Getting your car towed to a body shop or dealer
After an accident or a breakdown, the car usually needs to go to a shop, not home. A few minutes of planning makes the drop-off go smoothly.
Call the shop first
- Ask if they can take the car, and what their hours are.
- Ask where the car should be left and what to do with the keys if they're closed. Many shops have a key drop box.
- If it's an insurance repair, have your claim number ready. The shop will usually ask for it.
Choose the right tow type
You pick flatbed or wheel-lift when you book. A flatbed carries the whole car on the truck's bed. It's the usual choice for all-wheel-drive cars, low sports cars, and cars with damage to the wheels or suspension.
A wheel-lift raises one end of the car and works for many everyday cars. If you're not sure, check your owner's manual for towing instructions, or choose flatbed.
Get the car ready
- Take out your valuables, papers, garage openers and a removable toll transponder.
- Take a few photos of your own if you like. The ZeroTow driver also photographs the car from every side before hooking it, and you sign off, so its condition is on record.
Book the tow
Enter the pickup and the shop's address to see the price before you book. You can tow now, or schedule up to 7 days ahead, which helps when the shop can only take the car on a certain day. Use the note for the driver to say where the keys go and who to ask for at the shop.
For shops and dealerships
If you run a shop or dealership that moves cars often, a ZeroTow business account lets your team order tows with a PO number on each job and pay on one monthly statement. Write to info@zerotow.com to set one up.