Who Should I Notify After Totaling My Car?

Posted on July 26, 2022 by admin

After wrecking your vehicle, you can usually tell just by looking at it that it is totaled. When the cost to repair your car exceeds its current market value, it is a total loss. After you have totaled a car, it is important to make the right calls right away. Continue below to learn the top 3 authorities you should notify after totaling a car or truck.

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Who to Contact After a Major Auto Accident

Police

The moment you are stable enough to contact 911, do so. If it is unsafe to exit the vehicle, stay inside until paramedics and police arrive. If you can safely exit the vehicle, wait nearby in a hazard-free location. Contacting the police after a car accident is required by the law if there are other parties involved. In the case that you totaled your car but there is not another driver involved or property damage, you can choose to skip this step; however, it is not recommended, especially if you plan to make a claim through your insurance company later on. Police reports are significant pieces of evidence used to assign fault, value, and more to a case. Always be sure to get a police report to document your accident.

Insurance

If your car is insured, you are required under your policy terms and conditions to notify the insurance carrier within a specific period of time. You must notify your insurance company even if you do not plan on making a claim. Failure to notify your insurance carrier could result in loss of coverage and fines. If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, the insurance company will pay you the pre-scrap value of the vehicle, minus whatever your deductible is set at. If your car is not insured, you are exempt of this step.

DMV

Whether or not you are required to report your car wreck to the state’s department of motor vehicles depends on your insurance carrier. In most cases, the insurance company is the party that contacts the DMV after a person makes a claim. However, you may be required to notify your state’s DMV if the insurance policy decrees it in your terms and conditions. Check the details of your policy to learn your role in contacting the state’s department of motor vehicles after a car wreck.

Are you in need of emergency car accident towing or roadside assistance near Indy? Contact us at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour towing and recovery services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana in more than 30 surrounding counties.

Do These 4 Things if Your Car Breaks Down on the Road

Posted on July 15, 2022 by admin

Emergency roadside problems can be scary, mostly because they are almost always unanticipated and because many drivers don’t retain the proper knowledge needed to approach these situations carefully and responsibly. If your car just broke down on you unexpectedly, rely on these four steps to get you through the process, safely and efficiently.

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4 Steps to Take After Your Car Breaks Down

Keep Calm

Although the “keep calm” slogan can sound unoriginal, staying calm and refraining from panicking are important parts of managing your roadside emergency safely. By maintaining composure, you can maintain control of the situation and therefore make better decisions moving forward. This also allows you to better protect any passengers in tow, especially children and pets.

Get Clear of Danger

While remaining relaxed, slowly coast your vehicle to the side of the road or into a parking lot if possible. If your car suddenly stops and will no longer drive, stay where you are at and refer to the next steps.

Once you come to a stop, or if you’re already at a stop, turn your ignition off and engage the emergency parking brake. If you are on a busy highway or similar dangerous location, it may be safer for you and your passengers to remain inside of the vehicle.

If you are on a road that is safe to navigate outside of your car, your next step here is to make your car as visible as possible. Put on your hazard lights and interior cabin lights. If you have them, place traffic cones or reflective triangles around the perimeter of your vehicle. This is especially important at night or in poor visibility conditions like rain or fog.

Call a 24 Hour Roadside Assistance Service

Assuming that you have a working phone with you, your next step is to contact a local twenty-four hour roadside assistance service. Most roadside emergency companies can respond within the hour to your location. Just be sure to choose your Indianapolis roadside assistance company wisely.

If your car broke down because the battery died or you have run out of gas or some other important automotive fluid, the roadside assistance operator can likely resolve these issues on site. For more serious automotive malfunctions, they can provide towing service and transport your vehicle to your local auto repair shop or location of your choice.

Reflect While You Wait

As you wait for your roadside emergency operator to arrive, use the time to reflect on your memories of the breakdown. Did you hear any strange noises or smell any odors? Did your car shake or vibrate? Was it a sudden or gradual breakdown? Recount any details you remember when your car started to breakdown. These details can help the roadside assistance operator determine the underlying problem and apposite solution faster.

