The best practice in any of these situations is to take photos at the disablement site before loading the vehicle and then again when the vehicle is dropped off. Please also notify dispatch if you find yourself in any of these situations.
Lockouts. Causing damage to a vehicle door during a lockout service can often be unavoidable. But, if you have the right lockout kit, damage can be less severe, resulting in less liability for you.
Tonneau covers. If the vehicle you are towing has a tonneau or a retractable bed cover, attempt to load the vehicle onto the flatbed front-end first. Towing the vehicle while it is facing backward can risk the cover detaching and flying off.
Tire changes with a spare. Many customers may be unaware of how to properly drive on their spare tire. Make sure to inform the customer to not drive the vehicle over 50 MPH and to change the spare out for a full tire as soon as possible to avoid tire damage or potential falloff.
Vehicles with no wheels or tires. In these situations, the risk of scraping underneath the vehicle and causing damage to the rotors is high. In these cases, request a signed damage waiver from the customer, as we would accept this type of documentation on these cases.
Cracked windshields. Taking multiple pictures of cracked windshields at both pick up and drop off so that we can properly assess what damage you may or may not be liable for.
Rear brake lights/sunroofs. These features can easily be broken or further damaged when the vehicle is towed or transported backwards. Turn the vehicle around to load it front first onto the flatbed. If you are using a wheel lift, turn the vehicle around so that the front of the customer’s vehicle is facing your truck, with the rear wheels on the dollies.