Before you call a tow truck, there is some information you need to have on hand. This information will help the towing company provide you with the best service possible based on the situation you find yourself in.
Where You Are Located
First, you need to know where you are located. That is easy if your battery dies while you are at home. However, if you get into a vehicular accident and you find yourself broken down on a random spot, that can be more complicated. If you have a GPS system in your vehicle, turn it on and get your location from it. If you don't have a GPS in your car, you can use your phone's maps app and see where you are located. If that doesn't work, you can always share the name of a business near your vehicle or get out of your vehicle and look for street signs.
Insurance Information
Second, you are going to need to know your insurance information. Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance programs, which will cover the cost of your tow. If your vehicle was damaged in an accident, your insurance will often also generally cover the tow cost. You are going to need to know the name of your insurance provider and your policy number. This will allow the towing company to bill your insurance provider instead of you for their services.
Mechanic's Information
Third, you need to know where you want to send your vehicle. If you have a regular mechanic or auto shop that you take your vehicle to, you will want to get their address and contact information. You are going to need to share this information with the towing company. That way, they will know how far they need to tow your vehicle. This can impact the type of equipment that they bring to your location.
Vehicle Information
Finally, and most importantly, you need to be able to provide vehicle information. To start with, they are going to want to know the make and model of your vehicle; different vehicles require different towing equipment to tow successfully.
You also need to be able to describe the condition of your vehicle. For example, if you just need a jump start, they don't need to send out a tow truck — just a technician to help you. Or if a suspension part broke, part of your vehicle is sitting on the road; you are going to need a flat-bed towing truck sent to your vehicle.
Before you call a towing company, you need to know where you are located; you need insurance information for billing. You need your mechanic's information. You need to know what type of vehicle you have and what condition it is in. All of this information will help the towing company best meet your needs.