Are you wondering which Indy-based roadside assistance company can offer you the fastest and most affordable emergency service after a car breakdown? Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for fast tow truck roadside assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, including all National holidays.

Can I Drive My Car After the Engine Overheats?

Posted on May 12, 2022 by admin

Many people assume that if you let the engine cool down, you can drive a car after it’s done overheating. But this is not always a good idea. In some cases, it’s not possible at all. Continue reading to learn what you should do if your car engine begins to overheat, including whether or not you can drive it home or to the auto shop.

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Overheating Car Engine Causes

Whether it is safe or not to drive a car after it has overheated largely depends on the underlying cause of the malfunction. Although there are several things that can go wrong within a vehicle that can cause the engine to overheat, there seems to be some more common reasons, like low coolant, clogged car radiator, faulty thermostat, broken fan belt, and defective cooling fan.

Low Coolant

A car can experience low coolant if the coolant has run out or the vehicle has a coolant leak. If you’re coolant simply runs out, it can cause your engine to overheat. If you have an extra bottle of radiator fluid or antifreeze in your car with you, you can simply fill your coolant backup and hit the road once again. Needing a refill on coolant is the only circumstance in which it is okay to drive your car after it has just overheated. In fact, it is recommended to always keep an extra bottle of radiator fluid, also known as coolant or antifreeze, in your car in case you ever run low, especially in the summer when the temperatures are higher, and engines run hotter.

If your car is experiencing a coolant leak, it is not recommended to simply top off the radiator fluid and continue driving. This can cause further damage to the internal components within your vehicle and engine. In this case, it would be recommended to have your vehicle towed home or to the automotive repair shop of your choice.

Defective Cooling Fan

The defective or faulty cooling fan is another common reason why car engines overheat. When a coolant fan isn’t working, it is typically because of a faulty electric fan or a bad radiator switch. Either way, it is not safe to drive a vehicle that is having problems with the cooling fan because it will continue to cause the engine to overheat.

Clogged Radiator

A clogged radiator is another common cause for an overheating car engine. However, this is typically common in older cars or cars with more than 50,000 miles driven.

Broken Fan Belt

A broken fan belt will also cause an engine to overheat in a vehicle. In most cases of a broken fan belt, there are other internal damages happening simultaneously. For this reason, it is not wise to drive a vehicle in this condition. Instead, have it towed home or to an auto repair shop for service.

Faulty Thermostat

A faulty thermostat is another common cause for overheating car engines. But engine gets hot, the thermostat is supposed to open in order to allow more coolant to flow through. If the thermostat is failing to open, the coolant cannot flow through the engine, and will eventually cause the engine to overheat. In this condition, it is not safe to drive a vehicle. You would need to have a towing service transport your vehicle to an auto repair shop of your choice.

Are you currently stuck on the side of the road with an overheating car engine in central Indiana? If so, contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for prompt and affordable tow truck assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, including all National holidays.

How Zore’s Can Help You With Tow Truck Service

Posted on May 31, 2019 by admin

Need a tow? Regardless of size or scope, Zore’s Inc. has what it takes to deliver fast, safe, and secure tow truck service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Best of all, we do it at a price you can actually afford. Continue below to learn more about our company, including the various towing services and options we offer.

Learn Why Hoosiers Choose Zore’s

Zore’s Inc. has been in business for 90 years, so when you need Indianapolis towing and recovery services you can trust, we are the experienced professionals to call. Our skilled wrecker operators are licensed and certified by the state of Indiana, and all our towing trucks are radio-dispatched and equipped with cutting-edge GPS systems for quicker response times.

Furthermore, we are fully-certified operators for up-righting, winching, and safely returning vehicles to the roadway. We also retain a highly-advanced incident and management response truck to provide emergency road and accident clearance services, state-wide.

