If you’re stuck at work, dealing with an emergency, or can’t wait around, you’re wondering: do I need to be present when my car is towed?
It’s better if you’re there, but if you can’t – no problem. Zielke Towing handles owner-absent towing every day across Southwest Michigan. We’ll take care of everything professionally.
When You Don’t Need to Be Present
In many situations, you don’t have to stay with your vehicle during towing. We can handle your car without you being present when:
- You have the keys available – Either with you, hidden on the vehicle, or with someone else on-site
- Your car is accessible – Not blocked in by other vehicles or behind locked gates
- You provide clear authorization – Verbal consent over the phone with proper identification
- Payment is arranged – Credit card payment over the phone or insurance coverage confirmed
- Destination is specified – You tell us exactly where to take your vehicle
For routine breakdowns on public roads like US-131, Red Arrow Highway, or in shopping center parking lots, we often complete the tow without the owner present.
Want to understand our towing process? Visit our towing capabilities page.
When You Must Be Present for Towing
There are specific situations where Michigan law or safety requirements mean you need to be there:
- Accident scenes – Police may require owner presence for reports and vehicle release
- Private property – Some locations require owner signature for liability reasons
- Valuable items in vehicle – High-end electronics, jewelry, or personal belongings need secured transfer
- Locked vehicles – When keys aren’t available and lockout service is needed
- Insurance claims – Some insurance companies require owner presence for documentation
- Disputed ownership – Any questions about who owns or can authorize the tow
During these situations, we’ll work with your schedule to find a time when you can be present.
How We Handle Towing When You’re Not Available
Unlike towing companies that require you to wait around, Zielke Towing has procedures for owner-absent towing:
Phone authorization – We verify your identity and get clear towing instructions Key coordination – We arrange key pickup from you, family members, or secure locations
Photo documentation – We take pictures of your vehicle’s condition before and after loading Secure transport – Professional flatbed or wheel-lift service regardless of owner presence Delivery confirmation – We confirm drop-off location and provide arrival updates
We’ve been handling owner-absent towing across Southwest Michigan with complete professionalism and security.
Learn more about our professional procedures
You May Also Wonder About These Presence Issues:
In addition to being present, customers often ask about:
- Whether family members can handle the tow instead
- What happens to personal items when they’re not there
- Insurance requirements for owner-absent towing
- How payment works when you can’t be present
If these sound like your concerns, here’s information about our vehicle recovery services.
What Information We Need When You Can’t Be There
To handle your towing without you present, we’ll need:
Vehicle details – Make, model, year, color, and license plate number Exact location – Specific address or landmark description in Southwest Michigan Key availability – Where keys are and how we can access them Destination – Exactly where you want your vehicle delivered Contact information – Your phone number for updates during the process Payment method – Credit card information or insurance claim details
With this information, we can handle most towing situations professionally whether you’re there or not.
How We Keep You Informed During Owner-Absent Towing
When you can’t be present, communication becomes even more important:
Arrival notification – We call when we reach your vehicle Condition report – We describe your car’s status before loading Loading confirmation – We confirm secure attachment and departure Transit updates – We provide estimated delivery times Delivery confirmation – We call when your vehicle reaches its destination
You’ll never wonder what’s happening with your car, even when you can’t be there.
Ready for flexible towing service? Call us at (269) 925-9573
Service Areas for Owner-Absent Towing
We handle owner-absent towing throughout Southwest Michigan, including:
Kalamazoo – Business district, WMU campus, and residential areas Benton Harbor – Harbor area and throughout Berrien County Saint Joseph – Twin cities and Lake Michigan communities Paw Paw – Van Buren County business and residential areas Coloma – Rural and suburban Berrien County locations
Whether you’re stuck at work, home with family, or traveling, we’ll coordinate towing service around your schedule.
Can’t Be Present and Need Towing Now?
Don’t let your schedule prevent you from getting help. Call our coordination line at (269) 925-9573 and we’ll arrange owner-absent towing service.
Our dispatcher will ask:
- Your vehicle’s exact location in Southwest Michigan
- Whether you have keys available
- Where you want your car delivered
- Your preferred contact method for updates
We’ll handle everything professionally while keeping you informed every step of the way.
See our flexible service options: Contact us now
Need towing but can’t wait around? Call (269) 925-9573 – we work around your schedule.
More Questions About Towing Procedures:
What payment methods do you accept for towing? How do you handle personal items during towing? Can family members authorize towing service?
Don’t let a busy schedule leave your car stranded. Trust Southwest Michigan’s most flexible towing service to work around your availability.
Call (269) 925-9573 now for owner-absent towing coordination.
