Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Towing: When to Call for Help

Understanding When to Call a Towing Service

Imagine you’re driving through Findlay, enjoying your day, when suddenly, your car starts acting up or you find yourself in a fender bender. Knowing when to call for emergency towing versus non-emergency assistance can save you time, money, and stress. At Dick’s Towing Service, we understand how frustrating vehicle problems can be, and our reliable towing service is here to provide quick and efficient solutions.

In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between emergency and non-emergency towing, how to decide which service fits your needs, and the specific benefits of each. By understanding these distinctions, you’ll be prepared the next time your vehicle needs assistance.

What is Emergency Towing and Non-Emergency Towing?

Emergency Towing:

Emergency towing is required when there’s an immediate need to get your vehicle off the road due to safety concerns. This includes situations like car accidents, breakdowns in busy traffic areas, or when your car is blocking traffic. Emergency towing ensures your vehicle is quickly moved to a safer location, whether it’s a nearby repair shop, your home, or a secure location. At Dick’s Towing Service, we provide 24-hour road service and can reach you within 30 minutes, ensuring minimal disruption to traffic and safety for everyone involved.

Examples of emergency towing situations:

• Car Accidents – Whether a minor collision or a major accident, your vehicle may need immediate removal to keep roads safe.
• Breakdowns in Hazardous Locations – Stalling in a high-traffic area or in bad weather requires fast removal to prevent further incidents.
• Flat Tire Replacement in Findlay – If you experience a tire blowout on a major road, emergency towing can get you and your vehicle to a safer location for repairs.

Non-Emergency Towing:

Non-emergency towing, on the other hand, is often scheduled in advance for situations that don’t pose an immediate danger. This type of towing is ideal when you need to transport a vehicle a long distance, like moving a car from one city to another or transporting a car that won’t start from your driveway to a repair shop. Non-emergency towing is usually less costly and can be scheduled at your convenience.

Examples of non-emergency towing situations:

• Vehicle Transportation – Moving a vehicle to a different city or state or relocating it from one location to another for repair work.
• Assistance in Tight Spots – When your car is parked in a challenging location or tight spot, and you need help maneuvering it.
• Heavy-Duty Vehicle Moving – Transporting large trucks or other heavy-duty vehicles for servicing or long-distance travel.

When to Call for Emergency or Non-Emergency Towing: Why It Matters

Understanding whether you need emergency or non-emergency towing is essential for safety, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s why:

1. Safety First
   In urgent situations like a car accident or sudden breakdown, emergency roadside assistance provides immediate help to get you out of harm’s way. Our tow trucks are fully equipped to manage emergency situations, ensuring both you and your vehicle are safe.
2. Minimizes Costs and Wait Times
   Calling for the right type of towing can save you money. Emergency towing usually comes with a higher fee due to the immediate response required. By distinguishing non-emergency situations, you can schedule a more affordable service at a convenient time.
3. Vehicle Care and Maintenance
   A trusted towing service like Dick’s Towing ensures that your vehicle remains safe during transportation, whether it’s a light-duty car or a heavy-duty truck. Our tow truck professionals are trained to handle a wide range of vehicles with care, avoiding potential damages that can occur during transport.
4. Reliable Towing in Hancock County
   Whether you live in Findlay or Hancock County, Dick’s Towing Service offers both emergency and non-emergency towing, with local expertise to get you where you need to be quickly. With nearly 40 years of experience, our technicians know the best routes and fastest methods to minimize disruptions to your day.

How to Decide When to Call a Towing Service

Sometimes it’s clear you need help, but deciding between emergency and non-emergency towing can still be tricky. Here are some best practices to follow:

1. Assess the Immediate Risk
   If your vehicle is in a position that poses a danger to yourself, other drivers, or pedestrians, it’s best to call for emergency towing. An accident in traffic, for example, qualifies as an emergency, whereas a car that won’t start in your driveway may not require immediate assistance.
2. Consider Your Location and Time
   If you’re stranded in a remote or unfamiliar area, especially at night, an emergency tow may be wise for peace of mind. Alternatively, if you’re in a safe location and the issue isn’t urgent, non-emergency towing could be more cost-effective.
3. Know Your Vehicle’s Condition
   If your vehicle has an electrical or mechanical problem, it’s essential to determine if it can safely remain where it is until a non-emergency tow arrives. However, if there’s any uncertainty about the car’s stability or functionality, emergency towing is safer.
4. Evaluate Your Insurance Coverage
   Some insurance providers offer coverage for emergency towing services but may not cover non-emergency towing. Before calling for assistance, check your policy to understand your coverage limits and any available reimbursements.
5. Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Advice
   If you’re unsure whether your situation requires emergency or non-emergency towing, feel free to call Dick’s Towing Service. Our knowledgeable staff can advise you on the best course of action based on your circumstances and provide a quick response if needed.

Dick’s Towing Service: Reliable Towing in Findlay and Hancock County

For nearly 40 years, Dick’s Towing Service has been the trusted name in Findlay for both emergency and non-emergency towing. Our team is fully trained, insured, and equipped to handle any situation, providing high-quality towing and recovery services. We’re available 24/7 to ensure you never have to worry about being stranded or struggling with vehicle issues alone.

Our reliable towing service covers everything from lockouts to flat tire replacements, jump-starts, and even specialized winch-out towing services. With Dick’s Towing, you’ll always have access to a fast, efficient towing solution that minimizes disruption and gets you back on the road safely.