It is essential to have a general idea of how much a genuine tow service should cost before going through the list of scams. Understanding the fair market value of car towing will also assist you in noticing when someone is charging you way too much.
How Much is a Tow Service
Although the exact cost may depend on the place, distance, and size of the car. The average car towing within the city costs between $50 and $150. It is always good to have an idea of this range should you ever need a tow in the future.
Common Towing Scams
Now that you have a better idea of what a fair price might look like. Let’s explore some of the most common towing scams:
- Hidden Fees: A reliable towing company will give you a total estimate of the cost before they start towing your car. Avoid companies that give you a cheap price over the phone. Moreover, for them to add other charges when they are at the scene. These fees can be for things like winching, dolly usage or even what they call “administrative costs.”
- Unsolicited Offers: In case you are stranded on the road. Two tow truck drivers are not called by you or your insurance company. These drivers may be rude and forceful in their attempts to get you to use their services. You should not allow any unrecommended tow truck provider to tow your vehicle.
- Chaser Drivers: These are drivers who follow traffic to assist those with disabled vehicles. As soon as they see you, they will compete with each other to be the first tow truck driver to get to you. They may then try to force you into using their services. Furthermore, charge you a lot of money for their services.
- Bait-and-Switch: This is a trick where the tow truck driver will tell you that they will tow your vehicle for a certain amount of money over the phone, but when they arrive. They will only tow your vehicle if you pay them a much higher amount of money.
- Impound Yard Scams: There are high chances that if your car is towed to an impound yard, you will be charged high storage fees. Always ensure that you have a written quotation of the charges before you make any payments.
Tips to Avoid Towing Scams
- Know Your Rights: It is important that you learn more about the towing laws in your state. This will assist you in identifying what rights you have when your car is out of order.
- Get a Quote Upfront: Whenever you are looking for towing services. Make sure that the towing company gives you a written estimate of the total amount.
- Call Your Insurance Company: Most insurance companies include towing in their insurance policies. You should call your insurance company first to find out if towing is covered and get a list of their preferred towing companies.
- Don’t Feel Pressured: If a tow truck driver is aggressive towards you, refusing to leave, just tell them no and call a good towing service on your own.
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