5 Tips for Choosing a Reliable Towing Service
The sound of the engine petters out as the axle slowly grinds to a halt. You step on the gas pedal in a vain attempt to recover, but to no avail. Did the alternator malfunction and kill your battery? Or does the battery no longer hold a charge? One way or another, you’ve broken down on the side of the road, and you need a helping hand. You need a jump, or maybe a tow.
Finding yourself stranded on the side of the road is never fun, but knowing how to choose the right towing service can make all the difference. Whether you need a 24-hour tow, emergency tow truck, or just a quick roadside service, picking a reliable towing service ensures your vehicle is handled with care and efficiency. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five essential tips to help you select the best towing company so you’re never left in a bind.
Tip 1: Check Online Reviews and Reputation
Before calling a tow truck, do some quick research to find roadside service companies near you. Often, these companies will have a google page or website on which former customers have written reviews. Online reviews can tell you a lot about a company: their reliability, response time, and customer service. Check Google, Yelp, and even Facebook to see what past customers are saying.
Look for consistent positive feedback regarding timely service and professional conduct. Ideally, a good company should treat each customer equally, and the roadside technicians should be knowledgeable, courteous, and prompt.
Always Vet a Company
Do your research. Be cautious of companies with multiple complaints, especially about overcharging or poor service. Once you have agreed to accept services, it is too late to argue about pricing, and if the customer service of technicians is lacking, then you may be saddled with unpleasant partners.
Ask friends, family, or even locals for recommendations. Everyone has had a breakdown before, and if the route you have broken down on is traveled frequently by locals or people you know, they might have firsthand experience with a trustworthy towing company and can provide you advice themselves.
Reliable towing services take pride in their service, and will often boast their customer satisfaction or other metrics of their reputation. If you’re stuck and need a tow truck phone number fast, choose a company with excellent ratings or seals of approval from other agencies.
Tip 2: Consider the Types of Tow Trucks Available
Not all tow trucks are created equal, and not every company has every tow truck on the market. Depending on your vehicle and situation, the type of tow truck you need will determine which company you go with. The best towing service providers offer multiple options, but lets go over a few of the basics to see what you might need:
Flatbed trucks are ideal for all-wheel drive or luxury vehicles. These vehicles possess a flat bed into which your vehicle is hauled so that the truck can transport you and your vehicle completely detached from the road. Luxury vehicles will commonly ride low, and so cannot use more traditional towing options. However, all-wheel drive vehicles interact with the drive train no matter whether the front or rear wheels are spinning, so a more traditional tow risks damaging the drive train.
Choose what makes sense.
Hook-and-chain tow trucks are common for short-distance tows, but are not suitable for all vehicles, as discussed earlier. These tow trucks function by using a crane with a hook and chain to lift your vehicle into a support which will allow the tow truck to haul your vehicle where it is needed. However, since one set of wheels will still be in contact with the ground, it is not suitable for especially damaged vehicles.
Wheel-lift tow trucks are a more modern alternative to hook-and-chain towing. Rather than lifting your vehicle with a hook on a crane, the wheel lift sits beneath the wheels of your vehicle and uses a hydraulic press to lift your vehicle partially off the ground. This is usually safer for your vehicle than a hook and chain, but it suffers similar challenges, namely that your vehicle will still be in contact with the asphalt.
If you’re looking for a 24-hour towing service that can handle different types of vehicles, make sure they have the right equipment before calling for a tow truck near you. The equipment that company has may just not be what you need.
Tip 3: Verify Licensing and Insurance
Your car is a valuable asset, and you don’t want just anyone handling it. You want a bonafide professional! Any reliable towing service worth their salt should be fully licensed and insured, and they will usually advertise this on their website or over the phone. Here’s what to check:
- License Verification – Different counties across the United States have various ordinances on licensure for operating towing equipment professionally. Ensure the company meets local and state regulations for tow services before hiring them for the job.
- Insurance Coverage – If your vehicle is damaged even further during the tow, fixing that damage should not come out of your own pocket. After all, it is the technician’s negligence that led to this damage (though, not all damage is under their control). Confirm with your 24 hour tow company of choice if they have liability insurance in case your vehicle sustains damage so that it can be repaired.
- Roadside Assistance Affiliation – Some towing services partner with major roadside assistance programs like AAA towing, and they will often advertise this affiliation or credential on their website. Having the backing and cooperation of an external organization offers evidence of their reliability and efficacy, and is usually a good indication of their skill.
Never hesitate to ask for proof of licensing and insurance. A reputable 24-hour tow company will have no problem providing these details, while those disreputable companies will try to hide this information when possible.
