A collision is stressful, and the first few minutes matter most. This page covers what to do at the scene, how towing fits in, and how to get your vehicle to a body shop afterward.
When you are ready for a tow, call (805) 693-7957. You will be connected with licensed and insured local towing professionals who serve Santa Ynez, nearby Solvang, Los Olivos, Buellton and Los Alamos, and the rest of Santa Barbara County.
Safety first, then the tow
Check on everyone in the vehicles before you think about the car. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if the road is blocked. Do not wait to see how people feel later.
If the vehicle can move and it is safe, get fully off the roadway and turn on your hazard lights. Stay away from passing traffic. If you are on a freeway shoulder and cannot get safely away from the car, stay inside with your seat belt on until help arrives.
A tow call can wait until the people involved are safe. Once everyone is looked after, call (805) 693-7957 and describe where you are and what happened.
Who responds depends on the road
In California, the California Highway Patrol handles collisions on state highways. Around Santa Ynez, that means U.S. Route 101, State Route 154 and State Route 246. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff covers unincorporated areas such as Santa Ynez itself. On city streets, local police respond.
On a state highway, officers focus on keeping traffic moving and the scene safe. They may call a tow for any vehicle that must be cleared from the road. If that happens, you can still tell the officer which shop you want your vehicle taken to, and you can ask about your options before it leaves.
On a quieter local road, such as Alamo Pintado Road, Refugio Road or Baseline Avenue, there may be more room to pull aside. Even so, follow what the responding officer asks of you.
Terrain matters in the valley
State Route 154 is the Chumash Highway, signed San Marcos Pass Road. It is a two-lane road with only occasional passing lanes. It runs past Lake Cachuma, through Los Padres National Forest and over San Marcos Pass, which tops out near 2,000 feet. A crash there can be far from town, so give the dispatcher your direction of travel and the nearest landmark you can see.
State Route 246 is mostly two lanes between Buellton, Solvang and Santa Ynez. It becomes Mission Drive in Solvang. Narrow roads leave little room to work, so a tow operator may need the scene cleared before loading. Follow the officer's directions about where to stand and when to move.
The valley also sees visitors from outside the area, as well as trucks and horse trailers on rural roads. If another driver is unfamiliar with the roads, exchange information calmly and let officers sort out the rest.
What to tell the dispatcher
Have a few details ready when you call. It helps the dispatcher choose the right truck.
- Your exact location: cross streets, highway and direction, or a nearby landmark
- The vehicle's year, make and model
- Whether it rolls and steers
- Where you want it taken
Flatbed towing is generally recommended for vehicles that cannot roll, as well as for all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles, low-clearance cars and most electric vehicles. A vehicle with crash damage often cannot roll normally. Tell the dispatcher about bent wheels, leaking fluids or a locked steering wheel. If a motorhome, box truck or trailer was involved, mention that early, since larger vehicles need matched equipment.
Choosing where the vehicle goes
You usually have two choices: a body shop you pick, or a shop your insurer prefers. If you are not sure, call your insurance company from the scene or soon after. Ask whether they direct claims to a certain shop and how they handle towing and storage.
A tow does not have to go to a final repair shop. You can have the vehicle taken to a safe location first, such as a secure lot or your home, and decide on repairs later. Tell the dispatcher your plan so the driver knows where to go.
Photos and paperwork
When it is safe, take photos before anything is moved. Capture all vehicles involved, the damage from several angles, license plates, and the surrounding road. Include street signs, lane markings and any skid marks or debris. Photos of the scene help later, since the vehicles will be gone.
Exchange names, phone numbers, insurance details and plate numbers with the other drivers. Write down the responding officer's name and the report number if one is given. Ask the tow operator for a receipt.
Many auto policies, credit cards and motor-club memberships include towing or roadside coverage. If you plan to submit for reimbursement, ask for an itemized receipt. Payment methods vary by provider, so confirm them with the dispatcher on the call.
Ready when you are
No one plans for a crash, but a short call can move things forward. Reach licensed, insured local towing professionals at (805) 693-7957 and tell them where you are, what the vehicle can do and where it should go.