The bumpy feeling of a tire going flat or seeing smoke coming out from under your hood are all problems you hope never to face as you drive down the road. More than 10,000 drivers find themselves with a broken-down vehicle each day in the U.S.
Depending on the time of day or the season, becoming stranded on the side of the road can be less than ideal.
With so many drivers finding themselves high and dry, preparation in case of a roadside emergency is a reliable course of action. Already knowing who the best towing service near you is should be done before you run out of gas, not after.
If you need help with how to choose a towing service, here are five helpful steps you can follow.
Do Your Research
Finding a top towing service starts by asking your neighbors, friends, and family members who live nearby. Chances are that you know a lot of people who have needed a towing service.
Take your list and start narrowing it down. Read online reviews and check to see if they have a social media page. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau for their company rating.
Call Your Top Three
Once you have your list narrowed down, start calling around. Figuring out how they deal with their customers when they aren’t in an emergency situation can tell you how they might deal with them when it is.
Talk to their dispatch or customer service and check to see if they are licensed.
Ask What Services They Offer
Some towing services will only tow within city limits, while others will rescue cars from highways or freeways out of town. If they have a body shop connected to their towing business, they may only tow to their shop.
Will they bring you gas if you run out or will you have to pay for a full tow? Are they open 24/7 like Birmingham Towing And Recovery or do they close for the night? Will they tow you to your driveway or a body shop of your choice?
All these questions and more are important to have answered before you settle on a local towing service.
Do They Accept Your Insurance?
There are several ways that insurance might cover your tow. These may include:
- If you have roadside assistance on your policy
- If you were in an accident and the other driver was at fault
- If you have a full coverage policy
Connecting with both your insurance company and your chosen towing service will help you better understand when you can and can’t use your policy.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost for towing will depend on where you are, how far you need to go, what time of day you are being towed, and what day of the week. You will need to ask about the cost per mile, hook-up fee, as well as additional charges for after-hours and holidays.
The Best Towing Service Goes the Extra Mile
Next time you are stranded, feel safe in the knowledge that you are well taken care of because you’ve chosen the best towing service. Let them do the work and get your car where it needs to go.
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