Here’s all the ways we can provide tow truck service for you:

⛿ Towing and Recovery – Zore’s offers affordable towing and recovery services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

⛿ Light Duty Towing – We are fully-equipped to provide a wide range of light duty towing services for cars, trucks, and more.

⛿ Medium Duty Towing – Zore’s Inc. is your solution to dependable and efficient medium duty towing services at a fair price.

⛿ Heavy Duty Towing – We deliver damage-free heavy duty towing services for large vehicles and motorized commodities.

⛿ Heavy Equipment – Our fleet of state-of-the-art trucks can transport heavy equipment safely and efficiently.

⛿ Property Management – We will help you maintain the professionalism and convenience of your commercial property.

Additional Services We Offer

In addition to tow truck service, we also provide a wide range of specialized community services and amenities, such as 24 hour roadside assistance, property management, new and used auto parts, metal recycling services, cash for junk cars, auto body repair, auto salvaging, auto auctions, and much more. We are even open and operational on National holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 to get started with a free estimate or information about Indianapolis tow truck service, today.

5 Methods for Improved Car Security

Posted on July 10, 2017 by admin

When it comes to improving the security of your vehicle, the best way to determine your needs is to assess the surrounding risk and set a budget. Once you have these two aspects figured out, you can then begin your search for a suitable car security plan that keeps your vehicle protected when you are not around. Continue reading to learn about 5 common vehicular security systems that are both economical and effective.

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❶ Car Alarm

A car alarm is the most basic source of security. Many newer models come standard with factory car alarms, while older cars can be easily fitted with one of many available devices on the market. Car alarms vary in brand, features, innovation, and price. You can choose one that fits your budget and provides sufficient security.

❷ Mechanical Car Immobilizer

Mechanical car immobilizers have been around for decades. The most common vehicular immobilizer is “The Club”, which is a device that you manually attach to your steering wheel when you are away, thus preventing thieves from being able to move the wheel and drive away. Other car immobilizers include devices such as hood locks, tire locks, gearshift locks, and pedal locks. All of these would make it very difficult for a thief to take off in your car.

❸ Electronic Car Immobilizer

In contrast to mechanical immobilizers, there are also several different types of electronic immobilizers available. These devices are designed in key pad or punch pad form, or as a chip that needs to be pushed into place before you can start your car. They are very difficult for thieves to evade, making them terrific options for car security.

❹ Kill Switch

Kill switches are custom installed in a place that only you would know, so thieves cannot find them. When in the OFF position, it makes it impossible to start your car. They are relatively inexpensive, but must be installed by a professional automotive specialist.

❺ VIN Etching

Vehicle identification number etching is another method of car security that is easy to do and very inexpensive. The most common reason why car thieves steal cars is to dismantle them and sell them for parts. By visibly branding your car’s unique VIN on all the important parts, you thwart thieves from wanting to steal your vehicle since it would be near impossible to turn a profit. You can buy VIN etching kits for as low as $20 at any local automotive parts store.

Call Zore’s Inc. for 24 Hour Towing and Recovery in Indiana

Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

Zore’s Inc. will assist you in protecting your vehicle by towing it to your home or auto shop anytime you break down! Call 317-247-8484 to request towing, roadside assistance, and recovery 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Our operators are licensed and insured, and our prices remain affordable for everyone. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate for service, today.

Gooseneck Hitches Versus Fifth Wheel Hitches

Posted on June 24, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

Sure, you can get by using a Class 1 through 5 receiver for your trailer and light boat towing. But for large loads, horse trailers, and campers, you need a heavy duty hitch. Heavy duty hitches, combined with the proper towing equipment, allow drivers to tow larger freights and pull heavier loads, for a longer amount of time. This is made possible by placing the hitching point in the truck bed over the rear axle. They are strong enough to support more weight compared to a standard bumper hitch.

So overall, they make large towing jobs safer and more efficient. Continue reading to learn the two types of heavy-duty hitch systems, and the difference between them.

Heavy Duty Towing Hitches

There are two kinds of towing hitches used for heavy-duty purposes: 1) gooseneck hitches, and 2) fifth wheel hitches. They both used a different coupler, but there is more that sets them apart than just that. Look below to review some details about each hitch, and how they support heavy-duty tows.

