Comments on: How to Wait for a Tow Truck

on 4/13/2007 The standard rule of thumb in the towing industry is time given + 45 minutes. If they say 15-20 minutes, expect to be waiting well over an hour. If they seem hesitant before taking the call, there is also a good chance that they won't show up. Your best bet is to call several towing companies and just see who shows up first. The towing business is very cut throat, and every tow company wants everybody's business. So if someone stops and says they can tow you, and they give you a fair price, take them up on it. If you don't you will be waiting for a long time for the original tow service to arrive. That's just how it works. It's always been that way, and it will always be that way.

on 3/20/2006 Most towing companies in a given city do no snipe each others work. I am a tow truck driver, and I can tell you that we are too busy to engage in cut throat behavior. Most times you have just got a guy who would lend a hand to someone in trouble. However, if you call CAA then they dispatch a local company to tow your car. Where I am, we all work for CAA as well as ourselves. We try not to snipe each others work. Also, you should always listen to the tow truck guy/girl. Chances are they know you are in a bad way and only want to get you to were you need to be.

on 11/22/2005 When using Emergency Road Service, be sure to make Note of the Expected Time of Arrival, Call Reference Number, and the Facility Name that is assigned to assist you.

This will make it much quicker and easier when calling back to ERS, if needed for any follow-up.

Finally, knowing who is coming to provide service will aide in avoiding some other tow truck company, who just happens to be passing by and stops, from taking advantage of your unfortunate situation.

on 11/22/2005 If you have anyone coming to assist you in another vehicle (even just to wait with you), make sure that person parks BEHIND your vehicle (when on the expressway). This allows the tow truck room to hook up to your vehicle without worrying about getting another car out of the way.

on 11/22/2005 First off, if you are on highway, GET OUT OF YOUR CAR and wait 10 to 15 feet off of the shoulder unless you value your car more than your life. Stats show that if you're in your car on the side of road, you should get out.

on 11/22/2005 Give the address or the nearest cross streets of your location (including the city) to the tow company. This can mean the difference between a long or short wait.