Important Advice for Safe Towing

Posted on January 11, 2018 by Zores

Towing a car or truck safely requires experience and knowledge because there are several potential issues and dangers that can arise during a routine haul. It is important to know the proper procedures and safety precautions required to perform a successful tow, as well as, how to use towing equipment since it can cause serious injury if handled improperly. Furthermore, a beginner should always be accompanied by someone who has experience towing vehicles and other commodities. And this is just the start; there is much more to safe towing! Continue reading to learn important safety tips when it comes to towing a car or truck with your own equipment.

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Safety Chains

Whether you are towing an SUV, jet ski, trailer, or car, safety chains are a must-have for every job. They are the ties that keep the connection solid between your truck and your haul. It ensures that your cargo will not get separated, potentially damaging other drivers on the road. Safety is the main reason why the use of safety chains is also the law.

Never tie these chains to the bumper of your towing vehicle. This can cause the bumper to come right off! They need to cross under the tongue of a trailer instead, for proper connectivity. This way if the hitch comes undone, the trailer will still not separate. In order to make safe turns while towing a cargo, be sure to add a little slack to the chains. Manufacturer’s instructions define the proper procedures and safety precautions for hooking up tow chains. Be sure to refer to them as often as possible to reminders about safe towing.

Towing Capacity

Never exceed the tow capacity of your vehicle. This means towing a haul that weighs more than the vehicle itself. This action can quickly damage your vehicle’s drive train. An inflicted drive train is a dangerous situation; especially when it comes to uphill driving. Life threatening accidents and injuries can occur of a load is lost as a result of a damaged drive train. Be sure to brush up on your vehicle’s tow capacity and how to calculate your load weight accurately.

Turn Signals and Brake Lights

An area that is commonly overlooked by novice towers is light synchronization. When you hook up a trailer to your vehicle, your brake lights are not visible; instead, the ones on the back of the trailer are. It is important that these brake lights and signal lights are in sync with the actual brakes and other components. This allows other drivers to share the road safely while you tow. Lights that should be synchronized include hazard lights, brakes, turn signals, flashers, headlights, and fog lights. Don’t forget that this particular safety tip is also the law.

Where to Get Reputable Towing Service in Indianapolis

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Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for safe and affordable Indianapolis tow truck services you can trust. Our licensed and insured tow truck operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide numerous community services, roadside assistance services, wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime!

How to Jump Start Your Car After the Battery Dies

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Zores

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A dead battery is not the end of the world. A quick jump start is all you need to get back on the road and on with your day. By connecting to another car engine with a set of jumper cables, you can power up your battery long enough to get it home or to a professional shop for replacement. Once you have all the supplies needed, the whole process should only take a few minutes.

Continue reading to learn the simplest way to jump start a car after the battery goes dead.

❶ Check to Make Sure it’s the Battery

⚙ Try to turn on the head lights.

⚙ Check if the lights in the dashboard turn on when the keys are in the ignition.

⚙ Try to start the car:

➛ If it cranks quickly, it’s not the battery.
➛ If it cranks slowly, it’s perhaps the battery.

❷ Locate the Battery

⚙ Most the time it is under the hood, however, it may be in the trunk. If you can’t find it, refer to the owner’s manual.

⚙ Identify the positive and negative terminals:

➛ (+) is usually red
➛ (-) is usually black

❸ Park the Cars Near Each Other So That the Jumper Cables Can Reach Both Batteries

⚙ Make sure the ignitions are off before the next step.

⚙Make sure the cars are not touching each other.

❹ Be Sure Both Cable and Terminals are Clear of Debris and Corrosion

⚙ Remove corrosion scrap with a wire brush.

❺ Connect the Jumper Cables in the Following Order:

⚙ Connect the (+) red clamp to the dead battery;
⚙ Connect the other (+) red clamp to the good battery;
⚙ Connect the (-) black clamp to the good battery;
⚙ Connect the (-) black clamp to metal on the dead car, it could be a bolt.

❻ Make Sure the Cables are Not Tangled in the Car

❼ Start the Helper Car

⚙ Gently apply and release pressure to the gas for at least 30 seconds.

❽ After a Minute, Try to Start the Dead Battery Car

⚙ If the car does not start, check the cable connections and let the cars charge for at least five minutes before trying to start the dead car again.