Gooseneck Hitches

These hitches have trailer balls that are similar to standard hitches. However, the trailer ball is mounted in the middle of the truck bed instead of the bumper. Gooseneck hitches can support much more weight, and can carry large recreational vehicles, campers, trailers, and more. In fact, it can support and pull up to 30,000 pounds gross tongue weight (GTW)!

They can also make tighter and narrower turns since their pivot point is more forward. Gooseneck hitches are generally used for trucks with 4-wheel axles in order to sustain the weight. And certain gooseneck hitches can be folded down or easily removed so drivers can have access to their truck bed when they are not towing anything.

Recommended: B&W Turnover Ball Gooseneck Hitch – $439.00

Fifth Wheel Hitches

These heavy duty hitches look much like the ones used on semi-trucks. They are also similar to gooseneck hitches because they also can support and pull a large amount of weight. In fact, they have a high weight capacity of 16,000 to 30,000 pounds GTW. This is because they too have a bed-mounted design. They mount to rails that must be permanently bolted on a truck bed, but can be removed for truck bed access. If you are pulling big campers or vehicle trailers, you will be safer and happier with a fifth wheel hitch. They are easier to maneuver and much more stable for towing heavy loads. Many fifth wheel hitches have a special pivoting design that allows for better shock absorption for bumps and changing road conditions. This gives drivers a smoother towing experience.

Recommended: B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch – $879.00

Zore’s Indy

Zore’s Inc.
Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for professional and prompt heavy duty towing in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. As a family owned and operated business that has served the Hoosier communities for more than 75 years, you can trust us for courteous and efficient service in a moments’ notice. We offer 24 hour towing services, roadside assistance, light to heavy duty tows, storm and traffic clearance, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 when you need trusted
Indianapolis tow truck services at a fair price.

Zore’s Inc. is Your One-Stop-Shop for Towing, Auto Parts, and Metal Recycling in Indianapolis!

Posted on May 31, 2016 by admin

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Zore’s Inc. has been a family owned and operated company for more than 75 years! Although based out of Indianapolis, their teams provide a wide range of services as far as Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana! What started as a simple, in-town towing business, quickly grew into the large, highly-professional operation they have today, 75 years later! Zore’s Inc. now has several divisions, including cash for cars, where we pay cash on the spot for junk vehicles and other motorized equipment!

Towing and Recovery

Another primary division is our towing and recovery service. We retain one of the largest and most diverse fleets of wrecker vehicles, from simple flatbed trucks to massive recovery trucks that can lift houses, airplanes, construction beams, and more. For this reason, we are partnered with several esteemed municipal and governmental agencies for quick traffic clearance services, controlled rolls, incident and management response services, emergency storm damage, property management, and more. We also facilitate police and first responder training courses and classes on a weekly basis!

OEM Auto Parts

Don’t forget about our auto parts division! We sell refurnished, OEM auto parts, as well as, new auto parts, for all make and model vehicles, and at the most competitive prices in town. In addition to auto part sales, we also have an on-site auto body shop that provides comprehensive auto repair and service for all domestic and import vehicles. And all services are priced competitively to give you the best deals in town!

Metal Recycling

Zore’s Inc. has established ourselves as one of the leading scrap metal recycling centers in the state. We not only accept and recycle all forms of safe metal, we also pay cash on the spot for scrap metal like appliances, construction equipment, boats, trailers, power tools, electrical wiring, and more. We accept most metals, including aluminum, copper, iron, steel, nickel, chromium, platinum, gold, cobalt, and more.

Call Zore’s for Friendly Towing Service Today

Zore’s Inc.
Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Now that you know what we have to offer, be sure to call us at 317-247-8484 to inquire about recycling scrap metal, getting paid cash for junk cars, and buying used auto parts. But in the meantime, if you require towing or roadside assistance service in Indianapolis or its surrounding locations, we are the licensed and experienced professionals to call for prompt and friendly help. Dial 317-247-8484 and speak with a courteous company attendant, today.

