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1. A wrecker service is included in most car insurance policies,
but you pay for it and it's often not enough coverage.
Check your policy. A $40 limit may be common in
communities where $75 wrecker service exists. Keep the tow
receipt for reimbursement separate. You may need to apply
for payment within 30 days or lose the money. Timing
depends if you are claiming on your auto club or your car
insurance.
2.
Remove valuables you can carry before the wrecker service
arrives. Most services are honest, but a dishonest driver can easily
steal from the car and the theft can be difficult to prove.
3. Have a camera at the scene.
Take pictures of the car
inside, too, especially the radio and other valuable equipment that
could be removed. Take pictures of the car as it's going on the
wrecker truck.
4.
Read what the wrecker driver writes on the receipt. He will list
areas of obvious damage on your car. If he misses something, tell
him. Once the driver drops off your car, you probably won't see him
again.
5. Write down the type of tow truck used: Flat bed, winch, other.
6. Ask your insurance company to send
out an adjuster, if you believe your car is totaled and it was
delivered to storage. The insurance company will want to do this
quickly to avoid more storage fees, but you should be driving a
rental car while this is done.
7. Wrecker Service Tow
trucks can cause damage that results in disputes later. It's easier
to prove with pictures taken at the car scene before the car is put
on the tow truck.
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"My car
had severe front end damage from the car accident. The
body shop refused to repair a deep gash in the back left
quarter panel caused by the wrecker driver when my car was
lifted onto the tow
truck."
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See Part II
Wrecker
Service - Avoid An Expensive Charge At The Scene
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