It is so inconvenient when things don’t go as planned. Choosing the right towing company can go a long way in helping you cope with the stress brought on by your car's breakdown or even worse, after an accident. If you have chosen a bad towing company before, you know exactly how things can take a worse turn easily. Following the below tips will enable you to choose the right towing company and make the best out of an exasperating situation.
Pricing
It is advisable for you to press for a fixed price, flat fee and ask the providers to be transparent about other miscellaneous extra charges. If the towing company hesitates on agreeing with the total price, stating there could be numerous other factors to consider before agreeing on a final deal, perhaps, it is in your best interest to tell them that there are numerous other towing services to consider too.
Good Practices
The right towing company must utilise flatbed towing. Flatbed towing is necessary because it prevents further damage to the vehicle as the entire vehicle is lifted onto the towing truck. The car is completely level and firmly placed; the wheels are also locked securely. There are just too many things that can go wrong with towing service providers that use the traditional hook-and-chain tow trucks.
If the chain is attached improperly to the rack beneath your vehicle, your rack may face damages and your vehicle will be thrown out of alignment. This, in turn, will also cause your tires to wear down easily every time you hit the road.
Extra Services
A great towing company knows the importance of staying in touch with changing times and providing other services. You can gain greater benefits if you choose a company that provides complementary services, including roadside assistance, auctioning and secure vehicle storage. So, how can you obtain extra benefits exactly?
Well, if you are stranded in the middle of a road and you cannot seem to unlock the car door, instead of towing your car all the way to the nearest mechanic or service station and making you pay for the towing charges, the personnel will simply help you unlock the car door. Your car also might just require a jump-start. So, instead of towing your car and making a mountain out of a molehill, they will simply help jump-start your car.
Location
Many towing companies offer their services far and wide. They might advertise their services in your locality even if they are established miles away. So, when opting for a towing company, you should be aware of the proximity of those towing service providers.
Finally, always read the fine print
With accident or breakdown towing paperwork, any dodgy deviations from standard practice will be buried in the fine print, so make sure you take the time to read it thoroughly. (Hard to do when you're still upset after an accident), but a few minutes' reading time could save you months of issues in the future.
Many states have regulated forms issued by the state government, so if it looks more like a brochure or a contract than a standard form, be suspicious.