When your car breaks down on the motorway or by the roadside, you need to contact emergency towing services for help. Unlike DIY towing, professional towing ensures the safety of your car throughout the process. Your vehicle is towed using the right tools and techniques to avoid damage to the body. However, before hiring a towing company, address the following issues to ensure peace of mind throughout the process.
Estimated response time
One of the most important factors to consider when hiring a towing service is the estimated arrival time. Some companies promise to get to you in a few minutes to an hour, while others may take longer. If you are stranded by the roadside at night, you need a company that will respond quickly. Therefore, narrow down your choices to the firms that offer a rapid response. Avoid companies far away from your location, as they are more likely to take longer to get to you.
Towing costs and additional expenses
The actual cost of accident towing varies from one service provider to the next. A standard tow usually includes the following costs:
- Cost of collecting the vehicle and cleaning up the scene
- Vehicle transportation to the agreed location
- Vehicle storage for a specified period
The cost may vary depending on how far you are from the towing location. If you have been in a car crash, the process of collecting and loading up the car and clearing the scene may take longer, leading to increased charges. Therefore, ask for an estimate of the towing costs based on your emergency. This will help you put together the required amount as you wait for the tow truck.
Towing destination
Your towing company should allow you to choose the desired destination for your vehicle. Although most companies tow cars to their yards, this doesn't have to be the case. If your vehicle has broken down, you can have it delivered to a repair shop for immediate repairs. However, after a certain distance, the company may charge extra for transportation. Therefore, ask about any additional costs of towing the car to your preferred location.
Accepted payment methods
Finally, it's important to ask about the payment methods the company accepts. Do they take payments from credit and debit cards, bank transfers, cryptocurrency or digital wallets? Some companies only accept certain types of payments, and the last thing you need is to be unable to pay on the spot. To avoid getting yourself into a pickle, hire a towing company that offers payment methods you can access.
Consider the above issues when hiring a towing company for emergency towing.