When your vehicle is involved in an accident or breaks down and you need emergency towing in Oakland, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not you're going to be swindled by the towing company. Fortunately, if you follow these tips, you'll be able to find a company that provides the best towing in Oakland for a reasonable, fair price. Here are 7 things to think about when looking for 24-hour towing services.
Towing services are usually not something planned for ahead of time, which means when the need arises, you likely won't want to take time to read customer reviews and determine average customer satisfaction. However, it's a good idea to do research before an emergency arises so that you have a company in mind that you know you can trust because of a satisfied customer base. Online reviews and recommendations from friends, family, and acquaintances are a great indicator of the service you'll receive.
When comparing towing companies, be sure to find out what the actual cost of the towing service will be. An advertised price doesn't necessarily mean that's what you'll end up paying once mileage, taxes, and other hidden fees are all included. It's also important to know exactly what is included in the price that you're quoted.
A company that charges significantly less than the average cost of services likely makes a sacrifice somewhere. Often this sacrifice is in customer service or in professionalism. You can learn a lot about the level of professionalism by how phone calls are answered, how truthfully your questions are addressed, the confidence of the employees, and how appropriately they speak and are dressed. Their equipment should also be clean and well taken care of. A high level of professionalism indicates that your car will be treated well also.
While the most important service provided is 24-hour towing since emergencies rarely happen during regular business hours, it's also important to take into consideration additional services that you'll probably need in addition to towing services. These may include roadside assistance, vehicle storage, repair services, and more.
It's important to know up front what forms of payment the towing company will accept. There's nothing worse than thinking you're finally out of the woods only to suddenly have the stress of finding a way to get cash to pay for a towing service company that doesn't accept credit cards. While it's rare for this to happen, it's best to make sure before choosing a service provider.
While it's not necessary for towing companies to belong to trade organizations, it's always a good sign and shows a commitment to being the best in the business and staying up-to-date and committed to satisfying their customers.
Find a towing company that is close so that you won't have to pay for more mileage than necessary. This will also make it easier for you to pick up your car later on.