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Taking Steps To Have Your Car Towed Successfully

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Taking Steps To Have Your Car Towed Successfully

There aren't many things that are more frustrating than dealing with a car that has developed sudden and illusive problems. You might wonder how to stay safe on the freeway or where you should pull over. My husband has worked in the towing industry for many years, and I could tell you funny, scary, and confusing stories about decisions drivers have made for him in the past. I want to make the world a safer place for tow truck drivers, which is why I created this blog. Read on to learn interesting tips for roadside safety, so that you don't find yourself in the same situation I did.

Roadside Emergency Planning For Company Fleets

1 September 2015
 Categories: , Blog

Keeping your company fleet cars properly maintained is one way to help avoid an unexpected breakdown, but even the best cared for car may eventually experience a problem. For this reason, it's a good idea to be prepared in advance for just this scenario. Doing so will help keep your employee safe and the car protected and can save the company money. This guide can help you develop a workable breakdown procedure.

#1: Set Safety Rules

Make sure every employee that drives a fleet car knows the company safety expectations in the event of a roadside emergency. These rules should include:

  • Pull the vehicle to a safe place, out of the flow of traffic, when possible. Activate the hazard lights to alert other motorists.

  • Do not attempt a fix. Instead, immediately call the supervisor on duty and the emergency roadside service approved by the company.

  • Stay in the vehicle, with the seat belt engaged, if it is safe to do so. Generally, it is safer for the employee in the car than it is standing on the side of the road.

#2: Get Protection in Advance

Leased fleet vehicles typically come with a roadside assistance policy as part of the fleet agreement. This policy may be serviced by the dealer directly or via an outside contractor. If you own your fleet outright, investing in a policy is a good idea. This will lower the cost of towing, tire changes, battery services, and other quick fixes that can be performed during a roadside breakdown. If you don't want an assistance policy, then at the very least you should work out an advance deal with a local towing company so that you know the charges to expect on any calls.

#3: Contract With Local Mechanics

Leased vehicles usually go to the dealership or the leasing company for any work, but you will need to develop a relationship with a local mechanic if you own your vehicles outright. Most shops have special pricing for fleets, although you may need to sign a contract stating you will go through this mechanic exclusively for your fleet maintenance needs in order to qualify for the discounts.

#4: Provide Your Driver With the Info

Once you have your roadside policy and contracts in place, make sure this information is easy for your employees to find. Every fleet vehicle should have a folder in the glove box that contains not just the vehicle's registration and insurance card, but also a copy of the roadside assistance policy and any necessary membership cards. You will also want to include the contact information for any towing companies you contract with or which are acceptable under the policy, along with the mechanic your company uses.

For more information about setting up a roadside assistance plan, contact a company like Kingsway Towing Group.