Let’s say you’re stuck at work, out of town, or just not near your vehicle. You call a towing company—then the question hits: “Do I have to be there when my car gets towed?”
Short answer? Not always. But let’s break it down, so you know exactly what to expect when you work with a trusted towing team like ours here at Arndt’s Auto Towing.
Can My Car Be Towed Without Me There?
Yes, in most situations, we can tow your car without you being present, but a few things need to be in place first.
Here’s what we typically need:
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Permission from the vehicle owner (verbal or written)
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Keys or access to the car (especially if it’s locked or needs to be shifted into neutral)
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Clear towing instructions (where it’s parked, where it’s going, any special notes)
We make this super easy for you. If you call us or use our Contact Us form, we’ll walk you through what’s needed.
What If My Car’s in a Tight Spot?
Great question. If your car’s parked somewhere tricky—say a parking structure, underground garage, or private lot—we may need your help to:
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Access a key fob or pass
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Provide details on how to unlock or disable the alarm
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Move surrounding vehicles or authorize entry
But if it’s parked on the side of the road, in a driveway, or somewhere public, and you’ve given us permission and the key, you don’t need to stick around.
Is It Safe to Let a Towing Company Move My Car Without Me?
That depends on who you hire. With Arndt’s Auto Towing, you’re working with a local, family-run business with over 25 years of experience across Benton Harbor, Saint Joseph, Hartford, Paw Paw, and beyond.
We treat your vehicle like it’s one of our own.
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Licensed, trained drivers
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GPS-tracked trucks
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Damage-free towing process
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We document every job with photos
We also offer heavy-duty, light-duty, and medium-duty towing across Southwest Michigan.
Why Would I Not Be There?
There are plenty of real-life situations where customers aren’t present when we arrive:
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You’re at work, and your car won’t start
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You’re out of town and your neighbor reports your car was hit
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Your car broke down on the way to your kid’s game, and you hopped in with a friend
That’s why we also offer roadside assistance services like:
What Info Should I Give You If I’m Not There?
If you’re not going to be there, here’s what to send us:
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Your name and contact number
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Make/model and color of your car
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Exact address/location of the car
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Any access info (like a gate code or where the keys are)
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Destination info (where do you want the vehicle taken?)
We recommend texting or emailing this info after calling to confirm.
Is There Ever a Time I Must Be There?
Usually, the only time we require you to be on-site is:
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If the vehicle is blocked in and can’t be moved
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If law enforcement requires identification or ownership verification
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If we need physical documents (like proof of ownership) for certain vehicle types like limo or RV towing
For most normal towing jobs—including car, truck, or motorbike towing—you can skip the trip.
What Happens After My Vehicle Is Towed?
You’ll get a confirmation text or call. We also document the tow with before/after photos, and you’ll receive a digital invoice. If your vehicle is being repaired with us, you’ll get updates directly from our shop.
You can view examples of our recent jobs on our gallery page.
Local Towing? We’re Here Around the Clock
Whether you’re in Hartford, Paw Paw, Lawrence, or Marcellus, we’ve got drivers stationed nearby.
We’ve been doing this since 1998, and we know our way around every backroad, alley, and off-ramp in Southwest Michigan.
We offer 24/7 emergency service, quick local response times, and real people answering the phone—no robots.
Need help now? Call Arndt’s Auto Towing at +1 (269) 925-8969 or request service online.
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FAQs: Do I Have to Be There When My Car Is Towed?
Can you tow my car if I’m not there?
Yes, as long as we have permission, access to keys, and clear instructions.
How do I give permission?
A quick call or text message works. We may also ask for email confirmation.
What if I forgot to leave the key?
If the vehicle is unlocked, we may be able to help using lockout tools. If not, we’ll need to reschedule.
Can you pick up the car from my job or apartment?
Yes, just provide detailed access info—like gate codes, lot numbers, or who to talk to.
Will I be updated during the process?
Yes. We’ll call or text when we’re en route and once the job is complete.
Need a Tow? We’ve Got You Covered.
Whether you’re at the scene or not, Arndt’s Auto Towing can safely tow your vehicle with or without your presence—as long as we have permission, keys or access, and clear instructions. We handle jobs across Southwest Michigan, day or night, including roadside assistance, flatbed and heavy-duty towing, and more. We’re a trusted, local team with over 25 years of experience, known for quick response times, honest service, and zero-hassle towing. Call us anytime at +1 (269) 925-8969 or request service online—we’ll get the job done right.
