Guide · 4 min read
How to Prepare for a Tow: Checklist and What to Expect
A few minutes of preparation makes the tow faster, safer and cheaper to plan.
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By MyTowPublished 4 min read
Key takeaways
- Have your exact location, vehicle details and destination ready for the request.
- Tell dispatch about all-wheel-drive, electric drivetrains, lowered suspension or anything unusual.
- Take photos and remove valuables before the hookup.
- Ask about pricing before you agree to service.
Get safe first
Hazard lights on, away from traffic if possible, and stay out of the line of moving vehicles. If anyone is injured, there is a fire or smoke, or the vehicle blocks a live lane, call 911 first.
What to include in your request
- Your exact location: address, cross-street, highway and direction, nearest exit or marker
- Make, model, year and colour of the vehicle
- Drivetrain: front-, rear-, all-wheel-drive, electric or hybrid
- What happened and what the vehicle is doing
- Where you want it taken: repair shop, dealership or home
- Special conditions: underground parking, low clearance, a locked wheel, no keys
Why the details matter
The right truck depends on the vehicle. All-wheel-drive and electric vehicles generally need a flatbed, low cars need a ramp approach and a car in an underground garage needs a truck that fits. Accurate details avoid wasted trips.
Before the truck arrives
- Take photos of all sides of the vehicle for your records
- Remove valuables, documents and anything loose
- Know where the keys are and unlock the steering if you can
- Set the parking brake only if it is safe; tell the operator if the vehicle will not release
- Have your ID and ownership or registration ready if asked
When the operator arrives
The operator will check the vehicle and the location and confirm what equipment is needed. Confirm the destination and ask about pricing before you agree to service.
Ask where the vehicle will be taken and keep a copy of any paperwork you sign.
After the tow
- Confirm that the vehicle arrived where you agreed
- Check it for damage in good light and compare it to your photos
- Keep receipts for insurance or warranty claims
- Contact your insurer if the tow relates to a collision or a covered breakdown
Common problems and solutions
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Not sure which truck to ask for | Describe the vehicle and situation; dispatch confirms the truck. Mention AWD, electric or lowered suspension. |
| Vehicle is in underground parking | Include the clearance height and access instructions in your request. |
| Keys are missing | Tell dispatch; a flatbed with the right equipment may be needed. |
| Unsure about the price | Ask about pricing before you agree and keep any paperwork. |
Need towing or roadside help now?
Depending on your situation, explore emergency towing, flatbed towing or breakdown towing. MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
Review towing and roadside assistance pricing factors, how MyTow’s online request process works and roadside safety tips.
This guide is general information, not legal or mechanical advice. In an emergency, call 911.
Related services
Towing
Emergency Towing — service details
Stranded and need a tow now? Request one day or night across the GTA.
Towing
Flatbed Towing — service details
All four wheels off the road — ideal for AWD, lowered and damaged vehicles.
Towing
Breakdown Towing — service details
Engine, transmission or electrical failure? Get towed to your mechanic.
Keep reading
Questions and answers
What information does a tow request need?
Your exact location, the vehicle's make, model and colour, what happened and where it should go. Add drivetrain details and any special conditions.
Should I stay with my car until the tow truck arrives?
Stay somewhere safe, away from traffic. On a highway that may mean staying buckled in with hazards on; follow your safety judgement.
Can I ride along in the tow truck?
It depends on the operator and the truck. Ask dispatch when you request the service.
Should I remove my belongings from the vehicle?
Yes, valuables and documents should come with you, and loose items can shift during transport.
Do I need to be present at the destination?
You can arrange access with the shop or location in advance. Confirm it with dispatch when you request.
What is "How to Prepare for a Tow: Checklist and What to Expect" about?
A few minutes of preparation makes the tow faster, safer and cheaper to plan.
What are the key points in "How to Prepare for a Tow: Checklist and What to Expect"?
Have your exact location, vehicle details and destination ready for the request. Tell dispatch about all-wheel-drive, electric drivetrains, lowered suspension or anything unusual. Take photos and remove valuables before the hookup. Ask about pricing before you agree to service.
When should I call 911 instead of requesting a tow?
If anyone is injured, there is a fire, or your vehicle is blocking a live lane, call 911 first. Request a tow once everyone is safe.
Which MyTow services relate to this guide?
emergency towing, flatbed towing, breakdown towing. Each has its own page with details, coverage and pricing factors.
How do I request help from MyTow?
Open the MyTow digital app at https://app.mytow.ca/request or call dispatch at (647) 633-8885. MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
Request towing or roadside help with MyTow
MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
