Have you ever been stranded and needed towing services? If so, you know how important it is to choose the best company. Here are five questions you should ask any tow service before letting them help you out of a jam.

1. Is Your Business Fully Licensed and Insured?

When you call towing services, they should provide you with insurance and license information. In fact, if you can see it for yourself, all the better! The last thing you want is to have your car towed by an unlicensed company that does not have your best interests in mind. You also need to ensure they carry sufficient insurance. If anything damages your car beyond repair, you need to know you're covered and can be compensated for your loss.

2. What Type of Towing Services Do You Offer?

You need to know exactly what type of tow truck they use and the services it offers. For example, if you need a flatbed tow, not all towing services can accommodate that for you. Always ask questions; never assume anything. This is especially important when your car is severely damaged and you're unsure if it can be towed by a standard tow truck.

3. How Soon Can You Get to Me?

The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road for hours while waiting for someone to arrive. You should ask what their average response time is, and if it's too high, look elsewhere. If there are extenuating circumstances giving them a longer wait time - traffic being one - they should be able to tell you that as well.

4. What Are Your Rates?

It's important to know their rates before they arrive, so you aren't hit with any surprise fees. Don't assume cost is based on mileage, either. Some companies also have a minimum fee, so be sure to ask about that in advance!

5. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Lastly, you want to know how long the company has been in business. The longer they've been around, typically the more reputable they are. This is not always true, though; some brand new companies offer amazing services. When researching potential companies, check out their reviews and testimonials to learn more about their reputation.

According to Governing Magazine, at least 583 cities and towns collect 10% or more of their overall budget from fines, including towing. This number doesn't include towing collected by other means such as traffic tickets and tolls. Whatever the reason you need towing services, call us, and we'll be glad to help.