Choose a Towing Company After Careful Consideration

If you need to hire a towing company to pick up your car when it stops working, you should proceed with caution prior to choosing a business. This is because a tow truck can easily ruin your vehicle, or at least charge you more than you should have to pay. Learn a few things to think about when comparing companies of this type.

One of the first things to look at is the quality of the company. You should contact your car insurance provider to ask for recommendations, as the staff there may know better than anyone which companies are good. Of course, if you belong to an automobile club that provides car-related discounts, you can call the number you are provided with. Even if the towing is not free or discounted, the staff members there should direct you toward some companies that have good reputations among customers. Finally, ask your family members and friends about the best businesses of this type that they have used. This is important because low quality companies may scratch up the vehicle when loading and unloading it, leaving damage on the exterior. They may even leave dents or more extensive damage during transport, and it can be hard to prove they were at fault, so reputation is important.

Not surprisingly, price is a major factor when it comes to choosing a towing company. Most businesses charge by the mile, but some charge a flat fee as well, such as a minimum amount that you have to pay no matter how far your auto is towed. Before you compare price quotes, make sure that the estimate is per mile, and find out if there is a price minimum. Then consider the number of miles you likely have to be towed so that you can determine how much each company would cost you. Be sure to choose the one without a minimum amount if you do not need to be towed very far, as the ride should be quite cheap without it.

Another fact to consider is where the towing business can take your auto. Some will only take the car to a shop that it recommends, or maybe to a particular lot where it takes all the cars it tows. This would mean you would have to use the repair shop that works with the company, or at least have another tow truck take your vehicle elsewhere, causing you to pay double in the end. Be clear about where you want the auto to be towed, and also make sure the business understands where it will be picked up from. You do not want any surprises as you wait for the auto to be picked up, so make sure you are within the service area and the driver knows where to go.

Getting your vehicle towed can be stressful since it is an unexpected expense, and it is usually coupled with the even bigger expense of auto repair. However, looking at these factors can ensure you choose a quality business, which can take off some of the stress.