Your Car's Been Towed - Now What?

[seoxeee]

Anyone who has ever had their car towed knows the feeling all too well. You walk through a parking lot, and upon approaching the spot where your car was parked, you notice that the car is gone. Immediately, your mind starts to wander. "Was my car stolen?" Did I forget where I parked?" Am I losing my mind?" The questions are endless, and the feeling becomes more and more hapless and hopeless through each passing minute. Finally, as your browse through the parking lot, you become aware of a sign positioned only a few yards away from where you originally parked. The sign's letters stare at you like a deer in headlights - TOW AWAY ZONE.

Having a vehicle towed is one of the most frustrating situations that drivers will face, and most people car wreckers  be perplexed as to what to do next. The following guide will assist you the next time your car or truck finds its way to a tow yard:

• Remain calm: As dire as the situation may seem, realize that you will be able to get your car back. While it may cost you time and money, you should put things into perspective. (Accidents are a lot worse and 100 times more dangerous than having your car towed.)

• Find out where your vehicle is: Scan the area for signs that indicate which wrecker service is responsible for monitoring the area. If there is no sign, then the next step is to call your local police station. They'll be able to tell you where your car was towed to. (Be sure not to call 911. Your car getting towed is not an emergency and you don't want to tie up the lines.)

• Get a ride: Call a friend or family member and ask that they come and pick you up. If possible, have them drive you to the towing company's impound lot as soon as possible. The shorter your car is there, the less it will cost you.

• Grab cash: Many towing companies won't accept credit cards or checks, so be prepared with cold, hard cash incase this situation arises.

• Check the bill and car: Wrecker service companies will often try and take advantage of drivers by adding additional surcharges to the final towing bill. Never hesitate to question the tower about each individual charge on the bill. Also, check the car itself (both the interior and the exterior) for damage.

As maddening as it is to have a car towed, the most important thing that you can do when facing this hardship is keep your composure. Becoming agitated and uptight will only matters worse. Be strong and fair when dealing with the wrecker service employees, and they'll do their best to get you your car back promptly.