24 May Use Safire-approved towing only

Posted at 16:14h in News Articles 2024 by

Tow truck drivers play an invaluable role in clearing road accidents and vehicle breakdown scenes and keeping traffic flowing smoothly. But using a towing company that is not approved by your insurer may have serious repercussions – and could impact how your accident-related claim is settled.

The South African Automobile Association has this advice:

  • If you are involved in an incident and are able to do so, contact your insurer first; don’t let someone else contact them on your behalf;
  • It is your right to choose a tow truck driver, not anyone else’s. This only applies if you are able to contact them. If you are incapacitated after an accident, police or emergency personnel on the scene will make a decision on who should tow your vehicle;
  • If you are insured, contact your insurance provider for advice. If your insurance includes cover for towing, contact the emergency number provided with your cover;
  • Get all the relevant information from the tow truck operator before allowing them to move your vehicle. This should include their name, company name, company registration or association registration number, contact number and physical address (and address of their storage yard if it is different to their physical address), and the registration number of the vehicle. If possible, take a photograph of your vehicle with the tow truck before it leaves;
  • Remove all valuables from your vehicle before it is towed (remember to check everywhere).

Safire is proud to offer its clients our Safire Assist service, for both roadside and home-based emergencies (when you may need help from a plumber, electrician etc).

Safire Roadside & Accident Assist benefits include towing by a Safire-approved company in the event of your insured vehicle (sedans and light delivery vehicles) not being drivable following a road accident. Limited towing assistance is likewise available to clients whose insured vehicles have suffered a mechanical or electrical breakdown.

Greg Botha, Safire Claims Manager, says, “Using the Safire Roadside Assist service ensures that a reputable towing service provider is appointed that meets the high standards we expect. Failure to use the Safire Roadside Assist service may result in towing and related costs not being covered as part of your claim, and only a contribution being made towards this, with the current limit set at R2 000.00 per claim.”

Should you need roadside assistance, immediately contact the Safire Roadside Assist service on 0861 723 473 (0861 SAFIRE) or 071 882 9173. Please refer to our Safire Assist wording for more details, terms and conditions.