: Meet the Tow Truck Driver

When the tow truck arrives, you’ll interact with the driver. Here’s what to expect:

Confirm Identity: Ensure the truck matches the company you called.
Review Paperwork: The driver will likely have a work order or invoice. Review it carefully for accuracy regarding your location, destination, and agreed-upon charges.
Point Out Vehicle Issues: Show the driver any specific damage or points of concern on your car.
Sign the Paperwork: Once you’re satisfied, sign the necessary documents.
Payment: Make your payment as arranged.
Arrange Your Ride: If you are not riding with your car, arrange for your own transportation to the destination. Some tow companies allow one passenger, but it’s best to confirm this beforehand.

Step 8: Track Your Vehicle (If Possible)

Some modern towing services offer tracking options, allowing you to see your vehicle’s progress to its destination. While not standard, it’s worth asking if this is available.

How to Get a Car Towed From Your Property

Sometimes, the issue isn’t a breakdown on the road but a vehicle that needs to be removed from your private property. This often happens with abandoned cars, illegally parked vehicles, or vehicles you no longer want.

Scenario 1: Illegally Parked Vehicle on Your Property

If a car is parked in your driveway or on your private parking space without permission, you have the right to have it removed. The process usually involves:

Verify Ownership/Authorization: Ensure you have the right to request the tow. This is typically the property owner or an authorized manager.
Identify Vehicle Information: Note down the license plate number, make, model, and color of the vehicle.
Contact Local Authorities or Towing Company:
- For Public/Apartment Parking Lots: Contact your property management, homeowner’s association (HOA), or the local police department (non-emergency line). They often have a towing company on contract or can direct you to one that handles parking violations.
- For Private Driveways: You may need to contact a towing company directly that specializes in private property towing. Many towing companies have specific services for this.
Provide Necessary Details: When you call, you’ll need to provide the vehicle information and explain that it’s illegally parked on your private property.
Follow Local Regulations: There might be specific signage requirements for private property towing in your area. Check with your local DMV or municipal code. For instance, some areas require clear “No Parking” or “Towing Enforced” signs to be posted. You can often find local ordinances on your city or county government website.
Documentation: Keep records of your calls and any communication regarding the tow.

Scenario 2: Removing an Abandoned Vehicle

If a vehicle has been left on your property for an extended period and appears abandoned (e.g., flat tires, expired tags, visible disrepair), the process can be more involved:

Attempt to Identify Owner: If possible, try to find out who owns the vehicle.
Report to Authorities: Contact your local police department or sheriff’s office. They often have an abandoned vehicle division or can guide you. They may attempt to contact the registered owner.
Research Local Ordinances: Each municipality has different rules for declaring a vehicle abandoned and authorizing its removal. This often takes time. For example, a vehicle might need to be visibly derelict for a certain number of days.
Work with Authorized Towing Services: Once authorities give the go-ahead, you’ll likely need to use a towing company authorized by the city or county to handle abandoned vehicles.
Costs: Depending on local laws, the cost of towing and disposal might fall on the property owner initially, with the intention of recovering costs from the vehicle’s owner if found. Sometimes, the junking of the vehicle can cover towing fees.

Scenario 3: Towing a Vehicle You Own (e.g., for Sale or Disposal)

If you need to move your own car from your property to a new location, a junkyard, or for sale, you’ll book a standard tow:

Contact a Towing Company: Call a reputable towing service.
Provide Details: State your pickup address, your car’s details, and the destination address.
Arrange Payment: Discuss fees and payment methods.
Be Present: Be available to unlock the vehicle if necessary and to sign any paperwork.

Types of Tow Trucks

Understanding the different types of tow trucks can help you know what to expect and what might be best for your vehicle:

Tow Truck Type	Description	Best For
Flatbed Tow Truck (Rollback)	Has a bed that hydraulically tilts and rolls back, allowing vehicles to be driven or winched onto it.	Most vehicles, including cars, SUVs, motorcycles, collectibles, and damaged vehicles. Prevents mileage and wear on the towed vehicle’s tires and drivetrain. Ideal for AWD/4WD vehicles.
Hook and Chain Truck (Conventional)	Uses heavy chains or cables looped around the frame or axle to lift and tow.	Older vehicles or those with robust frames where lifting by suspension is not an issue. Not recommended for modern cars, especially those with low ground clearance or all-wheel drive, as it can cause damage.
Wheel-Lift Truck (Under-Reach)	Uses a metal yoke that fits under the front or rear wheels, lifting them off the ground while the other two wheels remain on the road.	Can tow most vehicles, but the lifted axle experiences wear. Often quicker to use than a flatbed for short distances.
Heavy-Duty Tow Truck	Larger, more powerful trucks designed for towing large vehicles like RVs, buses, semi-trucks, or commercial vehicles.	Large trucks, buses, and heavy equipment.

