Tell the dispatcher where you are, what the vehicle is, what is wrong, where it needs to go, and how to reach you. Those five things let a tow company send the right truck. Call O’Hara & Sons Towing at (267) 377-3246, open 24/7, and have this list ready.

What does a dispatcher need to know?

  1. Your exact location. Street and nearest cross street, or highway, direction and exit. Mention a landmark, a store or a parking-lot level. If you are unsure, share your phone’s location by text.
  2. Your vehicle. Make, model, year and color. Say if it is all-wheel drive, lowered, lifted or modified. See flatbed vs wheel-lift.
  3. What happened. Won’t start, flat tire, out of fuel, locked out, crash damage, stuck in mud or snow, warning light.
  4. Vehicle condition. Does it start? Does it shift out of park? Do the wheels turn? Is there leaking fluid or damage?
  5. The destination. Home, a repair shop with its address, or our yard.
  6. Your contact number. One that works at the roadside, and your name.
  7. Who will be there. Whether you will stay with the vehicle, and whether you have the keys.
  8. Payment and billing. Ask for the total and how to pay before the truck arrives. See how much towing costs.

What else is useful?

  • Any hazard: you are on a shoulder, on a hill, in a tight alley or under a low clearance.
  • Whether children or pets are with you.
  • Any insurer or roadside plan reference, if you plan to ask them to pay. Ask your provider whether you must use a specific company.

What should I do while I wait?

Stay out of traffic, keep hazard lights on, keep your phone charged and answer calls from unknown numbers, since it may be the driver. See what to do when your car breaks down.

Sources and notes

A little clarity goes a long way

GOOD QUESTIONS.STRAIGHT ANSWERS.

Do I need to know what is wrong with my car?

No. Describe what you saw, heard or smelled. The dispatcher can sort out whether you need a tow or roadside help.

Can I text my location?

Yes. You can call or text (267) 377-3246 and share your location. If the spot is dangerous, call 911 first.

What if I do not know my address?

Give cross streets, a business name, a highway and exit, or a mile marker. Share a map pin if you can.

Can I ask where my car will be taken?

Yes. Tell us where you want it taken. If there are police on scene after a crash in Philadelphia, the tow may be assigned through the city’s rotation. See after an accident.

Do I need to be with the car?

Tell dispatch who will hand over the keys and whether you will be there. If you are not present, ask us how we handle it.

Call O’Hara & Sons Towing

(267) 377-3246, open 24/7. Emergency towing · Contact