Towing services are a necessity when your car develops issues in the middle of the journey. The last thing you want is to get stuck at the side of the road in unfamiliar territory without any way of getting home. While there are numerous companies out there that offer this essential service, it can be challenging to choose the right service provider. This post goes over some important questions to ask towing companies before hiring them!
What is your track record with other customers like me?
This question is crucial because you don’t want to hire a towing company you’re unsure of, merely based on cost. More often than not, cheaper companies will turn out to be more expensive in the long run due to the increased chance of damage or theft. Before hiring one yourself, make sure you do your homework and avoid services with negative reviews.
What are the towing company’s hours?
You must know when a towing company will be available before making an appointment. This way, if your car breaks down at night or on Sunday morning, you’ll have someone who can help! In the event of an emergency, you can rest assured that your towing service provider won’t let you down. It would also be wise to call ahead and make sure they don’t close for holidays like Christmas or on weekends.
What is the process for towing a car?
Before you can hire a towing service, it’s essential to know what they’re going to do with your vehicle once it has been towed. For example, some towing companies will sell or auction off cars that remain reclaimed for a certain period. If this doesn’t sound like something you want, you should find a towing service that doesn’t follow this process.
What is the towing fee?
Another thing you need to ask a towing company is what their rates are and how they’re charged. Some companies charge by the mile, while others will charge an hourly rate or even per tow truck used for your car’s towing. Ensure you know the charges before hiring someone, so there are no surprises at the end of your tow job!
How far will you tow my car, and what happens if I live too close to your lot?
This question is important because some companies will tow only a certain distance and won’t return you to your home or workplace. For example, if the company’s lot is too close for them to drive back, they may offer to drop you off at a nearby gas station with an auto mechanic on duty.
Is there a time limit after which my car will be considered abandoned?
This is another question that’s important to think about before hiring a towing company. A time limit will give you an idea of how much time to come up with the fee before you possibly lose your car and what happens after that point. Some services may tow it straight away or have impound fees once the deadline has passed.
What are my payment options?
While there are a few different ways to pay, you ought to know how your preferred payment option will work. Some firms only accept cash or certain types of credit cards, whereas others have other forms like checks and money orders. This is something you’d want to know in advance so you can prepare to settle the fees accordingly.
What if my car gets towed when I’m not in it?
You may want to consider a company with restrictions on who they’ll tow, or that will only do so if the tow truck driver is in their car. This way, you don’t have to worry about someone else being stranded by your vehicle! Also, your security and that of your vehicle are critical when dealing with a towing service.
Are there any benefits of hiring your towing company?
As a customer, you want to know what your service provider is willing to do for you. Depending on the service level and price point you’re looking at, towing companies may offer discounts if your car has been towed before or have an opportunity to win prizes like gift cards. These are all incentives you might want to know before signing up with the towing company.
If I need an estimate before agreeing to hire your company, can I call for one without being charged any fees?
Some will provide an estimate over the phone, but others may charge you for the towing service or require that you go into their office in person. This way, if you’re on the fence about your decision and want to know more information first, there’s no obligation!
What happens if I have a deadline that day and can’t get my car towed on time?
This is another question you’ll want to think about before hiring a towing service. Some companies will tow your vehicle as soon as possible. In contrast, others may give extensions only if there are enough people in the office or require an additional fee for taking care of it later than usual.
Will the driver be wearing a uniform that includes contact information in case of emergencies?
A uniform will make it easier for you to recognize the driver and other people towing your car. This also comes in handy during emergencies as it ensures that no imposters pose as your roadside assistance. It’s also a good idea if they have contact information on their vehicle, so you know how to reach them at all times!
Do you have liability insurance in case anything goes wrong while transporting my vehicle?
If something goes wrong while you’re being towed, it’s helpful to know that the towing company is covered. With liability insurance in place for accidents on their lot or in transit, they can help with any damages to your vehicle and cover the cost of a tow truck.
Conclusion
Sometimes it’s hard to know who you can trust, especially regarding towing services providers. The questions we’ve compiled above are supposed to help narrow down your choices when selecting the right towing company. If you get car trouble in the middle of nowhere and don’t know what to do, remember to give us a call for quality towing services!