Common questions: What to expect when you’re expecting… a tow

This page is here to address the most common conversations, misconceptions, and questions that we hear at E-Towing.

  • No, but if you’re tow curious or just want to be there for the service, we welcome your company. In some cases we may need the keys (see below for more info on keys).

  • Short answer: No. If the vehicle is on flat ground and can be accessed from the front and back, we shouldn’t need the keys.

    Longer answer: We can always get a vehicle without the keys but it may take longer and we do charge for extra time on a job. It’s best to talk with us beforehand so we can determine if having the keys would be advantageous. Customers can also hide the keys, lock them in the vehicle, or drop them off to us if needed. Just make sure we know where we can find them.

  • Absolutely! It’s great to have some company in the truck and there is room for two passengers.

  • Location, reason for disablement, passengers riding in tow truck (if needed), accessibility of vehicle.

    Location: GPS coordinates, intersection cross streets, physical address, and mile markers are all acceptable. If you are parked in a large parking lot its helpful to know what area of the lot the vehicle is in.

    Reason for disablement: Runs but doesn’t drive, flat tire, damage from wreck, suspension damage, runs but overheats, or dead battery are all helpful situations for us to be aware of ahead of time. This way we come fully prepared.

    Tow truck passengers: need to ride along when we tow your vehicle? No problem. We got room for two in our truck.

    Vehicle accessibility: Can the tow truck access your vehicle? Snap a few pictures with your phone if it’s safe to do so. You can text us pictures to help us be prepared. Is the vehicle on flat ground, on the side of a busy road, in the road, in the ditch, or parked with vehicles around it? All good things to let us know about before we arrive.

  • We have a list of preferred shops on our “Local Shops” page or just ask us and we’ll make a suggestion.

    1. Assess your personal safety. Get out of traffic, get out of the elements, and check in with yourself.

    2. Note your location by dropping a pin, look for street signs, mile markers, or addresses and take notes/pictures on your phone. Break downs and wrecks are stressful. Its easy to mix things up when you’re stressed. Best to use your phone to take records.

    3. Take pictures or video of your vehicle and location if its safe to do so. This is helpful for your tow truck driver and it doesn’t take very long.

    4. Request a tow. Check with your insurance company to see if you have towing coverage. If you’re not sure, that’s okay. Call E-Towing and we will work to bill your insurance if you’re covered.

  • Safety: Towing is inherently dangerous and your tow truck driver should have everyone’s safety in mind, including his own.

    DOT compliant: Any commercial vehicle over 10,000 pounds is required to be DOT compliant in the state or Oregon. Every tow truck fits this descriptions and need to be compliant to be legal. Do a quick check by looking for a DOT number on the truck.

    Insurance: Your towing company should have “On hook” insurance which insures your vehicle. This insurance should exceed the value of your car or the towing company should otherwise be able to reimburse you for the value of your car in the event of a wreck.

    Friendly and helpful: Being involved in an accident or breakdown is stressful. Your towing company should understand this and take efforts to make things easier for you.

  • Yep! We are currently set up for hauling bumper pull trailers up to 7,500 pounds with tongue weight up to 2,300 pounds.

  • Impounds: unlawfully parked or abandon vehicles on private or city property can be impounded. Call the non emergency line to your local authorities. Google, “non emergency phone for [county, city, or town].” Towing companies are required to report impounds to the local authorities and they can tell you if you’ve been impounded and by whom. Deschutes County non emergency number: (541) 693-6911

    Repossessions: loan delinquency or failing to make loan payments on time will put you at risk of repossession. Call local non-emergency line or check with your loan provider to find out if you’ve had your vehicle repossessed.

    * E-Towing does not perform impounds or repossessions.

  • Give us a call or send us an email. We’re happy to share information even if you don’t end up needing our services. If we can’t help, we’ll try to point you in the right direction. Also, let us know if we should add something to our list of questions on this site. We appreciate feedback.