No driver wants to break down on the road. After all, dealing with a non-functional car can be very stressful. Luckily, you can call a local auto repair and towing service if you run into this scenario. Here are five things to do when you need to call a local tow company for help.

1. Stay Safe

Make sure you stay safe after you pull over. Try to find a safe, visible area for you to park your car as you wait to be towed. You can turn on your hazard lights so other drivers understand you're waiting for help. If you're in a parking lot at night, try to be in a well-lit area.

2. Know the Location

Find out as much as you can about the location you're in. When you call a local tow company, they have to know exactly how to find you. Depending on your location and the location of the towing company you call, the distance between could be quite sizeable. Regardless of how long they have to travel to find you, they'll help you to get safe auto repairs as long as you effectively provide your location.

3. Find the Right Company

Before you settle on a towing company, you want to ensure your car is in the right hands. If you've never called a local tow company before, quickly do some research regarding reviews and expertise. After all, you don't want an unprofessional tow truck service taking your vehicle to an unknown spot.

4. Answer Questions

While you're on the phone with a tow company, be prepared to answer many questions. As mentioned, they may ask you several questions about your location. If there are a lot of cars around, or if you're in a busy area, they need to know your car model and the color. You'll have to give them as much detail as possible to enable them to find you easily, especially at night.

5. Understand Your Insurance

If you don't know all the details of your auto insurance, you may need to quickly look it up before you get auto repair services. All auto insurance isn't created equal, so the amount of coverage you have can determine just how much the company will pay for any repairs you need.

As you can see, you have a few steps you'll want to take when you need to call a tow company. According to IBISWorld, there are over 43,600 towing businesses in the United States. With some many businesses to choose from, you want to make sure your vehicle gets towed by one you feel confident in. For towing and auto repair services you can rely on, call Doug's Towing & Automotive Repair today.