❾ If the Car Still Does Not Start, You May Need to Get a Tow

❿ If the Car Does Start, Remove the Cables in the Following Order:

⚙ Disconnect the (-) black clamp on the metal on the dead car
⚙ Disconnect the (-) black clamp to the good battery
⚙ Disconnect the other (+) red clamp to the good battery
⚙ Disconnect the (+) red clamp to the dead battery
⚙ Replace rubber battery covers if applicable

⓫ Run the Recently Dead Car for at Least 10 Minutes to Allow the Alternator to Charge the Battery

It is important to have an emergency roadside assistance kit in your vehicle at all times for situations like this. Having essential safety materials and supplies on hand when you are stranded on the side of the road will help you with your car troubles, and more importantly, protect you from harm or danger.

If your vehicle is broken down and requires a tow, be sure to contact an experienced and trusted Indianapolis towing company that provides 24 hour roadside assistance. They may be able to service your car and eliminate the need for a tow. If they cannot solve your car problem, they can tow it to your location of choice.

Emergency Roadside Assistance and Towing

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Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 anytime to request professional and dependable roadside assistance anywhere in Central Indiana. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. Request a free estimate, today.

Promote Safer Stopping with Trailer Brake Controllers

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Zores

If you own a small, light-weight trailer, your hauling vehicle is all you need for controlling the brakes while towing. Smaller trailers only have one or two axels that roll freely, eliminating the need for any extra assistance. But if you have a large or heavy trailer, your towing vehicle’s brake system won’t cut it alone. Larger trailers require their own set of brakes for safe and proper towing and stopping. This is achievable with trailer brake controllers. Continue reading to learn about trailer brake controllers, and how to decide which ones are best for your towing trailer.

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Trailer Brakes

Trailer brake controllers are interfaced with your vehicle’s brake pedal, which makes your tires slow down all at the same time. This allows you to maneuver and stop smoothly when towing your rig. The trailer brake controllers work by signaling to the trailer brakes to engage and to what degree. The trailer brakes then mimic the brake pressure you apply as you stop or slow down your vehicle.

There are a few different designs of trailer brake controllers on the market to choose from when shopping around. The one you choose will depend on your trailers size, weight, brake system, and towing habits. It is important to learn as much as you can about each one in order to make an educated decision for your particular rig. These are not cheap parts to buy, so making the right choice is something you want to take seriously.

Here are some examples of trailer brake controllers:

Tow Vehicle Braking Systems – These are designed for recreational vehicles, like motorhomes, that need to tow or pull a car. This is only intended for flat-towing a car, not towing with a dolly or trailer. Electric pistons actually push the towed vehicle’s brake pedals down as the towing vehicle’s brakes are engaged.

Timed Brake Controllers – These systems are the simple, economical option for controlling a trailers brakes. They simply slow all tires down at the same time as the brake pedal is engaged inside the towing vehicle.

Inertia Brake Controllers – These are sturdier and more responsive compared to timed brake controllers. Inside inertia controllers, there are sensors that are attached to an outer pendulum that detect the deceleration of the towing vehicle.

Accelerometer Brake Controllers – Also called proportional brake controllers, these systems only use internal sensors, not attached to outer pendulums, to detect the brake pedal pressure in the towing vehicle. These are recommended for long distance towing.

For heavy-duty towing needs, you may be better off calling a trusted Indianapolis towing company for professional assistance. They will have advanced equipment and technologies to provide wrecker services for all freight sizes, quantities, and distances.

Indianapolis Tow Truck Assistance

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Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 if your car was towed, or you need a tow, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and insured tow truck operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! Contact us at 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime.

The Differences Among Light, Medium, and Heavy-Duty Tows

Posted on October 19, 2017 by Zores

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A towing company is also referred to as a wrecker company. This is because they do more than just tow vehicles. A professional wrecker company provides a wide-range of towing and recovery services for all types of commodities and conditions. They are also common providers of roadside assistance services, like flat tires, jump starts, fuel delivery, fluid re-fills, and more. All of the wrecker services commonly offered by towing companies can be categorized into three main categories: light, medium, and heavy duty.

Continue reading to learn what these term means and what types of services fall into each category.

Light Duty Towing

In the light-duty towing category, you are likely to find all the standard and frequent towing services offered to the public on a routine basis. Things like towing abandoned cars or trucks, private property towing, traffic collision and accident clearing, and more. These tows, and one’s similar, are all small to medium-sized jobs that generally require a regular tow truck and tow operator. Any vehicle that is similar to the size of a car, minivan, or truck is considered a light-duty tow. For larger vehicles and commodities, a larger truck may be needed, putting them in the medium-duty towing category.

Medium-Duty and Heavy-Duty Tows

Larger trucks, vans, watercrafts, construction equipment, semi-trucks, trailers, duplexes, airplanes, extra-large loads, and more are examples of medium to heavy-duty towing. Water recovery services are included in this as well. That is when a vehicle has become submerged underwater after an accident. Storm damage clearing is another heavy duty project, involving lifting massive trees that have fallen on homes, or heavy debris clearing.

