How it works
How Sentinel Towing Works, From Your Call to Your Driver
One call, a few texts and no app. Here's what happens at each step, who does what, and what you'll see on your phone.
The short version. Sentinel is a towing and roadside network. We answer, lock your price and stay with you. A vetted local partner tow company sends the truck and does the job.
Four steps
The Whole Thing at a Glance
- 01You call
Our 24/7 line answers
Call 1-888-TOW-1213. Tell us where you are, what you drive and what went wrong.
- 02We lock it in
Your price, by text
We text your price before anyone is sent. That's the most you'll pay for the job you described.
- 03A partner accepts
The nearest truck takes it
The nearest available partner tow company accepts your job. They're vetted for insurance and licensing.
- 04You see who's coming
Driver card and tracking
You get your driver's name, photo and truck, plus a link to track your truck. We check in until they arrive.
Step 1
You Call 1-888-TOW-1213
Our line answers 24/7, in the US and Canada. First we ask if everyone is safe. Then we ask what we need to price the job and pick the right truck:
- Where you are. An address or cross streets. On a highway, your direction and the nearest exit or mile marker.
- What you drive. Year, make, model and color, and if it's all-wheel drive.
- What went wrong. Won't start, flat tire, locked out, out of gas, stuck, or it won't drive.
- Where it should go. For tows: your home, your shop, or a shop we suggest.
- Who needs a ride. How many people, plus any kids or pets.
- Who else should know. One number for a family member, if you want updates sent there too.
We'll also ask if you want texts. They're optional. Without them, we update you by phone.
Can't talk right now?
Send us the same details on our online request form. Calling is still the fastest way to get a truck moving.
In danger?
If you're hurt, or stuck in a live lane of traffic, call 911 first. We're not an emergency service.
Step 2
Your Price, Locked by Text
With those details, we text you a price for the job you described. You say yes. Only then do we dispatch.
That texted price is the most you pay for that job. If the bill comes out higher, you pay the texted price. If the job changes, like a new drop-off spot, we text a new price first and you decide.
You pay Sentinel, not the driver or the tow company. You pay a deposit by secure link before we send anyone, and the rest when the job is done. The amounts are in your price text. If a driver at the scene asks you for money, don't pay. Call us first. The rest of the fine print is on the promise page.
Step 3
The Nearest Available Partner Accepts
We send your job to partner tow companies near you. The nearest one that's free and has the right truck accepts it.
Every partner shows us proof of insurance and the licenses their area requires before their first job. Every partner also agrees to honor your locked price.
No partner near you yet? We'll tell you right away, so you can call someone else fast. We're adding partners city by city. See the cities page.
Step 4
Your Driver Card and Tracking Link
As soon as a partner accepts, you get a text with your driver's name, photo and truck. It has a link to a map, so you can track your truck as it comes to you.
Then the check-ins start. We text you updates and check on you until your driver pulls up.
When the truck arrives
- Match the truck and the face to your driver card.
- For a tow, your driver photographs all four sides of your car before hookup. We text you the photos.
- Ride along when it's safe and allowed, or we help you get a ride.
- Need a repair shop? We'll point you to one.
After the job
Your vehicle goes on file in the free Sentinel Circle. Next time, just text TOW to 1-888-TOW-1213.
We have your location and your vehicle. Your price is locked below. If the bill is higher, you pay this price.
A local partner took your job. Here's your driver.
Checking in. Dana is on the way. Stay clear of traffic, and reply here anytime.
Who does what
Two Teams on Every Job
We think you should know exactly who you're dealing with. So here it is, plainly.
Sentinel Towing does
- Answers your call, day or night
- Texts and locks your price
- Picks the nearest available partner
- Sends your driver card, tracking link and photos
- Checks on you until help arrives
- Holds the partner to your price
Your local partner does
- Sends the driver and the truck
- Does the tow or roadside job
- Shares the driver card and location through our job link
- Takes the 4 photos before hookup
- Carries insurance and the licenses their area requires
- Honors your locked price
Questions
How It Works: Common Questions
Do I need an app or an account?
No. Everything comes by phone and text. Your tracking link opens in your web browser.
Can I call for someone else?
Yes. Give us their location, their vehicle and a number where the driver can reach them. We'll only text them if they say yes to texts.
What if no partner is near me?
We'll tell you on the call instead of making you wait. That way you can call someone else right away. We'd rather lose the job than leave you guessing.
Can I cancel after a truck is on the way?
Yes, just call or text us. Your price text says if a cancel fee applies once a truck is rolling, so you know before you say yes.
Ready when you are
Start With a Call. We'll Handle the Rest.
Our line answers 24/7. Your price is locked by text before we send anyone, and you'll see your driver before they arrive.