Leasing a vehicle comes with a long list of terms and conditions that most drivers do not think about until something goes wrong. A breakdown is one of those moments. When your leased car breaks down on an Indianapolis road and you need a tow, the process is not quite as simple as calling the nearest tow truck and pointing them in the right direction. There are steps to follow, people to notify, and decisions to make that could have real financial consequences if you get them wrong. Here is what you need to know before you call a tow truck for a leased vehicle in Indianapolis.
Does Your Lease Include Roadside Assistance?
The first thing to check when your leased vehicle breaks down is whether your lease agreement includes roadside assistance coverage. Many lease agreements — particularly those through major manufacturers and dealerships — include some form of roadside assistance as part of the package. This can cover towing, jump starts, flat tire changes, lockouts, and fuel delivery at no additional cost to you for the duration of the lease.
Before you call an independent towing company, check your lease agreement or contact your leasing company directly to find out what coverage you have. If your lease includes roadside assistance, using it will typically be the most straightforward and cost-effective option. However, if your leasing company’s roadside assistance cannot reach you quickly enough, or if the situation is urgent, calling an independent towing company is a perfectly reasonable alternative.
Where Can a Tow Truck Take Your Leased Vehicle?
This is where many lessees make a costly mistake. When you own your vehicle outright, you can instruct a tow truck driver to take it anywhere you choose — a repair shop of your preference, your home, or anywhere else. With a leased vehicle, it is not always that simple.
Most lease agreements require that repairs and maintenance be carried out at an authorized dealership or approved repair facility. Having your vehicle towed to an independent repair shop — even one you trust — could potentially put you in breach of your lease agreement, particularly if any repairs are carried out there.
Before you instruct the tow truck driver on a destination, check your lease agreement or call your leasing company to confirm where your vehicle should be taken. In most cases the answer will be the nearest authorized dealership for your vehicle’s make. If you are unsure, the dealership is always the safest default destination.
Do You Need to Notify Your Leasing Company?
Yes — and sooner rather than later. Most lease agreements include a requirement to notify the leasing company promptly in the event of a breakdown, accident, or any situation where the vehicle requires towing or significant repair. Failing to notify them in a timely manner can complicate any insurance or warranty claims down the line.
When you call your leasing company, have your lease agreement details and vehicle information ready. They will typically guide you through the next steps, confirm where the vehicle should be taken, and advise you on what repairs are covered under the lease or any associated warranty.
What About Insurance?
If your leased vehicle has been involved in an accident rather than a simple mechanical breakdown, your auto insurance comes into the picture as well as your lease agreement. Most lease agreements require you to carry a specific level of auto insurance coverage — often including gap insurance, which covers the difference between the vehicle’s current market value and the remaining balance on your lease if the vehicle is written off.
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after an accident involving your leased vehicle, in addition to notifying your leasing company. Do not authorize any repairs before speaking with both parties — getting this order of operations wrong can lead to disputes over who pays for what.
Choosing a Tow Truck Company for Your Leased Vehicle
When you do call an independent towing company for your leased vehicle, choosing one that handles vehicles with care is particularly important. Leased vehicles are subject to damage inspections at the end of the lease term, and any damage caused during towing — scratches, dents, or mechanical damage from improper towing — could result in charges when you return the vehicle.
Make sure the towing company you call uses proper equipment appropriate for your vehicle type. For many leased vehicles — particularly all-wheel drive models, luxury vehicles, or low-clearance cars — flatbed towing is the safest transport method as all four wheels are kept completely off the ground during transport, eliminating any risk of additional wear or damage.
AAA Indianapolis Towing Company handles leased vehicles throughout Indianapolis with the care and attention they require. We assess every vehicle before attaching any equipment and use the method that is safest for your specific vehicle.
Quick Checklist for a Leased Vehicle Breakdown
To summarize, here is what to do when your leased vehicle breaks down in Indianapolis:
- Check whether your lease includes roadside assistance before calling an independent tow truck
- Contact your leasing company to notify them of the situation and confirm where the vehicle should be taken
- Default to the nearest authorized dealership as the tow destination unless your leasing company advises otherwise
- Contact your insurance provider if the breakdown involves an accident
- Do not authorize repairs before speaking with both your leasing company and your insurance provider
- Choose a towing company that handles vehicles with care and uses appropriate equipment for your vehicle type
A leased vehicle breakdown in Indianapolis does not have to turn into a financial or administrative nightmare — but it does require a few extra steps that a standard breakdown does not. Knowing what your lease covers, where your vehicle needs to go, and who needs to be notified before you call a tow truck can save you from costly mistakes down the line.
If you need towing for a leased vehicle anywhere in Indianapolis, AAA Indianapolis Towing Company is here to help. Call us at (317) 723-6614 and we will dispatch to you as quickly as possible.