Outfitting the towing team with high definition cameras to use in documenting an on-scene situation and the actual damages sustained by a vehicle is important. In cases when a customer raises issues or makes false claims of towing-related damages, photographs present visual statements attesting to the propriety of the services rendered by the towing crew.
While some vehicle owners are wary of dishonest towing companies that prey on motorists involved in road mishaps or faced with a car problem, reputable towing companies also encounter customers who make incorrect or concocted statements. Photo-records of pre-existing damages can immediately provide a sound basis for rejecting unfounded claims, thereby allowing both parties to resolve the issue between them.
Documentation is also vital when performing towing services related to private property or parking violations. Generally, state laws require inclusion of photographs that clearly attest to the legality of impounding an illegally parked vehicle in a private property, or in a parking lot space reserved for people with handicap.
When called upon to tow a vehicle that is illegally parked in a public road or highway, the US Department of Transportation gives advice to towing companies to make sure that there is proper photo documentation, before impounding actions are taken. In such cases, clear images must be presented to show that the vehicle in question has not moved from the same spot during the prescribed period, usually within 72 hours or 3 days at the most. Otherwise, the legality of towing away a vehicle on a public property can be contested by the owner of the impounded vehicle.
Underscoring the Importance of a Photo-Shots Inventory List for Towing Operations
To ensure that all photo shots taken will fully serve their purpose, a towing company must provide their towing teams with an inventory list of pictures to include as vital records.
Basically, a photo inventory list includes shots of the vehicle on all sides, especially the front and rear of vehicles. If a company provides towing services for all types of transport vehicles, including boats, the shot must include images of the propellers and of the boat trailer to show overall pre-existing conditions prior to towing the vessel.
In light of certain tow-related damages commonly claimed by some vehicle owners, the inventory list must include photos taken at close range. That way, the images will clearly show existing damages prior to the lifting, hauling and transporting of the vehicle. The best defense against erroneous or bad faith claims that a vehicle owner may file as complaint against a towing company are close-up shots of the following:
- Condition of the surface areas on all sides of the vehicle;
- Bumper valances in both front and rear;
- Broken or cracked glass panes
- Window tint scratches
- Leaking or dented oil pans
- Bent frame or damage to the suspension system
- Tailpipes and mufflers;
- Constant velocity (CV) joints and boots
- Door jambs (Unlock)
- Any curb-rub damage on rims
- Drag marks appearing on the front, rear and/or sides of motorcycle plastics
Since photo records can take up a substantial size of memory space, having a computer or laptop to serve as a dedicated photo storage is the best way to manage all photo records of the towing firm. In case a set of photos has to be presented as proof, a well organized photo filing system will allow for quick retrieval of any photo file.