Towing Services 101: A Guide For First-Time Customers
As a driver, you put a lot of faith in your vehicle every time you climb behind the wheel and set off on a journey, whether it is long or short. However, the bottom line is, a car is merely a machine, and as such, they have their occasional blips and breakdowns. If you are a driver, it is likely that at some point you will have to count on a towing service to come to your rescue when your car fails you. If you have never dealt with a towing service before, here are some answers to a few questions that you might have concerning the process.
How much will it cost to have your car towed?
In general, you should expect to pay somewhere between $75 and $125 when you have to have your car towed from the roadway. However, this cost can go up in special circumstances, such as if you have to have the car towed for a long distance or you are far away from the towing service. Keep in mind that part of your tow bill may be refunded by your insurance company if you have roadside assistance coverage.
Will the tow truck driver be able to accept something other than cash as payment?
Towing companies are typically able to accept various forms of payment right from the tow truck. Many tow trucks now have debit or credit card readers available for customers who don't have cash on hand. Plus, many companies will offer to just bill you when the service is complete, so you may not even have to pay up front at all. It is always a good idea to ask the dispatcher when you call in for help what forms of payment will be expected and if the payment will be expected up front.
Is towing hard on your vehicle in any way?
As long as you are dealing with a trusted towing company, damage to your vehicle during the towing process should be of no concern. It is a common misconception that towing a car is hard on its transmission, but this is actually not the truth as long as the person who is doing the towing knows how to appropriately do their job. The only time towing is hard on a transmission is if the vehicle is not left in neutral for the haul.
If you have any specific questions, contact a towing service in your area.