If your car has been involved in an accident or your engine will not start, hiring a tow truck service may become an unplanned necessity. Tow trucks can also be used for some scheduled auto transport services, including moving a vehicle from one location to another or to transport large parts. It’s helpful to understand how much a tow truck costs and how the charges are determined. In some cases, your auto insurance company may cover all or part of the cost of towing your vehicle.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE COST OF HIRING A TOW TRUCK
Distance
Towing costs will be impacted by the distance you need to get to your destination. Some companies charge a flat rate for distances within certain mileage ranges. Others calculate rates on a per mile basis. Most charge a minimum rate, regardless of distance.
Vehicle Type and Size
Your vehicle’s type and size will affect the cost of your towing services. As you may hypothesize, standard light duty vehicles and pickup trucks cost less to tow than dually trucks and other larger trucks and work vehicles. When you reach out to a towing company, they will ask a variety of questions to ensure they send the correct tow truck for your vehicle. They may also ask you to send them a photo of your vehicle.
Vehicle Condition
When determining the cost of a tow service, it is important to consider the condition of your vehicle. The costs may be lower if your vehicle’s engine is inoperable versus a more complex scenario. For example, if your car is stuck in a ditch or has gone off-road, it will need heavy machinery and specialized skills to free it. In this instance, a tow truck company will charge more for its services. A tow truck service may also charge if your rear tires are flat, because it will require a flatbed truck to haul your vehicle.
Accessibility to Location
The cost of your rescue depends on the accessibility of the area where you are located. A towing service may charge more if your vehicle is located in a highly trafficked area, where navigating to and from your location may be time consuming. Similarly, some towing companies charge more for remote locations, especially if they are hard to find or involve rough terrain.
As mentioned above, if your car is stuck in a ditch or has gone off-road, it will require winch-out services. A winch is usually used to pull vehicles out of ditches, but may also be required if your vehicle is stuck in mud, water or snow.
Date and Time of Day of Service
The cost of a North Augusta tow truck service is also impacted by the calendar. Most towing companies charge more for their services at night than during the day. Public holidays may also be more expensive.
When you hire a tow truck, it can be overwhelming to make a quick decision and it can be tempting to simply choose the least expensive option. Be sure you ask questions regarding minimal costs and potential upcharges before choosing a tow truck service. Additionally, as with many services, you get what you pay for. Professional towing companies will arrive on time and provide quality service at all times.
If you need a tow truck in North Augusta SC or surrounding areas, call Exfil Towing and Transport today. We are your experienced, local tow truck service, and we are committed to having the fastest response times in the area. In addition to towing services, Exfil offers scheduled automobile transport and heavy and disabled equipment hauling.