Tips to Protect Yourself from Exploitative Tow Truck Companies

If your car won't start, has run out of fuel, has a flat tire or brakes issues, or has a dead battery, you need the help of a towing company. A towing company will also come in handy if you've been in an accident and your car won't move.

A reputable and ethical towing company will offer you professional, instant, and affordable roadside assistance to meet your towing needs. Also, they’ll give you peace of mind, allowing you to continue your day as they fix your damaged car. 

However, not every towing service provider can deliver these benefits. Some are exploitative companies and want to maximize profits using the wrong means, such as charging hidden costs to clients. Also, an exploitative towing company can collude with a particular auto repair shop or storage garage to increase service charges.

To avoid being preyed on, you'll need to know what to do if you need a towing service company. Here's a guide on how to protect yourself from exploitative tow truck companies.

Choose a Reputable Towing Company in Advance

A car breakdown can occur when least expected. If you don't have a towing company number on your contact list, you'll likely have to search online for a towing company to rescue you. Unfortunately, your search might be brief, and you may pick a random company that appears on your search result.

To avoid the adverse consequences of choosing the wrong towing company, pick one before you leave. With plenty of time, you can research potential towing companies and conduct background checks to pick the best before time is of the essence.

This approach gives you time to read online reviews and feedback from past clients to learn about a company's reputation and customer service. This step ensures you pick a professional, experienced, and reliable towing company in advance to call in time of need.

Inform Your Insurance Company

Before you seek roadside assistance, contact your insurance company first. Your insurance company will connect you with a trustworthy representative to guide you through the process. The representative will inform you about your level of coverage, fair towing rates, and preferred repair shops in case of breakdown. If necessary, the company may refer you to a reputable towing company to help you out.

Ask for Flatbed Towing

Towing companies can use different methods to tow your vehicle. These methods include a two-wheel dolly, flat-tow bar, and flatbed towing. Also, each technique requires a different type of tow truck to execute.

While all these methods can tow your vehicle to the intended location, not all are perfect. For instance, two-wheel dolly towing is not perfect for long cars or those with low ground clearance. If used on such cars, this towing method can cause damage to body kits, bumpers, and underneath parts such as the axle.

For a safe and secure towing, insist on flatbed towing. With flatbed towing, the car sits on the bed of the tow truck minimizing the chances of damage to your car. To avoid incurring extra expenses for towing damages, only hire a company that will offer you flatbed towing.

Gather Details

After your hired tow truck company arrives, collect important details for your record. Ask for paperwork for all applicable charges, such as towing, storage and repair fees. This record will be vital if you want to contest charges or fees. Also, carefully review the paperwork details to ensure no hidden costs exist. 

Also, take note of the tow truck's license number and signage and make sure the details match the ones on the provided paperwork.

If you need roadside assistance, only work with an experienced, reputable towing company. For a professional towing service that offers value for your money, contact AA Wrecker Service.