Tow your car home, to a workshop or to a dealer?

Choose a tow destination that can receive your car and supports what you need to do next. A workshop may suit a car needing diagnosis, a dealer may need to be contacted about a vehicle fault, and home may be a practical temporary destination if you have permission, space and suitable access. Confirm the receiving arrangements before the tow is dispatched.

If you are still exposed to motorway traffic, start with safe waiting and location reporting. Immediate safety takes priority over choosing the eventual repair location.

Three possible destinations

A workshop that has agreed to receive the car

Ask the workshop whether it can take the vehicle in its current condition and deal with the type of problem described. Give the make, model and symptoms you know, including whether it starts or moves. For an EV or a vehicle needing specialist attention, confirm relevant experience before arranging delivery.

Consumer Protection NZ’s car-repair guidance recommends finding a suitable mechanic and agreeing the intended work and estimated cost, preferably in writing. It also recommends requiring approval for extra work.

Ask two separate questions: “Can you receive the car?” and “When can you inspect it?” Acceptance of a delivery does not establish a repair start time. Record the receiving person’s name and pass the agreed address, entrance and delivery window to the tow operator.

A dealer you have already contacted

If you think the fault concerns the selling dealer or a warranty, contact the relevant dealer or warranty provider before authorising repairs. Consumer Protection’s guidance on car-dealer problems advises making that contact first because arranging repairs without it may affect the remedy available.

Ask where they want the car delivered, who can accept it and what work has been authorised. Their receiving point may need clarification; a showroom address alone is not a complete delivery instruction. Keep the written response and any reference number.

Confirm towing approval and payment arrangements with the relevant provider. This guide does not establish coverage or reimbursement for a particular policy or vehicle.

Home, with a workable next step

Home can be considered when there is an agreed place to unload and leave the vehicle. Check that you have permission to use the space and that the car will not block shared access. Tell the tow operator about slopes, gates, narrow driveways and any need to position a car that cannot roll or steer.

Then consider what happens after delivery. Will a repairer attend, or will the car need another tow to a workshop? Confirm that next step and its price separately. A short first journey alone does not tell you the total cost of getting the car repaired.

Check after-hours receiving arrangements

A business’s opening hours do not confirm that it accepts unattended deliveries. Before naming a closed workshop or dealer as the destination, get explicit instructions for:

• The exact entrance and authorised unloading space
• Who has accepted the delivery and how they can be contacted
• Any gate, clearance or access restriction
• The approved key handover method
• What to do if the entrance is locked or the agreed space is occupied

Keep access codes and key instructions between the people handling the job. Do not publish them in a public review or social post. Ask about any receiving or storage charges directly; do not assume they are included in the tow quote.

If no receiving arrangement can be confirmed, tell the tow operator before dispatch and discuss an alternative. Do not assume Drive1 provides storage or that a car can be left at a closed site.

If a roadside plan or insurer is involved

Ask that provider which destination, towing arrangement and approval process apply to your cover. Confirm who books the tow, who pays and whether an onward move requires separate approval. Keep the provider’s instructions with the job details. A plan name or membership card alone does not confirm the arrangements for this particular breakdown.

If the destination changes after a quote, tell the operator and ask for the route and price to be reconfirmed. Drive1 quotes depend on distance, vehicle type, condition, access and timing. The towing quote guide explains those inputs.

Send a confirmed destination with the request

1. Pickup location and vehicle details:
2. Destination business or resident, and full address:
3. Person who agreed to receive the car, and contact number:
4. Delivery window, entrance and unloading space:
5. Access restrictions and key handover arrangement:
6. Relevant dealer or provider instructions:
7. Anything still awaiting confirmation:

For a car stranded now, call 021 0289 7845 and explain the current location first. For a planned move, use the Drive1 quote form. The vehicle pickup checklist covers the remaining vehicle and handover details once the destination is settled.