Car towing insurance is not a stand-alone product but is included when you take out a Comprehensive car insurance policy. Sometimes third party, fire and theft insurance may also include this added benefit. Familiarise yourself with the detail of your car insurance to see if you have car towing insurance cover.

If towing is covered by your insurance you will receive a “Do not tow” sticker which you need to display in your car to ensure that it is not towed by any unauthorised towing company. You may be unconscious after an accident and not be able to make your own arrangements.

When you are involved in an accident phone your Insurance Company immediately and inform them of the accident. Confirm that they will make arrangements with an authorized towing company to tow your car. If you allow an unauthorized towing company to remove your car you will be liable for the cost and your insurer will not refund you.

Many people have fallen victim to unscrupulous tow truck drivers who claim to represent the insurance company. You can pay between R2 000 and R3 000 for towing plus R250 storage a day.  Be prepared for accidents, attach the sticker with the insurance details to your car’s windscreen and also program their number on your cell phone.

Remove all personal belongings and valuable items from the car and confirm that the towing operator has listed items such as the wheel spanner and spare wheel on the towing sheet.