- Feb 9, 2023
- 7 min read

7 Questions to ask a Towing Company Before Requesting Service

When you're in a bind and need to transport your vehicle after an accident, it's crucial to turn to a professional towing company. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one to choose? Don't make the mistake of going with the first towing service you come across. Take the time to do your research and find the best one for your needs. But what should you be looking for? This blog post breaks down the essential questions you should ask a towing company before making a decision. Ensure that you're getting the reliable and trustworthy help you deserve in your time of need. Make an informed choice and choose the best towing company for a hassle-free experience.

In this post you will learn more on...

1. What Cities Do They Cover?

2. What are their base rates, any fees?

3. Ask about their ETAs! (Current Estimated Time of Arrival)

4. Is the Towing Company Insured?

5. What Types Of Vehicles Do You Tow?

6. Locked keys in car who to call. Can you help?

7. Is there a Cancellation fee or Gone on Arrival Fee?

Try Calling Roadside Assistance Instead

1. What Cities Do They Cover?

When you're in need of towing services, you want to make sure the company you choose is able to come to your location. Before making a decision, ask about their territory coverage. A professional towing company should have a large fleet of trucks that can reach a wide range of areas, so they should be able to let you know if they can get to you.

But that's not all. A great towing company will also be able to recommend trustworthy mechanics and workshops for fixing your car. If they don't cover your area, they may not be able to help you out with your towing needs. So, it's important to double-check their coverage before hiring them.

To sum up, territory coverage is an important factor to keep in mind when choosing a towing company. Don't get stuck in a sticky situation by going with a company that can't reach you or help you with your car troubles. Ask about their coverage and make sure you're working with a professional and reliable towing service.

2. What are their base rates, any fees?

When choosing a towing company, it's important to know about their base rates and any additional fees that may apply. This information can help you understand the total cost of the service and plan accordingly. Before hiring a towing company, you should ask about their base rates and what they include. Some towing companies may have a flat rate for basic services, while others may have a mileage fee or charge based on the weight of your vehicle.

In addition to base rates, it's also important to inquire about any additional fees that may apply. Some towing companies may charge extra for services such as winching, unlocking your vehicle, or storage fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it's important to understand what's included in the base rate and what additional charges you may incur.

It's also a good idea to ask about the company's payment policies. Some towing companies may accept only cash, while others may accept credit cards or checks. You should also inquire about any payment discounts or promotions that may be available.

3. Ask about their ETAs! (Current Estimated Time of Arrival)

When in need of towing services, it's important to know the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of the tow truck. This information can help you prepare and make arrangements for the towing of your vehicle. You don't want to be stranded for hours waiting for the tow truck to arrive, which can be frustrating and stressful.

That's why it's important to ask the tow truck dispatcher about their current ETAs. A professional towing company will have a dispatch system in place that allows them to provide you with accurate and updated ETAs. They should also have the ability to track their tow trucks in real-time, ensuring that they are able to provide you with the most accurate ETA possible.

In addition, a good towing company will have a team of experienced dispatchers who can handle multiple calls at once. They should be able to handle your call with care and provide you with the information you need, including their current ETAs. This is especially important in case of an emergency, as you want to make sure that you receive help as soon as possible.

Moreover, a reliable towing company will keep you informed of any delays or changes to the ETA. If they run into any roadblocks or unexpected issues, they should be able to let you know and provide you with updated information. This level of transparency and communication helps to build trust with their customers and ensures a smooth towing experience.

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4. Is the Towing Company Insured? #insurance

When it comes to hiring a towing company, it is important to make sure they have insurance. Insurance protects both the towing company and the customer in case of any unexpected accidents or damages during the towing process. Without insurance, the cost of repairs or replacements can quickly add up, leaving both parties in a difficult financial situation.

Here are 10 important questions you should ask a towing company about their insurance coverage:

What type of auto insurance do you have?
Who does your insurance policy cover?
Are you insured for towing and transportation of vehicles?
Do you have liability insurance?
What is the limit of your insurance coverage?
What happens if my vehicle is damaged during the towing process?
Do you have insurance for personal injury or property damage?
What is your insurance policy in case of an accident?
Will you provide me with a copy of your insurance certificate?
What happens if the towing vehicle is damaged during the process?