As you can see, these types of companies have a lot to offer our local towns and neighborhoods. When it comes to Indianapolis wrecker services, whenever you need them, they are there for you in a flash! A simple three minute phone call is all it takes! Be sure to choose a wrecker company with extensive experience and longevity in the industry. It is also important that your service of choice is licensed and fully-equipped to undertake the project you need, in a safe and efficient manner.

Indianapolis Towing

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Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional towing services in Indianapolis, Indiana you can afford. We offer 24 hour wrecker services, towing, and more. Request a free estimate or emergency service, anytime!

Zore’s Towing Offers 24 Hour Roadside Assistance and Recovery Services Throughout Central Indiana

Posted on September 25, 2017 by Zores

You never have to worry about being stranded on the side of the road, without a single soul to help you with your car troubles. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. That means we are always standing by to take your call and deliver outstanding roadside assistance service at a great price.

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Zore’s Towing is a family owned and operated company that has served the Hoosier communities with safe and affordable service since 1927. And for the past 90 years, we have earned a reputation for trusted service at a fair price! Our certified and experienced tow truck drivers and wrecker operators are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, and fully-equipped to deliver safe and professional towing, recovery, and roadside assistance services regardless of time or day. We even work on National Holidays, which means there is no bad time to give us a call. And since our drivers are radio dispatched, you can count on us to respond to your location promptly.

Fully-Equipped To Get You Back On the Road, FAST!

At Zore’s Towing, we make your safety and your personal time a priority, and aim to get you back on the road as soon as possible. We retain a full fleet of trucks and wrecker equipment, as well as, the latest technologies and advancements in the industry. All of these assets allow us to provide service for all make and model vehicles, regardless of size or condition. We offer a wide range of roadside assistance services. Whether you have a flat tire or a dead battery, we are here to help. Count on us to pull you out of a ditch, retrieve the keys locked inside your car, deliver fuel when you run out of gas, replace your windshield wipers, and much more!

Our Services Include But Are Not Limited To:

☑ Flat Tires
☑ Tire Changes
☑ Fuel Delivery
☑ Battery Service
☑ Dead Batteries
☑ Jump Starts
☑ Rolling Starts
☑ Unlocking Doors
☑ Towing
☑ Overheating Engines
☑ Engine Trouble
☑ Wiper Replacement
☑ Extrication/Winching
☑ And More!

Emergency Roadside Assistance and Towing

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call our Indianapolis headquarters at 317-247-8484 anytime to request professional and dependable roadside assistance anywhere in Central Indiana. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. Request a free estimate, today.

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL’s

Posted on September 11, 2017 by Zores

If you are interesting in earning your commercial drivers’ license, it may help to review some basic information about the process. Continue below to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about obtaining a CDL.

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A commercial drivers’ license opens up a broad range of vocational opportunities within several different industries, from automotive and aviation, to maritime, construction, and more. You can become a truck driver, wrecker operator, construction equipment operative, parcel truck driver, and much more. The pay is great and the benefits are even better, so it is no surprise that so many people, both women and men, are looking to earn a commercial drivers’ license. Below, you’ll find some frequently asked questions and answers that will help you along the way.

What is a CDL?

The acronym, “CDL” stands for commercial drivers’ license. Similar to a standard drivers’ license, a CDL certifies and permits a person to operate larger motorized commodities, such as trucks, semi’s, buses, construction equipment, and more.

What Does It Take To Get a CDL?

In Indiana, you must be 18 years old and have had a valid drivers’ license for more than one year to qualify as an applicant. Furthermore, it is helpful to take the necessary courses to get your CLP (commercial learners permit) prior to applying for a CDL. To be approved for a CDL, the process is similar to the drivers’ education courses we took as adolescents. The major difference is that CDL testing is more complex and rigorous, and the standards are set much higher. To obtain a CDL, applicants must pass a series of tests, both written and field testing, to prove their knowledge and skills. These tests typically cover general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles.

How Do I Get My CDL?

The first step in applying for a Class A CDL is to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles. They will provide all the information you need to begin the application and testing process. In Indiana, applicants fill out all forms in a DMV that is a certified state CDL testing site, pay a $35 non-refundable application fee, and go on to schedule their tests for the following day or day after.

How Do I Prepare for My CDL Tests?

