It's early in the morning and you're headed out the door for work. You turn the key in your ignition, but your car doesn't make a sound. The scenario just mentioned is one that many car owners, such as yourself, are familiar with. Addressing the repairs your car needs is an expense in itself, but adding towing to the mix can be downright frustrating. Fortunately, there are ways you can save money.
Carefully Inspect Your Auto Insurance Policy
Current market forecasts show that the towing industry has seen a rise in both market size and revenue between 2009 and 2014, and those numbers are expected to continue rising. It is because of that fact that many auto insurance providers offer comprehensive policies in which you can add towing and roadside assistance.
Although adding towing and roadside assistance to your policy will increase your monthly rate, it can save you money in the long run when you experience car trouble. Set up an appointment to talk with your insurance provider to determine how much money you can save. An insurance agent can help you set up a plan that works best for you and your budget.
When you select an auto insurance plan, make sure you read the fine print. For example, if the plan covers your car, but not the driver, you may not be eligible to save money on towing if someone other than yourself is driving. If you have a spouse or a teen driver, you want to make sure they are covered for towing services, too.
Do you have more than one vehicle? When you add towing and roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy, make sure the package includes all of the vehicles you drive, including rentals. Many car rental companies offer towing as part of their rental package, so make sure you sign up in case you run into an emergency situation.
Contact Your Auto Dealer
If you have recently purchased your car, whether new or used, from an auto dealer, speak to the dealer about possible towing and roadside assistance coverage. Many automakers offer towing services for an additional price, but you will quickly find that it is well worth the purchase price.
A towing service can cover you if your car breaks down, if you happen to run out of gas, or if you accidentally lock your keys in your car. Keep in mind that towing services provided through the manufacturer may dictate where the tow company takes your car. In most cases, the towing company will be instructed to take your vehicle to the nearest dealership or manufacturer.
Make sure you ask the dealer or the manufacturer how many tows you are allowed per year. If you have consistent problems with your vehicle and you use up your allotted tows, you could find yourself facing an unexpected expense. Keep track of how many times you have your vehicle towed so you can prepare yourself in the event of an unlikely emergency.
Find out how far you can have your vehicle towed. Despite the fact that dealers and manufacturers prefer to have your vehicle towed to a certain location, that location may be beyond the allotted distance. Have the dealer explain the distance and any extra fees to you.
Some dealers only allow towing coverage within a few miles, so unless you are fortunate enough to break down just a few miles from your home, you may find yourself paying more than you expected. Save yourself time, frustration, and money by ensuring you have all your questions answered by a professional. Additionally, when you call a towing company, make sure their services are covered by either your insurance company, the dealership or the manufacturer.
For more information, contact a local towing company, like Connolly's Towing Inc.
Share