Tip 4: Evaluate the Towing Process
How a company handles towing services is just as important as their reputation. Once you’ve called a company, that does not mean you can let your guard down immediately. When you call roadside assistance or a tow truck service, take note of how they operate:
A 24-hour tow truck service should respond quickly, especially in emergencies. If they are slow to respond, it delays you from reaching the end of your trip and from repairing your vehicle. The response time is a reflection of the quality of service to come, and the longer they take, the worse you can expect their service to be.
Friendly and informative staff generally indicate a professional business. If the technicians that arrive to service you are unruly or uncooperative, they represent the towing company’s standards poorly. Additionally, if the staff who arrives is unknowledgeable in their service, call off their services immediately and find someone else. They should know what they are doing at minimum.
Finally, the technician that arrives should explain the towing process in detail to you. They should communicate clearly with you about where your vehicle will be taken and if your tow will necessitate additional costs. Transparent communication is a sign of honesty and professionalism, and obfuscating details in communication is a huge red flag.
The best tow truck companies offer clear communication and updates on arrival times, so you’re never left guessing. Settle for nothing less.
Tip 5: Request a Cost Estimate
No one likes surprise fees. Before agreeing to a tow, always ask for a cost estimate. A trustworthy towing service should be upfront about pricing, and generally this information will be directly available on a website or from a representative. In general, prices break down as follows:
- There is a base towing fee for simply calling the service. This is usually called the hookup fee, and will vary from company to company, and may even vary depending on the kind of tow truck you need.
- There is a per-mile charge that is dependent on how far you need to be towed. These per-mile prices may even be tiered, so that the charge increases the farther you need to be towed. When possible, it is best to tow as short a distance as possible to avoid high prices.
- If you need additional services, such as winching to get your vehicle out of a ditch, or roadside assistance to get your vehicle into basic operating condition, you will likely incur a separate charge for those services as well.
Be wary of companies that refuse to give an estimate or seem vague about their pricing structure. If you’re searching for free car towing near you, check if your insurance or roadside assistance plan covers towing costs.
Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
A great tow truck service does more than just transport your car—it ensures peace of mind. A reliable 24-hour towing service should prioritize:
- Fast Response Times – Whether you need an emergency tow truck or a standard tow service, quick arrival is crucial.
- Professionalism – Courteous drivers and staff who understand roadside service.
- Affordability – Transparent pricing without hidden fees.
When you call a tow truck near you, the experience should be stress-free. If you ever need a 24-hour car towing near me, choose a company that values customer satisfaction.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: How do I find the closest tow truck near me?
A: Use a quick Google search for “24-hour tow truck near me” or call roadside assistance for recommendations.
Q: What should I do while waiting for a tow truck?
A: Stay safe by turning on your hazard lights, pulling off the road if possible, and keeping your phone handy for updates. Oftentimes, when the technician arrives, you will also have to put your car into neutral and cooperate in other ways as well, so stay alert.
Q: Does insurance cover towing?
A: Many insurance providers offer roadside assistance, which may cover towing costs. Check with your provider for details. If your provider does not offer roadside assistance, consider a membership to a roadside assistance club such as DriveSmart so that you always have access to roadside assistance wherever you go.
Q: Can I request a specific tow truck type?
A: Yes! If you have a specific need, like a flatbed tow truck, mention it when you call towing services. Also be on the lookout for companies which lack the services you need, and mark them as unsuitable.
Is Roadside Assistance Worth It?
Now, I have mentioned roadside assistance membership as a potential solution to the probability of needing towing. But having a roadside assistance membership requires advance forethought and, especially, paying in advance. Is having a service you might not need really worth it?
Absolutely. Because you also might need it. For a monthly cost, you gain access to a safety net that eliminates the stress and uncertainty of arranging emergency services on your own. Whether it’s a dead battery, a flat tire, or even running out of gas, a reliable roadside assistance plan ensures that help is just a phone call away, no matter where you are. Roadside assistance companies will often have done research into reliable towing companies in advance already, and can provide you with a network of reputable towing services near you.
Beyond the immediate assistance, many plans include valuable perks such as trip interruption coverage, which reimburses you for unexpected expenses like lodging, meals, or alternative transportation if your car troubles derail your journey. This added benefit not only helps you stay on track but also minimizes the financial strain that can come with unexpected breakdowns.
Comprehensive breakdown coverage is more than just an emergency service—it’s an investment in your peace of mind. It saves you time and money while sparing you the frustration and inconvenience that often accompany vehicle emergencies. With a good roadside assistance plan, you’ll never have to face the unexpected alone, ensuring that every journey, whether long or short, remains safe and hassle-free.
DriveSmart Towing Available in Major Cities
How DriveSmart Can Help
Choosing a reliable towing service is essential, but having DriveSmart Network on your side makes it even easier. With DriveSmart, you get:
- Access to top-rated roadside assistance providers
- Exclusive offers on car protection plans
- Personalized support for all your vehicle needs
Don’t wait until you’re stranded. Join DriveSmart today and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re covered no matter where the road takes you!
