Save Money On Towing Fees
Your car has broken down on the road and you realize that there is nothing more that you can do than to call a towing company. It is understandable why people don’t want to seek the services of a towing company because they have a bad reputation for charging a lot.
Why Does Towing Cost A Lot?
According to homeguide.com, the average cost of towing in 2022 ranges from $75 to $125. That seems high but keep in mind that there are several factors that can affect the final price of the towing service. Such factors would include the following:
- Distance between where the car is and where it should be towed.
- The size of the vehicle needs to be towed.
- How difficult it is to retrieve the car.
- Time of day.
- Kind of tow truck that would be used.
Distance
The greater the distance the tow truck travels while getting to the vehicle and while towing the vehicle, the more expensive the towing fees will be. In many towing companies, a minimum rate of about $50 is present. This covers about 5 to 10 miles. Depending on the company you work with, the number of miles and the price may change. Then they can also have a fixed rate on the additional miles the tow truck needs to travel.
Vehicle Size
The size of the vehicle is also considered for the price. The larger the vehicle is, the more challenging it would be to move. Also, larger vehicles are heavier so it can take more out of the tow truck to successfully tow it. So the larger the vehicle, the more expensive the fee will be.
Condition Of The Car
The condition the car is currently in also plays a role in affecting the fee. Those whose car is parked on the side of the road would cost less than those that have fallen into a ditch. The condition or scenario the car is in would also determine what tools are needed to get the job done. In some cases, more specialized tools may be needed and that could cost more.
Day Or Night
Typically, day time towing is less expensive than night time towing. During their office hours at around 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the towing company may charge at a regular rate. During after hours, some companies may charge more. Also, some companies only operate during day time.
Tow Truck Type
Similar to the specialized tools needed, the tow truck that’s used for towing can also affect the price of the towing bill. Wheel lift tow trucks are typically cheaper than having flatbed tow trucks. However, many choose flatbed tow trucks rather than wheel lifts because the cars are safer when flatbed tow trucks are used.
Saving Money On Towing Fees
Now that you know the different factors that can affect the price of the towing service, you can make your own estimate on how much the service would likely cost. If you think the towing service will cost a lot, you need to think of ways on how you can save money on the service. There are actually a few things you can do such as the following:
- Check your car insurance – The first thing you should do is to check your car insurance. There are some that can cover the cost due to the breakdown of your vehicle. Some may not cover collision cases. It is important to clear this out so that you know whether to rely on insurance for towing or not.
- Get an estimate – Most towing companies will provide you with an estimate first before you agree to get their services. Getting estimates from various sources and comparing them helps you choose which offers the most affordable and comprehensive towing service.
- Call up your credit card company – Credit card companies offer various kinds of incentives for their clients. Sometimes, they may also offer free towing services. If you’re in luck and they do cover it, you’d be able to save a lot. Some don’t cover all of the fees but can cover a portion to give you a discount.
- Join a car club – Some cars or auto clubs are worth the membership because of the different perks they offer like discounts or free towing. The car clubs tie-up with specific shops to provide their services at a discounted price.
- Immediately claim your impounded car – In case your car has been impounded, it is best to claim it as soon as you can. You wouldn’t want the storage fee to skyrocket so get it the soonest possible time.
Wrapping it Up
Many people think that the charge of using a towing truck is very expensive. It’s true that it can be expensive but that amount is highly dependent on various factors like the location and situation the car is in, the weight of the vehicle, tow truck used and time of day the tow truck is needed. By knowing such factors, you will not only be able to estimate the fee but you’ll also understand why their service may be expensive.
If those fees scare your wallet, there are also ways on how to cut them down. You can check with your car insurance or credit card provider if they cover the towing service. You can also join car clubs because they offer various perks like discounts on towing. You can also get estimates and immediately claim your vehicle if it is impounded.
