A tow truck approaching in the distance can feel like a divine intervention when dealing with the stress that comes along with being stranded on the side of the road. Unfortunately, this beacon of hope can quickly turn to dismay if you failed to ensure you were getting the right services for your specific situation when contacting a local towing company. This is because not all tow trucks are able to safely tow all vehicles, and not all towing companies will offer the same level of services.

This is why it is so important for you to make the following inquiries each and every time you require an automotive tow.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

Most towing companies will require you to pay for their services before your vehicle is even towed. However, not all towing companies will accept the same type of payments. For instance, while some companies will allow you to pay via check or credit card, others will require a cash payment before services can be rendered.

Another important factor to consider is whether or not you will be using your auto insurance or roadside assistance to help cover the cost of your tow. If you plan on using this type of coverage, you will also need to verify that the towing company accepts payment through your service provider.

Failing to inform the company of your intent to use this coverage before the tow truck is dispatched could leave you paying for the entire bill out of your own pocket or potentially waiting on a second tow truck to arrive.

How Far Will They Take You?

It is quite common for towing companies to limit the distance that they are willing to tow you vehicle. This allows them to complete each job quickly and ensures they are able to keep up with the high demand for their services. However, this limitation can also leave you in a bad position if your home or the auto repair shop you prefer is outside the service area of the towing company you have chosen.

Taking the time to inquire about any mileage limitations the company may have will allow you to avoid this situation and ultimately help to ensure you and your vehicle are able to get where you need to go.

Are There Any Limitations On The Types Of Vehicles That Can Be Towed?

Some tow trucks will be limited in the type of vehicles they can tow. For instance, these trucks may only be capable of towing vehicles within a certain weight range. They may also be limited to towing vehicles with rear wheel drive or that have all four tires properly inflated.

While most towing companies will maintain a fleet of different trucks in order to compensate for these limitations, they will not know which truck to send to your location unless you are specific about your needs when requesting a tow.

For instance, by informing the dispatcher about the presence of flat tires on your vehicle, you will be able to ensure that a flatbed truck is dispatched to your location since other tow trucks will be incapable of safely towing your vehicle in its current condition. To learn more, contact a company like Roadway Towing Ltd with any questions or concerns you have.