To study, you can get a manual online or at your local drivers’ branch. You can also take practice tests for a small fee at your DVM branch. However, it is strongly encouraged to go to an Indiana CDL school where you will get to learn everything you need to know about commercial driving and get hands-on training and experience, all in a classroom setting. This is where you will earn your commercial learners’ permit (CPL). These classes are affordable and incredibly respected. If you are serious about obtaining a CDL, do what’s best and sign up for the proper courses.

Visit http://www.dmv.org/in-indiana/apply-cdl.php to find out what you need to get your CDL in Indiana!

Indianapolis Tow Truck Service

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and affordable Indianapolis towing and recovery, roadside assistance, car auctions, and more. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. As a family owned business, you can trust that our prices are fair and our customer support is sincere. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free quote or information, anytime.

Can I Get an Electric Car Towed?

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Zores

Electric cars are trickier to tow because they require some special attention and a certain type of tow truck. Continue reading to learn what these requirements are before your electric car or truck accidentally gets towed, improperly.

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How to Tow an Electric Vehicle

If you were to have your electric vehicle towed by a standard tow truck, you would encounter some costly problems. In order to tow an electric car, you must disengage the driveshaft from the electric motor first, so that the motor wheels roll along with the vehicle, freely. If you do not do this, your car will require some serious repair. You see, the majority of electric vehicles being driven lack a transmission, so there is nothing connecting the motor to the driving wheels. They also lack a neutral setting, so there is nothing that automatically disabled the drivetrain, which means the wheels do not automatically disengage from the motor. In a standard vehicle, the neutral setting takes care of this part.

Towing an electric car from its wheels is damaging because the motor will continue to spin and the cooling system won’t be turned on. The friction of the motor will lead to an accumulation of heat, which can be highly damaging to the motor, and can even total it altogether. Electric motors can run you an upwards of $5,000 or more.

Safe Towing

As long as you instruct your tow truck operator to disengage the driveshaft before towing your electric car from the wheels, you should be in good shape. However, if you drive an electric car and you need a tow, you can also request a flatbed tow truck. This is the perfect solution to towing electric vehicles since there is no need to tow from the wheels. It also saves time since there is no need to disengage the driveshaft, which takes and average of 20 to 30 minutes to do.

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery

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Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour towing and recovery in Indianapolis, Indiana. We open a family-owned and operated business for 90 years, so you can trust us for prompt and professional service. Since 1901, we have provided 24 hour towing in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana, as well as, property management and roadside assistance services. Request a free estimate from a friendly office manager, anytime!

Should I Rent or Buy a Trailer?

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Zores

To rent or to buy? That is the question that many people are asking themselves when they are faced with a need to transport large or heavy materials. If you are asking yourself this same question, continue reading to learn some key points to consider in order to aid in your decision making process.

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Renting Versus Owning

Whether you are moving into a new home, planning some major landscaping renovations, or preparing for a long-distance road trip, it is likely that you will need to transport some heavy items. Although you can choose to rent a trailer for all of these needs and more, you also have the option of investing in one. In order to feel confident about your decision to rent or buy, here are some key points to consider:

⇛ Trailer Type – Which type of trailer will you need for your transportation objectives? There are several different types to choose from, including trailers designed for boat towing, motorcycle towing, dolly towing, flatbed towing, and more. All of these range in price as well. Once you determine which type of trailer best fits your hauling needs, you can move forward with the decision-making process.

⇛ Trailer Cost – You must set a realistic budget for yourself, whether you plan to purchase new or used. If you purchase a used trailer from a private seller, it is important to ensure that is in good condition in order to make your investment worthwhile. If you feel like purchasing a trailer is out of your budget, you may want to stick with occasional rentals until your budget expands.

⇛ Trailer Storage – Owning a trailer is one thing, but storing it is another. Many people make the mistake of not thinking their purchase through. They get the trailer home and then realize there is nowhere to keep it, which leads to unexpected additional costs, such as a storage unit or shed installation. You must also check with your neighborhoods HOA to ensure they allow trailers in driveways.

⇛ Frequency of Use – If you only need to use your trailer for one job, renting is the best option. However, if you feel confident that you will get a lot of use out of your trailer, owning one is more lucrative. Create a list of all the possible tasks you can do with your trailer to see if it is worth the investment.

Need a Professional Tow in Indianapolis?

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If you are in need of a professional tow, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 to get back on the road fast. Since 1901, we have provided 24 hour towing in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana, as well as, property management and roadside assistance services.

How to Prepare a Car for a Long Distance Tow

Posted on July 7, 2017 by Zores

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Your vehicle is one of your most precious assets. It is the vessel that gets you from place to place, efficiently. So when it comes time to relocate, it is likely that you will want to bring your ride along with you. Many people hire a professional towing company for long distance tow truck service; however, you can also choose to tow your car with another lead vehicle, such as an RV or truck. Regardless of which method you select for long distance towing, it is important to prepare your vehicle properly in order to ensure its safe arrival.

