Dealing with Tow Truck Operators - 05 Oct 2009 15:05
By assisting road accident victims, including injured parties, as well directing traffic and aiding authorities, tow truck operators provide a necessary service to insurance companies and the insured alike. While necessary, the problem with tow truck drivers is that they know this and understand the unfamiliar situation you find yourself in after an accident, which can lead to them exploiting you.
Tow truck drivers, or operators, take certain measures to ensure that their service is used above that of competitors. You are not required to use the first towing company to arrive on the seen – it’s not first come first serve. According to the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, no one is allowed to move a vehicle without the permission of the driver or operator of the vehicle, unless to clear traffic.
The following tips will help you deal with tow truck drivers.
1. Before allowing your vehicle to be towed, contact your insurance company and ask them how to proceed. Often they will send a towing company for assistance. For this reason keep the number of your insurance and their towing company handy.
2. The car damaged by the accident must go to a panel beater that is approved by you insurance company. Collect the vehicle quickly after to repairs to prevent accumulating storage charges.
3. Recovery companies can assist with all aspects of an accident, including towing, salvage and storage. Make sure you understand these fees before agreeing to any assistance.
4. Gather as much information about the towing company as possible before agreeing to their assistance. Details to take note of are: name of the company, name of the driver, registration of the tow truck, physical address and phone number (not cell phone).
5. You are not obligated to sign any documents, other than an authorization to tow the vehicle. Do not be pressured by them into signing anything.
6. If your are a member of the AA, contact them to tow your vehicle. They only agree to use certain towing companies.
7. Don’t forget to take all your valuables out of the vehicle before letting it get towed.
If you don’t abide by the regulations of your insurance policy, or use the towing company approved by them, you have no recourse for action if anything goes wrong. Tow truck operators are renowned for underhanded behaviour and their exploitation of victims to an accident. Don’t do anything unless your absolutely sure you are within your rights to do so.
By assisting road accident victims, including injured parties, as well directing traffic and aiding authorities, tow truck operators provide a necessary service to insurance companies and the insured alike. While necessary, the problem with tow truck drivers is that they know this and understand the unfamiliar situation you find yourself in after an accident, which can lead to them exploiting you. Tow truck drivers, or operators, take certain measures to ensure that their service is used above that of competitors. You are not required to use the first towing company to arrive on the seen – it’s not first come first serve. According to the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, no one is allowed to move a vehicle without the permission of the driver or operator of the vehicle, unless to clear traffic.
The following tips will help you deal with tow truck drivers.
1. Before allowing your vehicle to be towed, contact your insurance company and ask them how to proceed. Often they will send a towing company for assistance. For this reason keep the number of your insurance and their towing company handy.
2. The car damaged by the accident must go to a panel beater that is approved by you insurance company. Collect the vehicle quickly after to repairs to prevent accumulating storage charges.
3. Recovery companies can assist with all aspects of an accident, including towing, salvage and storage. Make sure you understand these fees before agreeing to any assistance.
4. Gather as much information about the towing company as possible before agreeing to their assistance. Details to take note of are: name of the company, name of the driver, registration of the tow truck, physical address and phone number (not cell phone).
5. You are not obligated to sign any documents, other than an authorization to tow the vehicle. Do not be pressured by them into signing anything.
6. If your are a member of the AA, contact them to tow your vehicle. They only agree to use certain towing companies.
7. Don’t forget to take all your valuables out of the vehicle before letting it get towed.
If you don’t abide by the regulations of your insurance policy, or use the towing company approved by them, you have no recourse for action if anything goes wrong. Tow truck operators are renowned for underhanded behaviour and their exploitation of victims to an accident. Don’t do anything unless your absolutely sure you are within your rights to do so.