Towing Service Near Me: How to Find a Tow Truck Fast

If your vehicle can't be driven, your first call should usually be to your breakdown cover or roadside assistance provider, if you have one. If you don't, you can find a local towing or recovery company in a few minutes. But get yourself safe first.

Safety first

On a motorway or busy road, your safety matters more than the car. In England, National Highways advises drivers who break down on a motorway to:

• move left, onto the hard shoulder, into an emergency area or off at the next exit if you can
• put your hazard lights on
• if it's safe to, get out on the side away from traffic and wait behind the safety barrier, well away from moving traffic
• call National Highways on 0300 123 5000, then a breakdown provider

If you've stopped in a live lane or can't get out safely, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt and hazard lights on and call 999. In the US, move off the road if you can, turn your hazard lights on, and call 911 if you're in danger.

Who to call

1. Breakdown cover or roadside assistance: for example the AA, RAC or Green Flag in the UK, or AAA in the US. Your car insurance, bank account or a new car's warranty may also include roadside assistance, so check before paying for a tow yourself.
2. Your insurer, if you've had an accident: many insurers arrange recovery and can tell you where the car should go.
3. A local recovery or towing company: search vehicle recovery, towing or tow truck in Google Maps or Apple Maps. Choose a company with a local address and recent reviews, and call more than one if you have time.

Agree the price before the tow

• Ask for the total price, including the call-out, mileage, and any night, weekend or storage charges.
• Say where you want the vehicle taken, whether that's home, your usual garage or a garage you choose, rather than leaving it to the driver.
• Be wary of tow trucks that turn up at an accident without being called.
• Get a receipt that lists each charge.

If your car has been towed away

If your car has gone from where you parked it, it may have been towed rather than stolen. Look for signs where you parked giving the operator's or council's number, or call the police non-emergency number (101 in the UK, or your local non-emergency line in the US) to check. Collect it as soon as you can, because storage fees usually build up every day. In the US, towing rules and maximum charges vary by state, so if you think you've been overcharged, keep your receipt and contact your state or local consumer protection office.

After the tow

If the car needs repairs, see our guide to finding a good auto repair shop near you.