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How to Prepare for a Tow: Pickup, Quote & Shop Delivery

Prepare your location, vehicle details, towing requirements, destination and quote questions before arranging a tow with Rick’s.

Tow truck quotes and calculator estimates

Before comparing towing estimates, make sure each covers the same pickup, destination, vehicle condition, time of day and access. Ask whether extra handling, unloaded travel, recovery or payment charges are included. An estimate based only on miles can miss work needed before the tow begins.

Rick’s main-site towing rate calculator provides a reference estimate. Prices are subject to change. Tell Rick’s the full situation and confirm the total directly before service.

Need a breakdown tow—or looking for a missing parked car?

A car that broke down needs a service assessment. A car missing from its parking space needs a different first step: check the City of Chicago vehicle search. It accepts a license plate or VIN and covers vehicles the City towed or relocated. Private-company tows may not appear.

The City’s search page lists 312-744-4444 for contact. Confirm the vehicle location, release requirements and current fees with the responsible facility. If the car is not located and theft is suspected, contact police through official channels; absence from the City search alone does not establish theft.

Once release is authorized, a vehicle that cannot be driven may need onward transportation. Confirm release and access before discussing a separate compatible tow with Rick’s.

Missing keys or a car that will not roll

A vehicle without keys may have locked steering, a transmission in Park or an engaged electronic parking brake. Tell the operator which conditions are known and whether the cabin is accessible. Do not force controls or use an online neutral-release trick; the approved procedure depends on the vehicle and its condition.

Give the actual parking position and room around the car, not just the street address. Be ready to show authorization for removal. A no-key pickup must be accepted only after equipment and access suitability are discussed.

Check access before confirming dispatch

Garage: entrance height, level, route restrictions, turns, ramps and gate contact.
Alley: entrance cross street, vehicle position and obstructions.
Event parking: lot or garage entrance, attendant availability and restrictions affecting access.

See the restricted-access guide or Wrigleyville pickup guidance. Do not reposition the car simply to make the pickup easier.

Prepare information, not the towing equipment

Wait in a safe location. Do not release the parking brake, force the transmission into neutral or attach ropes to prepare for a tow. Let the operator determine the setup.

Tow checklist · Call Rick’s

Five things to confirm before a tow

Pickup: address, nearest intersection, entrance, garage clearance and whether access is restricted.
Vehicle: year, make, model, drivetrain, keys and whether it can roll or steer.
Condition: flat or damaged wheels, leaks, collision damage, low clearance or electrical problems.
Destination: full repair-shop address, receiving hours and approved key-drop instructions.
Agreement: service suitability, total quote, arrival estimate and any conditions that could change the cost.

Wheel-lift, dollies and vehicle-specific requirements

Rick’s provides light-duty wheel-lift towing and does not offer flatbed or heavy-duty towing. Whether a particular vehicle can be transported depends on its drivetrain, condition, access and manufacturer’s instructions. AWD, 4WD, hybrid and electric models must be assessed individually; do not assume one successful tow establishes compatibility for another vehicle.

For example, Ford’s F-150 Hybrid emergency guide specifies transport requirements that include lifting all wheels for AWD or four-wheel-drive configurations. That is a model-specific example, not a universal instruction. Share your exact vehicle and consult its current manual.

See Rick’s towing service requirements and the actual completed-job examples.

Before the vehicle leaves

Only if safely accessible, collect medicines, your phone, wallet, keys you need and other valuables. Explain any personal items that must stay inside. Confirm how keys will reach the repair facility and ask whether someone must be present at delivery.

Arrange passenger transportation separately unless the operator confirms a suitable seat is available. Do not assume the tow truck can carry your group, child seats or pets. Never ride inside the vehicle being towed.

After-hours repair-shop delivery

Call the destination before arranging a tow. Confirm the correct entrance, permission to leave the vehicle and how to hand over keys. A closed gate or unapproved drop-off can change the plan. Rick’s documented deliveries include repair facilities in Skokie and Lincolnwood; availability for your destination still needs confirmation.

If using a roadside benefit, review authorization and reimbursement questions before arranging a separate paid tow.