For most modern passenger vehicles, especially those with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), a flatbed tow truck is generally the safest and most recommended option to prevent any damage to the drivetrain. You can confirm this with the dispatch when booking your service.

Tips for a Smooth Towing Experience

Here are some extra tips to make your towing experience less stressful:

Be Patient: Tow trucks can be delayed due to traffic, weather, or other jobs.
Have Your Cell Phone Charged: You’ll need it to call for help and communicate with the driver.
Know Your Vehicle’s Drivetrain: If you have AWD or 4WD, be sure to inform the tow company so they use a flatbed or properly engage the towing mode. Failing to do so can cause significant damage.
Check Towing Capacity: If you are towing another person’s vehicle or a trailer, ensure the tow truck has the appropriate capacity.
Document Everything: Take pictures of your car before and after towing if it’s involved in an accident or if you suspect damage might occur.
Keep Roadside Assistance Details Handy: Store your roadside assistance membership number and contact info in your phone or car’s glove compartment.

Dealing with Towing Scams

Unfortunately, unscrupulous individuals may try to take advantage of people in vulnerable situations. Be aware of these common towing scams:

Fake Tow Truck Companies: Scammers may pose as tow truck drivers or employees of legitimate companies. Always confirm the company name and driver’s identity.
Inflated Pricing: Charging significantly more than the quoted price or adding hidden fees. Always get an estimate in writing if possible, and ask for a detailed invoice.
Holding Your Car Hostage: Demanding excessive payment before releasing your vehicle, especially if it was towed for an alleged violation.
Unnecessary Damage: Some unethical operators may cause damage to a vehicle before towing it, then claim it was pre-existing or happened during the tow.

To protect yourself:

Use reputable towing services recommended by your insurance, auto club, or trusted sources.
Get quotes from multiple providers when possible.
Never authorize a tow or service from someone who approaches you unsolicited at the side of the road.
If you suspect foul play, contact the consumer protection agency in your area or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

FAQ: Your Towing Questions Answered

Q1: How much does it typically cost to get a car towed?

Local towing can range from $75 to $150 for a standard tow. The cost increases with distance, time of day (off-hours are more expensive), and the type of vehicle or service required. Always get an estimate from the towing company before they start the job.

Q2: How long does it usually take for a tow truck to arrive?

This varies greatly depending on your location, the towing company’s availability, traffic, and weather. In busy areas, it might be 30-60 minutes, while in more remote locations or during peak times, it could be 1-2 hours or longer. The dispatcher should give you an estimated arrival time (ETA).

Q3: Do I need to be present when my car is towed from my property if it’s illegally parked?

Typically, yes, especially if it’s your property and you’re authorizing the tow. You’ll likely need to sign paperwork and arrange payment if it’s a private towing service. For municipal towing of illegally parked cars, the process might differ; confirm with authorities or the towing company.

Q4: Can I ride in the tow truck with my car?

This depends on the towing company’s policy and insurance. Many companies do not allow passengers in the tow truck for safety reasons. Always ask the dispatcher or driver when you book the tow. If not, you’ll need to arrange separate transportation.

Q5: What information should I have ready before calling for a tow?

Be prepared to provide your exact location, the make, model, and color of your vehicle, why you need a tow, where you want to tow it to, and your name and contact number. Having your roadside assistance membership number handy is also helpful if applicable.

Q6: Is my car covered by insurance if it needs to be towed?

Many auto insurance policies offer optional roadside assistance coverage that includes towing. Some policies might cover towing if the breakdown is due to a covered incident like an accident. It’s best to check your specific policy details or contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage limits and deductibles.

Q7: What’s the difference between hook and chain towing and flatbed towing?

Hook and chain towing uses cables to lift your car by its frame or axles, potentially causing damage or wear, especially to modern vehicles. Flatbed towing uses a car-carrying platform, lifting your entire vehicle safely, preventing mileage and wear, and is recommended for most vehicles, particularly AWD/4WD or damaged cars.

Conclusion

Dealing with a car that needs to be towed can feel overwhelming, but by following these essential steps, you can navigate the process with confidence. Remember to prioritize your safety, accurately communicate your location and vehicle details, and clarify costs before the tow begins. Whether it’s a sudden roadside breakdown or removing an unwanted vehicle from your property, being prepared is your greatest asset. Knowing when to call a professional and what to expect ensures your vehicle gets where it needs to go safely and efficiently. Don’t let a tow situation stress you out – you’ve got this!