Before the truck arrives
How to prepare your car for a tow
Last updated
The short answer
Before the tow truck arrives, take your valuables and papers, take photos of every side of the car, and tell the driver about anything unusual. Stay somewhere safe while the driver loads the car, and ask for a receipt or paperwork before it leaves.
What should I take out of my car before it is towed?
Take anything that is valuable or that you need. That means your phone, wallet, keys, medicine, bags, papers and any electronics. Once the car is at a shop or a yard, it may be a while before you see it again.
Take child seats only if you need them. Also think about tolls, garage passes and parking permits, because you may want them later.
Why should I take photos before the tow?
Photos show what shape your car was in before it was moved. If there is ever a question about a scratch or a dent, a photo taken at the roadside helps everyone sort it out.
Walk around the car once and take a wide shot of each side. Then take close shots of anything that already looks damaged. It only takes a minute.
What should I tell the tow truck driver?
Tell the driver anything that changes how the car should be moved. That includes all wheel drive, a flat tire, a car that will not shift out of park, a low front end or a broken axle.
You do not need to fix the problem. You just need the driver to know, so they can pick a safe way to load the car. If you have a minute, check your owner's manual for anything it says about towing or moving the car, and pass that on too. The driver can do their job better when you speak up.
What paperwork should I get?
Ask for a copy of whatever you sign and a receipt or job number. Read what you sign before you sign it. Ask if you do not understand something.
Also write down the name of the company, the driver and the place the car is going. Take a photo of the truck if it helps you remember.
- A copy of anything you sign.
- A receipt or job number.
- The company name and phone number.
- The driver name.
- The address where the car is being taken.
Step by step
Stay safe while you wait
Keep your hazard lights on and stand away from traffic. Do most of these steps only if you can do them safely.
Take your valuables and papers
Grab your wallet, phone, keys you do not need to hand over, bags, medicine and documents. Take anything you would hate to lose.
Take photos of the whole car
Photograph all four sides, the wheels and any damage that is already there. Photos with a time on them help if there is a question later.
Clear loose items and note what stays
Remove or secure loose things that can slide around. Tell the driver about items you must leave in the trunk or bed.
Tell the driver about any problem
Mention a flat tire, a locked wheel, a stuck gear, a low car or a broken part. Also say if the car is all wheel drive.
Have your key or fob ready
The driver may need it to unlock the steering or shift the car. Hand it over only to the person from the company you called.
Ask where the car is going
Confirm the address and who to call there. Write it down or take a photo of the truck and the driver name.
Get a receipt or paperwork
Ask for a copy of what you sign and of any receipt. Keep it with your other papers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be there when my car is towed?
Often yes, since the driver may need your key or your signature. If you cannot be there, tell the company when you call and ask how they handle it.
Can I ride along in the tow truck?
That depends on the company and the truck. Ask when you call. Some trucks have room for a passenger and some do not, and rules can differ by company.
Should I leave my car unlocked?
Ask the driver. They may need access to the car to move it. Lock it or hand over the key according to what the driver tells you, and take your valuables either way.
What if I notice damage after the tow?
Take photos right away, tell the driver or the company, and compare with your before photos. If a driver has photos too, that helps sort it out. Call your insurer if you need help.
Stuck right now?
If anyone is hurt, or you are stopped in traffic, call emergency services first. Then get to a safe spot away from moving traffic.
Once you are safe, call your local tow company or your roadside assistance plan. This page is general information and cannot send help.
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