Not many people consider the importance of having a reliable towing service on call until they’ve already broken down. However, you should have a company in mind long before you actually need it.
So how can you tell the difference between a good towing service and a bad one?
In the article below, we’ll cover some essential tips on what to check for when searching for a reliable towing service near you so you can distinguish a good towing service from a bad one.
1. Availability
Even if you find a towing service that uses state-of-the-art towing equipment, it won’t help if they’re not available when you need them most. Accidents, breakdowns, and roadside emergencies can happen at any time during the day or night. You should check the hours of operation of your potential towing service to ensure that they’ll be available around the clock whenever emergencies strike. A serious towing company will have drivers available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
2. Location & Range of Service
When you’re searching for a reliable towing service, one of the most important aspects to keep in mind is your location and the towing company’s range of service. Does the towing company offer their services to areas that you frequent? If your car breaks down during your commute to work, you’ll need a towing company that will be able to get to you. Many reputable towing companies have a serviceable range of around 30 to 50 miles from their location.
3. Quick Response Times
No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road for an extended time, especially if their stalled vehicle is putting others in danger. A reliable towing company will respond quickly by immediately sending one of their drivers out to help you. Naturally, the time it takes the tow truck to reach you will be dependent on how far the truck will have to drive to get to you, though it should never take longer than an hour. A good response time for any professional towing company should be between 30 and 60 minutes.
4. A Solid Reputation
When you call a towing company, the last thing you’d expect is for them to cause more damage to your vehicle. However, that’s precisely what could happen if you hire an inexperienced towing company with a bad reputation. Always do your research and check for customer reviews before you choose a towing company. The quality of service depends heavily on the tow truck drivers’ professionalism and expertise coming to help you. Suppose your towing company is staffed with experienced drivers and technicians. In that case, they’ll know what to do to help and get you out of harm’s way quickly while following all standard regulations and safety precautions.
5. Roadside Assistance Services
Some towing companies out there only offer towing and recovery. Their service ends there. However, when searching for a reliable towing company, you need one that provides more than just towing. A professional tow truck service will offer roadside assistance services to accompany their towing services. Check if your potential towing company offers other services, such as tire changes, jump starts, lockout services, and fuel delivery services. These types of roadside assistance can save you when you’re in a pinch.
6. Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
All of the above characteristics won’t mean a thing if you’re not working with a licensed and certified towing company. Unlicensed tow trucks are not trained professionals and can make the situation worse for you and your vehicle. You need a towing company that is fully licensed, bonded, and certified by the Department of Public Safety and Department of Transportation. This means you can trust that they know the proper towing methods to avoid further damage to your vehicle. Also, check to see if the company is insured. This is an important attribute for any reputable towing company to have. This will keep you protected should any damage occur to your vehicle during the towing process.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never had to use a towing company before, it can be challenging to choose the one you can depend on. When you’re searching for a reliable towing service, check their availability, range of service, response times, reputation, roadside assistance services, and if they’re licensed, bonded, and insured. These tips should help you find the best towing company for you!
