The Covid-19 pandemic shed a clear light on society, showing us which services were truly essential. Among these essential services, we find towing. Whether you own a vehicle or a business with a commercial parking lot, chances are you’ll eventually require towing services.
The truth is, choosing towing companies can be a confusing and intimidating process. There are different towing services out there with varying levels of expertise and price ranges. The question becomes, what factors should I consider before choosing one?
No worries, we’re here to help! This blog post will explore the top five factors to consider when choosing a towing company.
1. Licensing
The first factor is whether or not this business has the proper licensing and qualifications to be a tow truck service provider. This can include province and city licenses and are very important to have because it ensures the driver has received appropriate training.
Anybody with the proper truck and online customer reviews can claim to be a professional, so exercise caution! You’ll also feel more comfortable during the process. A recent study revealed that over 90% of drivers in Ontario were in favor of towing licensing and certification, with provincial oversight.
2. Keep The Costs Low
Comparing towing fees is the second thing you’ll want to do. The cost of getting your vehicle towed is another factor to consider when choosing a tow truck service provider. There can be some variation in pricing from one business to another, so it is important to shop around.
Some companies will provide a flat fee for towing, while others have variable rates depending on the weight or size of your vehicle and the distance that you need to travel.
You should also take into account the entirety of the process when considering which provider you choose. For example, some companies offer free estimates over the phone before towing a vehicle, while others will give you an estimate once they arrive at the scene.
The type of terrain you’re stuck in can also affect the cost; off-road towing always costs more than on-street towing.
3. Time And Availability
Most situations where a vehicle needs towing are time-sensitive, so the length of time it takes for a company to arrive can play an essential role in determining which provider you choose.
We’ve all heard horror stories of people waiting hours for their car to be towed or dropped off – avoid this nightmare by taking some time to compare service providers.
On top of being there quickly, you should consider the company’s working schedule. You never know what time of the day or night you might need the service, so you want to make sure the company is available 24/7.
4. Knowledge Is Power
A tow truck driver’s knowledge can also come into play – they need to know where and how to get a vehicle on or off of certain types of terrain and what kind of machinery is necessary for each recovery situation. Towing large vehicles is also a more difficult process and requires experience on the driver’s part.
You want someone with relevant experience, like Kamloops Auto Recycling Ltd, who will take extreme care not to damage your vehicle. A knowledgeable tow truck driver will also provide an overall faster and more efficient service.
5. Make Sure They Have Insurance
Finally, even the most experienced of drivers make mistakes sometimes, so you want to make sure to hire an insured towing company.
If they have liability insurance, that means if someone gets hurt on your property during a towing process or damages your vehicle or theirs in any way during towing, you’re not liable, and they can’t sue you.
You should also ask about insurance coverage limitations – some companies may only cover liability for their towing services up to $500.
Preparation Is Key For Choosing Towing Companies
Whether you need towing services for your business or your car, there are a few key factors to consider before choosing towing companies. Knowledge, availability, speed, price, and if they offer insurance are among those factors.
Needing your car towed is an unfortunate situation. Before you find yourself in a jam, check out our blog for info on how DIY car repairs.