How to choose the right towing company for your needs
If you’re a homeowner, then you know that there are a few inevitable things that come with the territory. Regular yard work, fixing leaks faucets, and staining the deck are all part of owning a home. But what about when your car needs to be towed? Unless you have a friend or family member with a tow truck, you’ll need to call in the professionals. So, what should you look for when choosing a towing miramar company? Here are some tips to get you started.
Make sure they are insured
For your own protection, it’s essential that the towing company you work with is fully covered. This includes insurance for both property damage and personal injury. Their coverage should be verified by contacting their insurance company directly. For example, AAA offers several types of car towing insurance plans which provide consumers peace of mind while helping protect the towing companies against lawsuits due to injuries or damages on the scene of an accident. If you’re considering hiring a service without these types of insurance, then ask yourself if it is really worth not having peace of mind when they tow your vehicle?
Do some research into the type of equipment they use
When it comes to roadside assistance or emergency roadside services, you want to make sure that the company only uses the latest equipment available. More importantly, look for signs of equipment being properly serviced and maintained. This includes off-road recovery trucks with winches, wheel-lifts, or flatbeds depending on what’s required to safely remove your vehicle from harm’s way.
Find out how long they’ve been in business
Experience is everything when it comes to towing companies so ask yourself if you’d be happy knowing your car is being towed by someone who has little experience? All reputable towing companies should provide references that include not just their list of satisfied customers but also any accreditations that may exist such as membership into trade organizations like the WreckMaster program here in Canada. You should also check for signs of a current WreckMaster inspection decal to verify that they are fully licensed and insured to operate in your city or province.
Consider the size of their fleet
In most cases, you won’t be dealing with just one tow truck when you call for roadside assistance or emergency services. In fact, depending on where you live, there may be multiple trucks patrolling the local roads at any given time so having a company with a large fleet is typically better. However, there is such a thing as too big which is why it’s important to look carefully at the quality of their equipment and how well it’s being serviced and maintained in addition to asking about references from previous customers who have used their services.
Know your rights
Unfortunately, there are no laws in Miramar, Florida that provide consumers with a list of approved towing companies which means you could end up with someone who isn’t fully licensed or insured (if at all) to tow cars legally. It’s also very common for some companies to charge more than others so ask about the total cost before handing over your keys and signing any contracts. If they can’t explain what each charge is for then this may be a sign they aren’t being upfront and honest about additional fees and charges you could incur beyond just having your vehicle towed.”
How much does it cost to use a towing company?
This is probably the most important question of all because if you’re being quoted one price but then asked to pay something completely different when your car arrives on the scene, then this could end up being a very expensive lesson. So how much should you expect to pay? For minor incidents, it’s best to get an upfront estimate for both labor and any other costs associated with the services you need to be performed. For example, some companies will tow cars on flatbeds while others may choose to use wheel-lifts or winches which are usually priced differently. When in doubt about pricing on smaller jobs like this, always confirm beforehand so there are no surprises later when they hand you their invoice upon completion of the job.
For larger incidents, you should expect to pay an hourly rate that varies depending on the type of vehicle that needs to be towed. Most companies charge around $100 per hour for smaller cars like sedans while SUVs and trucks will typically start at around $130/hour. If your car is too large for their tow truck then they may also have a flat-rate fee just to show up which can range anywhere from $160-$260+. For the most accurate estimates, always ask for a flat-rate quote first before agreeing to anything because this could save you hundreds of dollars depending on the circumstances.
How should I prepare my vehicle if I need it towing?
First and foremost, never allow anyone to hook up their equipment unless you are 100% sure they are reputable and fully insured. If possible, try to bring your car out into an open area where there is plenty of lighting so that both parties can easily spot any potential warning signs or disconnected parts that might draw suspicion. When hauling away larger vehicles like trucks, SUVs, or vans then simply asking if they have enough chains available is usually not enough so it’s best to get more information on their equipment and whether or not they have the proper license and credentials.
As for what you should do before your car arrives, here are some of our top recommendations: Take photos of any visible damage that may be found when hooking up the vehicle (e.g., interior/exterior lights, broken mirrors, dents, etc.) if possible; Inform them about any aftermarket parts like custom rims and alloy wheels; Fill up all empty tanks with fuel because most companies will charge an additional fee to take on vehicles with less than a quarter tank; Remove all personal belongings from the trunk (i.e., sandals, blankets, pillows, tools) if possible; Double-check your insurance coverage for towing or roadside assistance because some companies accept certain policies while others don’t; If possible, take down the name of their company and insist on getting a receipt in case you need to dispute any additional fees later.
Please keep in mind that most reputable tow truck drivers will usually wander around your car in order to look up important data like VIN numbers, license plates, and the general year/make/model so they can better estimate what type of equipment is required. This isn’t an unusual practice at all so there’s no reason to be shy about it especially when your safety is on the line.
With so many towing companies out there, it can be hard to know which one will give you the best service. One of these reputable tow truck drivers is going to come and pick up your vehicle in order for them to have a better understanding of what type of equipment they need. They’re not just trying to get into your car without permission–they want safe operations too! If you’re looking for someone who knows how to handle this situation well, then reach out today. You’ll never regret giving us a call because we are always on time with all our services that include high-quality customer care at an affordable price point.