[Daily Knowledge] Let you know about the towing process, charges and precautions

1. Trailer Process

1. Contact towing company/emergency service

• You can call a motoring association (such as the AA) , your insurance company's hotline, or a private towing company.
• Describe the vehicle's location, model, problem (such as breakdown, crash, flat tire) , and on-site safety conditions.

2. Wait for on-site processing

• The towing company will ask for the address, road section, nearby landmarks, and estimate the arrival time.
• Some highways or tunnels require towing by designated contractors and private towing is not an option.

3. On-site trailer preparation

• When the towing technician arrives at the scene, he will assess the situation and determine the towing method (flatbed truck, crane truck, etc.).
• We will check whether the parking position of the vehicle is safe and assist in moving it to a safe place if necessary.

4. Sign the consent document

• The vehicle owner will generally be asked to sign a towing service consent form, recording the vehicle condition and service details.

5. Drag away from the scene

• The towing truck driver will secure the vehicle, ensure its safety, and then tow it to the designated location (garage, repair shop, designated parking lot).

6. Completion and Payment

• After completion, the owner needs to inspect the vehicle and pay the service fee (such as towing service that is not included in the insurance package).

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2. Towing Charge Standards

1. Reference to general market charges (2024)

The actual charges vary depending on the type of vehicle (private car, truck, motorcycle), distance, time, difficulty and towing company.

2. Insurance company provides towing service

• Some car insurance policies already include free towing services (usually limited in number and distance), and you will need to pay the difference for any excess.
• You must call the insurance company's hotline in advance to make arrangements; no reimbursement will be accepted after the fact.

3. AA member towing

• Membership generally includes free basic towing in the urban area or New Territories (with a distance limit), and additional fees will be charged for exceeding the distance.
• Non-members can also apply for membership on the spot and enjoy the towing service immediately.

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3. Notes

1. Safety first

• When your vehicle breaks down, you should try to stop it in a safe location (such as the roadside or emergency lane) and turn on the double yellow lights and triangular warning sign.
• Drivers and passengers should stand in a safe place, away from vehicles and oncoming traffic.

2. Choose a formal company

• It is recommended to choose a licensed and reputable towing company or car club to avoid illegal towing or random charging traps.
• On highways and tunnels, you must use a designated licensed towing company.

3. Fees must be checked in advance

• Ask for details of charges in advance, including distance calculation, tunnel tolls, night surcharges, etc.
• Avoid temporary price increases or unreasonable fees on site.

4. Keep the documents

• After the towing is completed, you should ask for an official receipt, which can be used as proof for insurance claims when necessary.

5. Make the towing location clear

• Provide clear instructions on which repair shop, garage or destination the vehicle is being towed to avoid any misunderstanding.

6. Take care of your own belongings in the car

• Valuable items in the vehicle should be removed before towing to avoid loss or disputes.

7. Vehicle condition record

• Take photos before towing to record the vehicle's current condition, which can be used as a basis in the future if there is a dispute over damage.

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IV. Commonly used emergency contacts

• AA emergency towing hotline: 9080 9843
• Police emergency assistance: 999 (if in danger, traffic obstruction)