No one ever plans on getting stuck on the side of the road, but, unfortunately, it does happen every once in a while, even to the best of us. When it does happen, you want to be able to rely on a tow truck service that will take care of your needs, whatever those may be. If you find yourself in need of a tow service, here are a few things that you can do and to look out for so that you can get the best service possible.
Services Offered
Many tow companies do way more than just tow vehicles. In fact, many operate much like an emergency roadside service and can cover you if you run out of gas, lock your keys in your car, need a jump start, get stuck in a ditch and need to get back on the road, as well as tow dead or damaged vehicles. Many also offer junk removal and commercial towing services. Most likely, their website will have an outline of the services they offer, so this would be a good place to start. Some tow companies are strictly just that – tow companies, so if you need help changing a tire, you might need to further your search.
The Service Area
Most likely, if you search for a tow company on your smartphone, companies in your area will probably be the first ones to pop up. Many will have their service areas listed, and you will want to find out if that area includes your current location. Also, be aware that many companies will still service you even if you are outside of their area, but this can result in a hefty fee that you might not have been expecting. Be sure to double check the service area before you call and get confirmation from them that you are in their boundaries.
Pricing
Odds are, if you are calling a tow company, you are probably in the middle of unforeseen circumstances. Most people that call tow trucks for a lift are in a bind, and the companies know that. Because you are in need, maybe desperate need, it’s not uncommon for a company to have notably high fees for their service. Be sure to get an estimate over the phone for the service that you are requesting, and then don’t be afraid to compare their prices to other local companies. Of course, don’t just go with the lowest bid based on price alone – remember that you get what you pay for, and when you are having people handle your vehicle, you will want quality work.
Reviews
Online reviews are the lifeblood for any company in this day and age. Regardless of the content, the mere existence of many reviews overtime shows you that you are dealing with a real company and not a scammer (and yes, there are scammers out there). Check out to see how other people rated their experience so you can know what to look for, what to ask for, and what to expect.
