Toeing the line on tow truck assistance

Having your car towed can be a very negative experience if you end up dealing with a dubious tow truck company. On the scene of an accident, emotion can run high and it's easy to be misled by a tow truck driver who seems kind and wants to help. However, choosing the wrong tow truck driver can lead to confusion and tedious administration when trying to retrieve your car.

24 Aug 2015

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Bertus Visser, Chief Executive of Distribution at PSG Insure share some tips to help you keep safe on the roads and assist you in making the right decisions if you get into an accident.

Stick to your plan

First and foremost, you should have a 'DO NOT TOW' sticker from the AA (if you are a member) or from your insurance company or adviser that is placed on the window of your vehicle. This will become particularly important if you are incapacitated in an accident. It will make sure that authorities know to call your insurer to get the right tow truck to assist you.

Make the call

Once you have had an accident, the first thing to do is to call on reliable sources for assistance. You should have either your insurance company, adviser or the AA's contact details on both the back of your 'DO NOT TOW' sticker as well as stored in your cellphone contact list. You could also keep the contact details on hand for UTASA and SATRA. If you are unconscious, having the right contact details on the back of your sticker or on your cellphone will assist authorities in getting you the right help.

Choose carefully

Many independent tow truck drivers are quite happy to bend the truth, convincing you to use their services. Never feel obligated to choose the first tow truck driver who arrives on the scene and be aware that not every one of them has your best interests at heart. Make sure to use a tow truck company you can trust, such as those registered with the United Towing Association of South Africa (UTASA) or the South African Towing and Recovery Association (SATRA). Keep in mind that using a tow truck driver that isn't registered could be very costly, and could even put you at risk to become a victim of crime. The police have identified some tow truck drivers as part of a scam to steal cars.

Keep a clear record

When making use of any tow truck company (even if they are seen to be reputable), take down all details of the towing operator, including the:

name of the company

name of the driver

registration number

telephone number

address

In line with correct procedure, the towing operator needs to compile a list of all the accessories fitted on the vehicle and has to note all damage before towing it away. You will be given documents to sign and you must insist on copies of these. Take caution to review and verify all terms and conditions before you sign.

Before your vehicle is towed, take your own photos of the accident and remove any valuable personal belongings from your car. Keep in mind that the cost of towing your vehicle may not be covered by your insurer unless you utilise a reputable, approved tow truck company.

To tow or not to tow

Do not allow the vehicle to be moved from the scene unless it is for the purpose of allowing traffic to pass. Authorities such as the police may be involved if the accident is serious, and will advise on moving the vehicle accordingly.

If, however, the vehicle is drivable (such as when you have a fender bender), you may drive away from the scene without tow truck assistance. But be cautious and thoroughly check that there are no fluids leaking from the vehicle before attempting to drive it. Above all, be safe.