Best Practices for Securing a Tow During a Disablement

Having a plan for how you’ll secure a tow following a vehicle breakdown or disablement can help prevent the likelihood of a headache later. Consider these best practices.
January 24, 2023 | Trucker
By: Cliff J.
I bring over 30 years of trucking industry experience to Acuity. I worked my way up from driving to managing the safety operations of a transportation company, culminating in owning and managing my own regional trucking company. My main goal at Acuity is to help you, the motor carrier, the owner/operator and the driver better understand the insurance industry and help shape Acuity’s products and services to better meet your needs. I regularly provide ongoing trucking training to Acuity employees to help them understand the unique needs of those in the trucking/transportation industry. With over 30 years in the transportation sector, as both a company driver and as owner and manager of a trucking company, I have first-hand experience that helps me understand the challenges truckers’ face, and detailed knowledge of transportation regulations. My experience coupled with a background in insurance loss control can help answer and provide solutions to any issues that may arise.

In recent years, towing and labor costs have steadily increased. While most towing companies operate fairly and honestly, the industry has experienced some predatory towing practices where companies overcharge, illegally confiscate, or prevent release of trucks or cargo, often resulting in financial issues for the trucking company.

 

Having a plan for how you’ll secure a tow following a vehicle breakdown or disablement can help prevent the likelihood of a headache later. Consider these best practices:

 

Identify and build relationships

Having preexisting relationships with reputable towing companies in your area could better position you to avoid unfair or inflated charges. Establishing agreements with a regional or national towing company can alleviate some of the stress of finding a reputable tow in a moment of need.

 

Be cautious of the first tow truck on the scene

Be on the lookout for tow trucks that respond quickly and unprompted. Scammers may create hazards that lead to a disablement where their services might be needed.

 

Notify the authorities

Notifying the police and other necessary emergency services during an accident should be routine. Local police will often know of reputable towing companies in the area for you to utilize if you do not have one in mind.

 

Avoid verbal agreements

Prior to consenting to a tow, get the quoted price in writing with all charges and fees clearly disclosed and itemized. This will help ensure you are not overcharged when it comes time to release your vehicle.

 

Incorporate disablement planning into your training 

A disablement can be jarring, and a driver may not think clearly in a moment of panic. By training your drivers ahead of time and having protocols in place, you can be confident the tow will be handled appropriately. This can include coordinating tows through managers or designated employees or dispatchers.

 

Report suspicious activity or egregious business practices to local authorities 

If you or your drivers fall victim to a predatory towing incident, report the event to local officials for support. By reporting bad actors, you help reduce and eliminate these types of operations from preying on other vulnerable motorists.

By: Cliff J.
I bring over 30 years of trucking industry experience to Acuity. I worked my way up from driving to managing the safety operations of a transportation company, culminating in owning and managing my own regional trucking company. My main goal at Acuity is to help you, the motor carrier, the owner/operator and the driver better understand the insurance industry and help shape Acuity’s products and services to better meet your needs. I regularly provide ongoing trucking training to Acuity employees to help them understand the unique needs of those in the trucking/transportation industry. With over 30 years in the transportation sector, as both a company driver and as owner and manager of a trucking company, I have first-hand experience that helps me understand the challenges truckers’ face, and detailed knowledge of transportation regulations. My experience coupled with a background in insurance loss control can help answer and provide solutions to any issues that may arise.