5. What Types Of Vehicles Do You Tow?

As a vehicle owner, you want to make sure your car is in safe hands when it comes to towing. That's why, when considering a towing company, it's essential to ask about their capacity for towing vehicles.

Different tow trucks have different towing capabilities, and it's crucial to know this information before making a decision. Some vehicles require special towing equipment, and only certain tow trucks can accommodate these needs. For instance, if your car is parked in a parking garage, you'll need a tow truck specifically designed for parkade towing.

Therefore, before hiring a towing company, it's important to ask about the types of trucks they have in their fleet. This information can help you narrow down your options and choose a company that has the right equipment to safely tow your vehicle.

6. Locked keys in car who to call. Can you help?

Locking your keys inside your car can be a frustrating experience, especially if you are driving an older model without the latest safety features. When faced with this predicament, you have several options to choose from. However, calling a locksmith is often considered the best option.

One option is to call 911, but this should only be used in emergency situations. Another option is to take the car to the dealership, but this can be costly and time-consuming.

Calling a locksmith is a convenient and cost-effective solution. All you need to do is explain your situation and provide your location. It's important to note that not all locksmiths are trustworthy, so be sure to do your research and choose a reputable company. A professional locksmith can quickly and efficiently unlock your car, saving you time and money.

7. Is there a Cancellation fee or Gone on Arrival Fee?

In the past, these type of fees were never thought of. Some towing companies do not announce this information upfront, typically because they wouldn't know what would occur after the call. The dispatcher's should always provide some sort of upfront disclosure of any cancellation policies or fees to customers, especially if they ask. If it isn't said over the phone, technically it is still legally valid. Check their terms and conditions page and make sure you're informed.

When it comes to towing services, it's important to be aware of the company's policy on cancellations or "gone on arrival" charges. A "gone on arrival" charge refers to a fee that may be assessed if the tow truck driver arrives on the scene and the vehicle or situation is no longer in need of their services.

Cancellation fees are another potential charge to consider. If you've called for a tow truck but decide to cancel the request before the driver arrives, you may be charged a cancellation fee. Some companies may also charge a fee if you cancel after the driver has already been dispatched.

It's important to ask a towing company about their policies on cancellations and "gone on arrival" charges so that you're aware of the potential fees you may face. Some companies may have more lenient policies and only charge a minimal fee, while others may have strict policies that result in higher charges.

In any case, it's always a good idea to have a clear understanding of the towing company's policies before making a request for their services. This will help you avoid any surprise charges and ensure that you're well-prepared for the cost of towing services.

So, when choosing a towing company, make sure to ask about their policies on cancellations and "gone on arrival" charges. This information can help you make an informed decision and avoid any unexpected expenses in the future.

Towing Companies Charge the Customer's through the Roadside Assistance Broker. The Roadside Broker does NOT charge the customer directly, it's only passed on and mandatory to do so. Unfortunately.

When you utilize the services of a roadside assistance broker, it's important to understand that they may have to pass on any cancellation fees imposed by the towing company. These fees, which are not imposed by the roadside assistance group itself, may be incurred for various reasons, such as a "gone on arrival" charge or a fee for cancelling the service too late. It's crucial to be aware of these potential fees in order to make an informed decision when seeking towing services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when you need towing services, it's essential to know what you're paying for. Before hiring a towing company, make sure to ask about their coverage area, what types of vehicles they can tow, their base rates, and any extra fees they may charge. If you're using a roadside assistance company, ask about any cancellation or "gone on arrival" fees they might pass on from the towing company. Also, ask about their estimated arrival time and if they're available 24/7, especially if you need help in the middle of the night.

Don't forget to inquire about their insurance and experience in the industry. This information will help you make a well-informed decision when choosing a towing company. Don't hesitate to ask questions and do your research to make sure you're getting the best possible service. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you're working with a professional and trustworthy towing service when you need it most.