When your car breaks down or gets damaged, it's easy to let whoever shows up take it. But in many situations you get a say in who tows your car and where it goes. Knowing your options can save you hassle, extra storage days and a second tow.
When you usually get to choose
If your car broke down and isn't blocking traffic or part of a crash investigation, the choice is generally yours. The same is often true after a minor crash once the scene is safe. You can call the company you trust, tell them where the car is, and decide where it goes.
When police call the tow
Many police departments and the State Highway Patrol in North Carolina use a rotation list of towing companies. If a car is blocking a lane, the driver is hurt or unable to decide, the vehicle is part of an investigation, or there's a safety risk, the officer may call the next company on the list. That's normal, and it keeps roads moving.
If you're able to, you can tell the officer you'd like to call your own company. They'll decide based on safety and how quickly the road needs to be cleared.
Questions to ask any tow company
Before you agree to a tow, ask:
- What's the total price, and what's included? Hook-up, mileage, after-hours, winching and storage can all be separate. Get the number before the car is loaded.
- Where will my car go? Make sure it's going to your shop or home, not a storage lot you didn't ask for.
- What kind of truck are you bringing? Some cars (all-wheel drive, low sports cars) are safest on a flatbed.
- How do I pay? Ask what payment methods they take.
- Will I get a receipt? You'll want it for insurance.
At JCH Towing we go over the plan and the price with you before we hook up. Call (888) 383-0095.
Red flags
- A tow truck that shows up when nobody called
- Pressure to sign blank forms
- No company name on the truck or paperwork
- Refusing to give a price until after the tow
- Insisting the car go to "their" shop
Pick your destination ahead of time
The best time to choose a mechanic or body shop is before you need one. Save your shop's name and address in your phone. If you're far from home, ask us about towing the car to your own shop instead of the closest one; our vehicle recovery & transport page covers longer moves, including to Danville and Martinsville.
Keep our number handy
Put (888) 383-0095 in your phone as "JCH Towing" now, so you're not searching the web on the side of the road.
