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Roadside Assistance: What Will Insurance Cover?


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Roadside Assistance: What Will Insurance Cover?

Until an incident six months ago, I mainly considered my car insurance to be something I would use if an accident occurred. After being stranded at work with a car that wouldn't start, I learned there was more to my plan than that. There is a whole section that has to do with roadside assistance. The guy driving the tow truck asked if my insurance covered emergency calls and I said I didn't know. He asked me the name of the company and then called his boss. After a quick word with my provider, he found out that I was covered in full. If you are not sure if your car insurance covers roadside assistance, let me tell you how to find out. After going over specific clauses in the contract, I'm betting you are covered for everything from a flat tire to a dead battery.

Two Tips To Help You Select The Right Tow Truck Service

If you are in need of a tow truck, it can be quite difficult to determine which service will be best for you.  The need for a tow truck is rarely a planned event, and it's very easy to make the wrong selection when you're really in a pinch.  Rather than wait until you are in an emergency situation that demands attention, use this information to learn more about what you should look for when you need tow truck service.

Flatbed Towing Is The Best Option

The first thing you need to find out is the type of truck any particular towing service uses.  This is vital because if the towing company that you select does not utilize flatbed towing, you may find yourself with bigger problems on your hand down the line.

For example, many towing companies use hook-and-chain tow trucks to transport vehicles to their different locations.  These types of trucks involve a chain being attached to the rack that is situated beneath cars. 

However, it is possible to mistakenly place the chain in such a way that the rack becomes damaged.  The result may be that your car is thrown out of alignment and your tires are steadily worn down each time you drive your vehicle.

Choosing flatbed towing is one way to avoid this.  With flatbed towing, your entire vehicle is lifted onto the back of a towing truck, and the wheels are secured into place with locks.  Your car is completely level and you won't have to worry about a chain causing damage to your automobile.

Look For A Flat Rate

Another important thing to look for when selecting a towing service is to find out how they charge their customers.  Some towing companies charge a bevy of fees:  Dispatch fee, gasoline fee and charges by-the-mile.  This can easily rack up to become a small fortune that you may or may not have the money to pay for.

Selecting a towing company that charges a flat rate is the best remedy for this issue.  The company will tell you upfront exactly what your price will be, in addition to letting you know the mileage limitations based upon the flat-rate that you will pay. 

Choosing the right towing service doesn't have to be difficult if you just know what to look for.  The next time you find yourself in need of a tow truck, use these tips to help you make the right choice. To learn more, contact a company like Arctic Thunder Towing & Recovery with any questions or concerns you have.