Finding the right Tampa towing company can be a challenge. There are thousands of companies offering the same services, after all. It’s easy to simply go with whoever is offering the cheapest price, but doing so does not always pay off.
Asking the right questions can help customers determine whether a towing service truly delivers on its promises of quality, affordability, and reliability. Here are six questions you need to ask any Tampa towing company before hiring them.
What Types of Vehicles Does the Company Tow?
First of all, it’s best to ask what kinds of vehicles the towing service is capable of towing. This is particularly important if your vehicle has special towing requirements. Some companies may not have the right tools or trucks to properly and safely tow your vehicle.
In line with this, it’s important to inform the towing service of the type of car you drive. Provide as specific details as possible to ensure the company has the means to help you.
What Kinds of Tow Trucks Does the Company Use?
There are different kinds of tow trucks, including flatbed trucks, wheel-lifts, hook-and-chain, and integrated tow trucks. Each one is best used for different types of vehicles. Similar to the first question, this one will help you make sure that the tow service can handle your vehicle’s needs.
How Much Will the Towing Service Cost?
Make sure you know how much the service would cost before committing to any company. The average towing cost is usually $75 to $125 or around $2 to $4 per mile. Many tow truck companies charge a $50 minimum base fee for local towing.
Take note that this average towing cost would change, depending on the type of vehicle and the total tow or mileage, type of tow truck used, and more.
What Modes of Payment Does the Company Take?
After finding out the cost of the service, we recommend following up by asking about the forms of payment that the company accepts. This allows you to make sure you can pay for the service when they arrive.
There are towing companies that may only take cash payments. Not knowing this before hiring them can potentially lead to issues. A truly reliable towing service would accept multiple modes of payment, such as cash, credit, and mobile payments.
Where Will My Car Be Taken?
A great Tampa towing company would ask you where you would like the car to go. In case they forget, though, be sure to ask where they will be taking the car. Tow companies can usually take the car anywhere within their city limits.
Additionally, if you don’t have a car mechanic you regularly go to, you can ask the towing service for a good recommendation.
Recommended Read: How To Find the Best Towing Company in Your Area
How Long Will It Take to Reach My Location?
Whether you’re on a tight schedule or not, it’s best to ask how long it would take for the tow truck to arrive. Asking this question is especially important if your towing emergency happens at night, when you’re alone, or when you are in an unfamiliar place.
It also helps to ask the company for the contact number of the driver they are sending or to request a call or message when they are already near your location. This will help prevent mishaps or confusion in case a good samaritan offers to tow your vehicle.
Do Your Due Diligence
If you want to get your money’s worth, it’s important to do your due diligence. Listing down these questions and keeping them in your car will help in remembering them, especially in emergencies. Asking these questions will help ensure that your hard-earned money does not go to waste and that your car will be in good hands.