Have you ever been stranded on the side of the road? If so, maybe you were lucky enough to call a friend to help. Or you were able to walk to a nearby service station for help. But what happens the next time you get stranded and you're not so lucky? One of the best options when you need help with your vehicle is to call a wrecker company that offers towing services.
If you don't know a lot about towing services, here are the answers to three frequently asked questions.
1. Why Do Motorists Need Towing Services?
The most common reason motorists need towing services is their car breaks down. This breakdown could be the result of different kinds of car troubles, such as a flat tire, dead battery, empty fuel tank, transmission failure, or an accident.
Another reason a motorist might need towing services is their car gets stuck in the ditch or in the mud or snow. If any of these car mishaps occurs after normal business hours, over the weekend, or on holidays, most wrecker companies offer emergency towing services.
2. How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Vehicle?
The cost to tow a vehicle depends on certain factors, such as the size of the vehicle, distance the car needs to be towed, and time of day. Most wrecker companies charge a hook-up fee, which includes the first few miles. On average, the hook-up fee is anywhere from $35 to $100, which might include the first 5 to 7 miles. If the car needs to be towed further, the charge per mile may range anywhere from $2.50 to $5.00 per mile.
A car that needs to be towed hundreds of miles could cost as much as $1,000 or more. The cost of towing a heavy-duty vehicle can cost up to 25% more. Emergency towing services usually cost more as well.
Because towing services can be expensive, you should check with your car insurance company before you get your car towed. Depending on your policy, your car insurance company might cover the entire cost of towing services. You can also check into purchasing a roadside assistance membership, which can also help to reduce towing costs.
3. Is There a Difference Between a Tow Truck Driver and a Wrecker?
You may hear the terms tow truck driver and wrecker used interchangeably, but there is a major difference between them. Both a tow truck driver and a wrecker are able to provide towing services. However, only a wrecker is authorized to do onsite repairs to the vehicle.
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