No matter how experienced you are as a driver, there is still a chance of getting into a car accident. If you’re lucky, you can simply move on and drive away from one (with a complete police report etc.). In the worst-case scenario, there may be injuries or even death. And in some car accidents, you end up with a stranded car – unable to start or unable to move due to major mechanical failure. And when this happens, you should avoid using an unofficial tow truck to tow your car away.
An unofficial tow truck is simply one that isn’t assigned by your takaful/insurance company, more commonly referred to as a ‘longkai’ by Malaysians. These unofficial tow trucks are usually the first to show up at an accident scene, especially in accident-prone areas. Observe where accidents usually happen (usually a slippery corner), and you’ll notice how fast these unofficial tow trucks show up when an accident occurs.
We’ve put out a simple guide for you to follow if you are involved in an accident. In that guide, we’ve mentioned not to use the service of unofficial tow trucks and to not simply sign any document that they give you. The reason being that this would give them control of what happens to your car next – where the car should be towed to etc..
Of course, you can claim a certain amount from your car coverage provider for third-party towing services. However, unofficial tow trucks would usually charge exorbitant prices. There are also cases of unofficial tow trucks being involved with scams such as pouring oil on ‘targeted roads’. Unofficial tow trucks are also highly incentivized by the cut that they get from their associated workshops should your car be towed there.
RELATED: Got into a car accident? Here’s what you should (and should not) do
So, what should you do instead if your car is stranded after being involved in an accident?
As for the main things you should and should not do, you can refer to our earlier article here. As for towing services, well, the first thing you should do is move your car to a safe location immediately if you can. This is done either by pushing the car or ‘limping’ the car (should it be possible).
If you’re involved in an accident on one of the major highways, the highway patrol will usually be able to assist you. They will come equipped with traffic cones and such and they’ll have a tow truck that can move your car to a safer location (i.e. a rest area) so you can wait for your official tow truck.
RELATED: When comprehensive isn’t enough – Here’s why your car needs special perils coverage
To get the official tow truck after being in an accident, well you should call your car coverage provider. Car coverage providers like MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa provide 24-hour roadside assistance and you can enjoy unlimited mileage when you subscribe to ‘Driver and Passengers’ PA (DPPA)’ coverage. The tow truck from your car coverage provider will also usually arrive quite quickly so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about it.
Your car coverage provider provides towing services for breakdowns and accidents. The former is easier to deal with since it is not as traumatic, but the latter can be overwhelming especially if its your time. Remember that your car coverage provider has its own official towing service, so ring them up first should you find yourself with a stranded car after being involved in an accident.
RELATED: Third-party Only vs Comprehensive car coverage – What’s the difference?