Continue reading to learn what you should do before sending your car off on a long distance tow.

❶ Insure It

If your car is not already insured, it needs to be! Be sure to double check with your automotive insurance carrier to ensure that your policy is still active and that you are covered. You may want to add on additional, temporary insurance coverage for long distance tows. This will provide coverage in out of state areas.

❷ Clean It

Although you will likely clean it again after it arrives at your final destination, cleaning your car before a long distance trip can reduce the buildup that occurs while on the road. This helps preserve the luster of the paint, as well as, prevent premature rusting. So give your car a good, thorough cleaning, inside and out. There is no need to have it detailed; a simple interior and exterior clean will do the trick.

❸ Service It

If your car will be in tow longer than 3 or 4 weeks, you may need to change the oil beforehand. Failing to do so can result in engine damage caused by harmful contaminants in used engine oil. It is also a good idea to fill up the tank with gas. Not only does this provide convenience since it will be ready to use upon arrival, it protects the fuel tank by preventing excess moisture and preserving its inner seals. If you are towing your vehicle on a dolly, be sure the tire pressure is at the right levels and inflate them as needed. Last, be sure the battery is fully charged.

❹ Inspect It

If using a professional long distance tow company, it is wise to inspect your vehicle for damage and record your findings. This way, you can compare the condition of your vehicle prior to and upon arrival. Take pictures of any existing damage, and most importantly, have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to check for leaks, mechanical problems, and more.

Indianapolis Long Distance Tow Truck Service

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for professional long distance towing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Since 1901, we have provided 24 hour towing, as well as, property management and roadside assistance services. Whether you need pulled out of a ditch in the middle of the night, or transport a heavy piece of machinery across the country, we are the Indianapolis towing company to trust for safety, security, and affordability. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime.

What Do I Need to Get My Car Out of an Impound Lot?

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Zores

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Having your car towed is definitely not something you put on your to-do list for the day. So when it happens, it is never at a convenient time or place. In fact, it is almost always unexpected, which usually makes it quite alarming as well. But it is important to remember that vehicles only get towed for a legitimate reason, so it is best to simply shake off the emotional aspect and use it as an opportunity to learn a life lesson instead. The fastest way to get your vehicle back and get on with your day is to manage the situation head-on, and go through the required motions with a positive attitude. Continue reading to learn where to get started, what you’ll need, and what to expect.

First Find Your Car

The first step to retrieving your towed vehicle is to locate its whereabouts. Go to the spot where your vehicle was towed and look around for posted signs about parking rules and towing information. These signs are generally posted all around parking spots and lots, and are easy to find. They contain the contact information you need to locate your vehicle. Simply call the number and the phone attendant will instruct you on what to do next. Usually, cities have a local impound lot used for the surrounding network of towing providers. For instance, in Indianapolis, Indiana, a towed vehicle is most likely found at the Indianapolis Auto Return Impound Lot located in South Indy.

What You Need

You can’t just show up to an impound lot and get your car back with by word of mouth. You must be able to produce a number of legal documents to prove you are the rightful owner and a licensed driver. If you are the legal owner to the vehicle but you do not have a valid drivers’ license, be sure to take along a companion that is licensed to drive so you may leave the lot with your vehicle. If you are not the rightful owner, you must bring the rightful owner along with you. If you fail to do these, the impound lot will not allow you to take back possession of your car.

For documentation, here’s what you’ll likely need:

☑ Proof of Vehicle Ownership – Depending on your city and where you purchased your car, you will need to provide proof of ownership. This includes a vehicle title, company identification, rental agreement, an MV-50 form (Retail Certificate of Sale), an MCO (Manufacturer’s Certificate of Sale), or a bill of sale. Whichever one you use, they must all be accompanied with the vehicle’s registration.

☑ Valid Driver’s License – Bring a licensed driver with you if your driver’s license is expired. They can be authorized to drive your car off the lot. If you are do not have a valid license, you must pay to have your vehicle towed from the impound lot to your house.

☑ Money – You need to have access to sufficient funds in order to pay for the towing fees and impound storage fees. Without payment, you cannot get your car back. And interest accrues each day, so the longer you wait the more expensive it will be. The impound lot will inform you how much it will cost to get your car out before you come.

Indianapolis Tow Truck Assistance

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 if your car was towed, or you need a tow, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and insured tow truck operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! Contact us at 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime.