Confirm where the vehicle is going
Choose the M&A location with the advisor and read the street address back to the tow dispatcher. Tell both people whether the vehicle starts, rolls or has access restrictions so the dispatcher can arrange the pickup.
For a vehicle coming from another shop or a parking garage, ask the pickup site who can release it and where the operator should meet them. Share that information directly with the dispatcher when you arrange the tow.
Agree on the handoff
Ask who will receive the keys and where the vehicle should be left. For an arrival outside the agreed time, call for instructions. Give the advisor your callback number, the expected arrival time and a short account of what happened before the tow.
If a friend or family member is meeting the truck, give the advisor that person’s name and explain whether they are only handing over the keys or can also discuss the repair.
What should the tow operator have before heading to the shop?
Start the repair visit
Ask the receiving shop to confirm arrival and explain the next step for diagnosis. Keep the tow receipt and shop reference together. Check how you will receive the estimate and who should authorize the work.
Visit checklist
Choose the items you want, or print all.
Sources & further reading
General driver education. Your vehicle’s instructions, current state requirements and the technician’s findings determine the next step. A guide cannot diagnose your car or confirm it is safe to drive.