Towing FAQs

Around 189,000 vehicles break down per day in the United States. These roadside emergencies can happen anywhere at any time. From mechanical issues like failing alternators or transmissions to road occurrences like flat tires, what should you do when your car breaks down and you need a tow truck?

With any roadside emergency the most important thing is to always get to a safe location as far away from traffic as you can. You want there to be enough space for your vehicle to be out of harm's way meanwhile, giving enough room for the towing provider to maneuver their tow truck and do their job safely. This will also result in a faster road service as they can quickly access the vehicle to begin the tow.

Once your vehicle is in a safe location, connect with a roadside assistance and towing provider through the Curbside SOS app or website. Here you will need to provide your location and vehicle details then choose your desired towing provider from our list of highly trained, vetted and qualified towing professionals.

After you've submitted your tow request, your towing provider will be immediately dispatched to assist you and get your vehicle towed off to your desired destination. You can submit your roadside assistance requests with Curbside SOS anywhere at any time, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Drive safely!

Towing costs can depend on various factors such as distance, vehicle type and even the towing service provider. With no standard rates and charges at the whim of the provider, how can you ensure you're getting the best deal and lowest rate for your roadside assistance or towing service?

With Curbside SOS we have a dedicated network of roadside and towing professionals trusted to provide fast and quality services to our motorists in need. Skip the guesswork and sales tactics by requesting your road assistance through the Curbside SOS app or website.

So forget wasting time price checking or haggling your way back on the road. By choosing Curbside SOS, we give you the tools to make the best decision that works for you.

Yes, when opting in for a tow service you can request your vehicle to be towed to a specific location. However there are some things to be mindful of when making the decision of where your vehicle needs to be towed to.

First, the destination determines the price. The further the vehicle needs to travel during the tow the more expensive the tow will be. So when considering possible tow destinations keep the distance in mind.

Second, consider what steps you need to take moving forward. Will your vehicle need services or repairs only an auto shop could do? Perhaps you should have your vehicle towed to your trusted mechanic. Do you not have the time or money to work on the vehicle immediately? In that case it might be best for the car to be towed back to your home until you have the ability to work on it.

Needing a tow can be a stressful situation and making the right decision can be difficult so remember to remain calm and think about the option that best works for you. Distance and destination are the two key points you need to consider when a tow is needed.

The arrival time of a tow truck can depend on a few different factors. Your location and situation are considered, the local traffic in the area can have an effect or the towing provider's availability can change the arrival time.

However with Curbside SOS our user-friendly platform gives you a quick and easy way of seeing arrival times when you select one of our trusted towing providers. Once you make the choice that feels right for you, your towing provider may also give you updates personally on their ETA or potential delays.

The important thing is communication. We give you the tools to make the right roadside decision and connect you with the right tow providers to get you back on the road safely!

When you're in need of a tow it is important that you know what information a towing provider will need to service your vehicle. Please ensure you cover the following when speaking with a tower.

First, you'll need to provide your exact location. You can use your phone's mapping system to ping or locate yourself. You want to get as detailed as you can whether that means the address, cross streets or nearby landmarks like businesses you can give as reference points.

Second, to ensure the tow provider brings out the proper equipment for your vehicle type, you'll need to give them your vehicle's year, make, model and color as well as describe the issue you are experiencing.

Lastly, you need to have a destination to tow your vehicle to. This could mean taking the vehicle to a shop or delivering the vehicle back to your home safely. Regardless, the more specific you are with your information and preferences the better prepared the towing provider will be to assist you effectively.

When considering a tow, the distance between where your vehicle broke down and the destination the vehicle needs to be towed to is the key factor in determining pricing. A local tow typically refers to a shorter distance towing service. This could be towing and transporting your vehicle from the breakdown location to a nearby auto shop or your residence.

However, long distance towing covers extensive distances such as cross country tows or passing through multiple states. This type of towing can involve additional costs for the tow provider to make the trip. Both services can be done whether you need to be taken up the road or upstate, the important thing is that you are clear with your needs when speaking with your towing provider and making arrangements for your vehicle.

Yes, many tow providers in our network offer flatbed towing services. Flatbed tow trucks are a popular choice for towers to use and a selection some motorists prefer. A flatbed works by lowering down a slanted platform, known as the flatbed, which a vehicle can be driven onto or winched onto in the event the car doesn't run or is damaged.

Afterwards, the vehicle will be secured with chains or straps to keep it in place on the tow truck. Many motorists and towers choose this option as lifting the vehicle up and off the road for transit can result in a reduced chance of additional damage happening to the vehicle while being towed.

Towing services are available 24/7, so whether it's the middle of the night or during harsh weather, help is just a request away. However, it's important to keep in mind that bad weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or ice, can affect response times. Towing providers may face hazardous road conditions, which could cause delays as they work to reach you safely.

During these situations, staying patient is key. Your safety remains the top priority, and towing professionals will do everything they can to assist you as quickly and securely as possible. Always make sure you're in a safe location while you wait, and trust that your provider is on the way, despite any weather-related challenges.

If the tow truck doesn't arrive within the estimated time frame, you can contact the provider directly using the contact details provided. You'll also have the backup of the Curbside SOS customer support team to assist you in resolving any issues you may have.

It's generally recommended to stay with your vehicle while waiting for the tow truck. This ensures that you're available to provide any necessary information to the tow truck operator and can assist with the handoff of keys or additional instructions.

Yes, you can request to have your vehicle towed to the repair shop of your choice, or any other destination you prefer. Be sure to communicate this clearly with the towing provider when making your request, so they are aware of the location. Keep in mind that longer distances may result in additional fees, so it's important to discuss potential costs upfront to avoid any surprises.

Professional towing providers are trained to use the right equipment and techniques to ensure your vehicle is transported safely, minimizing the risk of damage. If you have concerns about potential damage, you can request a flatbed tow, which keeps your vehicle off the road entirely during transit. Additionally, it's a good idea to discuss any specific needs or requirements with the towing provider before the service begins to ensure they take the proper precautions.