While there are some extremely good, honest and reliable tow-truck operators out there, there are also some rogues, so we'd like to point you in the right direction.

Here are some pointers that could make things a lot less stressful - and less expensive - should you need your vehicle towed after an accident:

Always use our "Assist and Towline" service

Having a vehicle accident can be a hugely traumatic affair, even when injuries and fatalities are not involved.

Just getting one's damaged vehicle towed away from an accident scene can be highly stressful - especially when several tow-truck operators are angling for your business - and it can also be seriously expensive if you go about it the wrong way.

Here's an example of what you don't want to happen to you:

One of our clients - let's call him John - used an unauthorised towing service to remove his car from an accident - it ended up costing him almost R12 000 in release fees to get his vehicle back! Unsuspecting John was charged for the initial tow, a second tow, recovery, storage at a daily rate and an administration/secretarial charge was also levied. A costly affair before any repairs had even been done!

Some useful tips if you need towing services after an accident:

* Always make sure that you call our towline personally to gain authorization and arrange towing.
* Always carefully check the inventory of what is in your vehicle before allowing it to be towed away.
* Always make sure you get a reference number and correctly sign off with the correct towing company for your vehicle to be towed away.

At Hollard, one of our goals is to make insurance as affordable and as effective as possible. To this end, we have our own "Assist and Towline" which is just a phone call away on 0861 000 911.

By calling this number, you will be able to access reputable tow-truck operators that have been approved by us - and you'll get hitched up to FULL cover.

The not-so-good news is that if you, like John, use the services of an unauthorised tow-truck operator, your cover will be limited to R1 000, leaving a large dent in your pocket caused by towing and storage charges.
Our "Assist and Towline" number is available 24 hours a day - it's there to hook you up with the appropriate tower for your needs and to SAVE YOU MONEY!

TRUE STORY

A 36-year-old resident, Mr Pole, of Poland will remember his last visit to Germany by car for a long time. On the A9 motorway in Thuringia Pole's car experienced a malfunction and broke down.

He began attempts to flag down a car, hoping that someone would be able to tow his car into a service centre. Pretty soon a driver slowed down near the unlucky Pole and offered his assistance.

truckHe suggested towing Mr Pole's car to the next car service that was just a few kilometers from the place where his car had broken down and then proceeded to remove a towing rope from the trunk.

Mr Pole very quickly began to regret that he had received help from his German colleague. Just a few seconds after they started towing his car, the German suddenly began to increase speed. Continuing to pull the car of the unfortunate Mr Pole, the German driver accelerated to 120 kmph, while all the time overtaking other vehicles and constantly changing lanes. The crazy race ended when Mr Pole's vehicle connected with tow car, which caused both cars to crash into a fence which separated the road from oncoming traffic.

Fortunately, none of the drivers were injured, but both cars were severely damaged. When the police arrived, they immediately arrested the German "racer". He was charged with establishing dangerous situations on the road and with performing actions endangering someone else's life.

The German's motives for the crazy tow race were not reported.

Source: http://www.makesomejokes.com

Until we talk again, please travel safe - especially during the school holiday break- and don't forget to budget smart!
The Hollard Drive Team

As drivers, we generally spend a lot of time on our roads. However, have you ever considered whether or not you are sufficiently prepared in case of an emergency? Here are a few tips regarding things that you should always keep in your car.

Aerosol tyre sealer If your tyre has a rapid leak, a can of aerosol tyre sealer can often provide just enough sealant to get you to the nearest a garage or repair station. We recommend you keep at least two cans in your car.

Booster (jumper) cables - these can enable you to get your car started if the battery is flat (if a good Samaritan comes along and lets you charge from his/her car) and also enables you to help someone else out in a fix.

Emergency money - a small amount of money in change and small bills can be invaluable for tipping tow truck drivers or all kinds of other unplanned situations that could occur.

Fire extinguisher - if you’re in an accident (or even if you’re not) and there’s a small fire, a fire extinguisher can stop a minor blaze from turning into a major disaster.

First aid kit - this can be vital if you’re in an accident and someone has injuries. Slowing down bleeding quickly can mean the difference between life and death.

Flashlight (and extra batteries) - a flashlight is utterly essential at night if you need to change a tyre or attract attention from passers-by.

Map book or Garmin – for safe and easy travelling, so that you can always find your way.

Raincoat/umbrella - these are incredibly valuable in one situation… changing a tyre in the rain! You’re going to get soaked either way and sitting there in wet clothes is not a comfortable option.

Tire repair kit - if the tyre has deflated rapidly, a tyre repair kit makes it possible for you to patch up the tyre suitably for a short period.