Drivers Beware of Common Towing Mistakes

Posted on February 8, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

No matter what type of tow you have planned, it is vital to beware of the most common towing mistakes made, and how to avoid them at all costs. Road trippers, RV owners, trailer hitchers, and more should all be well-versed in towing regulations, laws, and practices.

Continue reading to learn the most common towing mistakes seen on the road, and how to properly navigate around potential towing problems and more.

Failure to Know Tow Ratings

Each vehicle has a certain towing capacity and limit. Depending on the make, model, and towing accessories you own, your vehicle’s towing ability will differ from others. Overloading your car or truck is a very dangerous situation because it can lead to serious problems; such as brake failure, overheating transmission, lost trailer connections, broken hitches, busted suspension, and much more. These circumstances can lead to serious and even fatal motor vehicle accidents. The responsible tower always knows his or her tow ratings. These ratings will allow you to determine if your hitch system matches your vehicle’s towing specs. All numbers must be checked, double checked, and entirely complied with at all times. Look at the vehicle’s owners’ manual, inside the driver’s side door, or online for these specifications and towing guidelines.

Failure to Acknowledge Local Towing Regulations

Towing laws, regulations, and restrictions differ state to state; so before leaving on your next road trip, be sure to research the towing laws for each state you intend to pass through. Otherwise, you can expect to get pulled over and issued a ticket. Things like towing speeds, trailer lights, safety chains, and braking equipment are regulations known to exist in certain states.

Improper Cargo Loading

Improperly loading your cargo you intend to tow is a very dangerous situation for yourself, your passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, your vehicle, and much more. This situation can lead to a load of chaos. An off-balance trailer is almost impossible to navigate and control. This puts other drivers, vehicles, and property at risk of a collision. Cargo must be loaded properly, and weight-distribution needs to be even at all times.

Forgetting Trailer Insurance

One big mistake many novice towers make is failing to purchase proper insurance coverage for their trailer. If your vehicle is insured, it doesn’t mean that your trailer is, so it is important to contact your insurance provider to see if you have adequate insurance coverage for your tow. All you really need is basic liability coverage for a trailer; a very affordable policy.

Zore’s Inc.

Zore’s Indy 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional towing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can get a fast, friendly, and affordable tow, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week when you call our licensed tow truck operators! On top of fast and affordable towing services, we also hold weekly auto auctions, pay cash for junk cars, recycle scrap metal, and much more! Call 317-247-8484 for information about Indianapolis towing and recovery services you can trust.

6 Spare Tire Facts You Need to Know

Posted on January 7, 2016 by admin

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Being the responsible driver and vehicle owner that you are, you are sure to renew your license plate when necessary, pay your insurance on time, maintain a valid drivers’ license, stay on top of all scheduled maintenance, go the speed limit (most of the time anyway), and wear your seat belt. There is not much you’ve missed over the years in terms of driver/vehicle responsibility.

But there is one way you can kick it up a notch: Learn important and relative information about your vehicle’s spare tires! Your spare tires are a very important and beneficial component to you and your vehicle, but they tend to go unnoticed until they are needed. So simply review some facts about spare tires and be better prepared the next time you get a flat. Now, continue reading if you wish to increase your driving knowledge!

Spare Tires are Not For Permanent Use

Factory direct spare tires are not the same as conventional tires. They are smaller, lighter, and more compact, making them more vulnerable than standard vehicle tires. For this reason, spare tires are not manufactured nor intended to be a permanent replacement for regular tires. Check your owners’ manual for details about your vehicle’s tire specs. And always have a spare tire swapped out for a standard one as soon as possible.

Additionally, it is important to note that replacement spare tires are full size tires. Although they are narrower and more compact, they are still the same diameter as your vehicle’s standard issued tires. This ensures driving maintains stable and even. On the other hand, there are some replacement spare tires that are not the same size as standard ones. It all depends on the brand and model.

