You’re driving along US 85 on your way to work, and suddenly your car decides to die on you. Thankfully you can safely coast to the emergency lane, but now what? Unless you’re a professional mechanic and prepared to fix your car on the side of a busy highway, you’re going to need to call a towing service in Williston, ND.
Not all towing services are the same, so it’s important to know what to expect, what to watch out for and what questions to ask when calling a towing service. So, before you find yourself stranded on the side of the road and in need of a tow, here are seven things you should know:
- Turn on your emergency lights and stay inside your car: Some people may want to get out of their vehicle while waiting for a tow, but you are at a much greater risk of getting hit by a passing car if you do so. Other drivers are much more likely to see your car with its emergency flashers on than they are to see you.
- Call your insurance company: Some insurance providers may reimburse you for the cost of a tow, but you need to check first to confirm that a tow is covered and see if they have any preferred towing services they want you to use.
- Know where you are: Although you don’t have to be prepared to give your exact coordinates, the more information you can provide the towing service about where you are, the sooner they can get a tow truck out to you. Saying “I’m on the side of US 85” leaves a lot of ground to cover! Try to identify a nearby exit, cross street or landmark that the tow truck driver can use to help locate you.
- Gather your belongings: Waiting for the tow truck is a good time to gather any valuables or personal belongings that you don’t want to leave in your car. This will save time later and ensure you don’t forget anything.
- Know who is towing your car: Some scammers or other individuals may try to take advantage of your situation, so be sure you know who you’re dealing with. When the tow truck arrives, check to make sure it has a municipal license number and that the company’s logo is visible and matches the name of the company you called.
- Don’t rush through the paperwork: If the driver asks you to sign anything before towing your car, be sure to carefully read the paperwork first.
- Plan ahead: The best way to be prepared for a tow is by planning ahead. Do some research on local towing services and check with your insurance company so you can have a plan for who to call if you do find yourself in an emergency situation.
If you’re looking for a reliable towing service in Williston, ND that you can trust, give Chaney Total Auto & Exhaust Repair a try. We’re fast, friendly and will take good care of you and your vehicle—guaranteed!