When you’re living in southern Florida, one of the most important pieces of information that everyone should have in their purse or wallet is the phone number of a reliable and trustworthy towing service. Unfortunately, many people never realize how important this is until they break down in the middle of nowhere and are hoping that the company they call is reputable. When the chips are down, you want to have peace of mind knowing that they will get you out of trouble and fast.
So what’s the best way to ensure that you hire the right towing service for your needs? Here are a few helpful tips to consider:
First and foremost, be sure you really need a towing service – the best way to make sure that you truly need a towing service is to determine whether or not you can keep driving it safely. As an example, let’s say you pull your vehicle over because you see smoke coming out from under the hood. If it’s just overheated, let the engine cool down and add some anti-freeze or water to the radiator. You may not need a tow even though you’ll want a mechanic to check things out as soon as possible.
Contact your insurance agent – it’s a good idea to have your insurance agent’s phone number handy since roadside assistance and towing may be in your policy’s coverage package. Depending on the type of policy you have, your insurer may cover part or all of your towing fees. Having this information on hand could save you a lot of time and money if you ever develop problems on the road. Emergencies can happen anytime so it is better to be safe.
Make sure you’re hiring a professional – before you contact any towing service make sure you know where you want to have your vehicle taken. For instance, do you have a favorite body shop or auto mechanic in mind? You should be able to get FREE towing if you’re having them take your vehicle to their shop for body work and/or repairs.
Talk to your family members and friends – referrals and word of mouth advertising is one of the best resources you can have at your disposal when it comes to choosing a towing company. Your family members and friends may suggest a tow service that they have come to depend on over the years. Make a list of those companies and then read reviews about them online.
Select a towing service before you really need one – the time to choose a towing service is not when you break down. That decision should be made well in advance of any breakdown. Furthermore, once you have made your choice, be sure you store their phone number in your cell phone contacts. Ensure that you read online reviews before you hire a company.