Smaller Spare Tires are Limited Use Tires

Smaller or compact spares, popularly known as “donuts”, are limited-use tires. This means they are not manufactured to provide the same benefits and performance levels as regular tires. Compact spare tires are meant emergency tire replacement and short travel. They are supposed to safely get you to the nearest tire shop as soon as possible, not replace your old tire entirely.

Driving on a Spare Can Reduce Miles Per Gallon (MPG)

Your vehicle’s MPG can be negatively affected if you drive on a spare tire for a prolonged distance or period of time. This applies whether it’s a full size spare or a compact. It is recommended to use the lightest option spare tire for your vehicle to avoid dragging around more than you need.

Not All Vehicles Need Spare Tires Anymore

With the new tubeless tire technology entering the market, many newer model vehicles are not even equipped with a factory direct spare tire because they don’t need it. Tubeless tires do not “go flat” in the conventional sense, making them drivable for longer after taking on sudden damage or stress. This is one technology that has influenced the next fact.

Many Spare Tires are Becoming Obsolete

Not all spare tires that once were, are still today. There are several spare tire brands and models that are not manufactured anymore. So older vehicles may come with an outdated folding spare tire, or another type that is not available on the market any longer. Also, the future of spare tires may be bleak with the new and on-going advancements in tire technology.

Spare Tires Still Need Proper Tire Pressure

Even though spare tires are not our vehicle’s “real” tires, they still need to maintain proper inflation, which means the tire pressure needs checked every so often. You can use any standard tire pressure gauge to accomplish this.

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance

Zore’s Indy 317-247-8484

If your tire goes flat and you don’t have a spare, call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for prompt and affordable roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide a wide range of roadside assistance services, including flat tires, fuel runs, lockouts, engine trouble, and towing. With more than 75 years in business, you can rest assure that our Indianapolis roadside assistance services are both trustworthy and effective!

Tips for Towing Uphill and Downhill

Posted on October 23, 2015 by admin

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

It is critical to practice safe driving when towing a trailer. This is because trailers can add a substantial amount of length and weight to your whole operation, and can change the way your vehicle handles. Couple in complicated variables like hills, inclines, and declines, and you have even more to think about. But with a little knowledge and a lot of practice, you can minimize your chances for an accident and increase your confidence in towing altogether.

Continue reading for some helpful towing advice that will give you the know-how you need to manage hills, declines, and inclines.

Hills and Inclines

More stress is placed on your vehicles brakes, transmission, suspension, and engine as more weight is added to its load. For this reason, inclines and downgrades can be especially stressful on your rig. To relieve the pressure and manage these grade changes safely, simply consider these tips:

Downshift on Declines. By simply switching your vehicle to a lower gear and reducing your speed when driving down a hill, you can relieve extra pressure and stress on your vehicle’s engine, brakes, and transmission. It will also give you much more control, especially in wet weather conditions.

Upshift on Inclines. Do the opposite of above. When heading up a hill, switch your vehicle into a higher gear for extra power and boost.

Minimize Braking on Declines. Try not to go crazy with braking on a decline. You need to give your braking components time to cool, so go easy on them when driving downhill. If you must apply the brakes on a decline, firmly tap your brakes with brief presses (one to two seconds). Pause for a few moments in between each press.

Watch the Temperature Gauges. Since extra weight puts extra stress on certain components in your towing vehicle, more heat is also produced while managing this extra pressure. Be sure to watch your temperature gauges for increases in engine or transmission heat output. Use a quality transmission cooler for frequent towing.

Zore’s Indy

Zore’s Indy 317-247-8484

If you need affordable towing services, don’t hesitate another minute! Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional towing and recovery services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We are licensed, bonded, and insured towing contractors with decades of experience in the industry. We retain one of the city’s largest fleets of towing trucks and rigs for heavy duty tows, light duty towns, quick clearance, storm cleanup, disaster response, and more! Call 317-247-8484 today for affordable and fast tow truck services in Indianapolis, Indiana.