When you experience a vehicular problem that requires you to pull to the side of the road and arrange help from a towing service, you'll be pleased to see a tow truck pull up in front of you. However, if you haven't yet called the towing service, the driver who is offering help may be less than reputable. Reputable towing services don't usually scour the roads and look for distressed motorists; rather, they're dispatched upon motorists calling them, and then will promptly offer help. You can typically tell whether you're dealing with a true professional who is reputable by checking these topics with the driver.

Form Of Payment

Any reputable towing service will accept a wide range of payment options, including payment via credit card. When a tow truck driver approaches you to ask if you need help, one of the first things that you should do is query about his or her available payment methods. If the driver says that he or she will only accept cash, or will give you a better rate if you pay in cash, you're better off declining the tow and calling a reputable towing service to aid you.

Transport to Any Garage

Another thing that less-than-reputable tow truck drivers may do is insist on towing you to a certain repair shop. These unscrupulous drivers may have arrangements with equally unscrupulous mechanics, who may overcharge you in your time of need and distress. Any reputable towing service will happily take you to whatever garage you wish to visit. Or, if you'd rather have your vehicle towed home and left in your driveway, the towing service can do so, as well. It's a good idea to quickly decide where your destination will be, and then confirm with the towing service that the driver can take your vehicle there. As long as you're dealing with a reputable professional, the answer will be affirmative.

Access To Your Vehicle

Depending on the nature of your automotive problem, your vehicle may be towed to a tow yard. For example, in the case of a probable insurance write-off, the vehicle will be taken to a tow yard where your insurance adjuster will go to evaluate it. If this is the case, a reputable towing service will let you know where the vehicle is and give you its business hours so that you can visit perhaps later in the day or in the day or two that follow to retrieve any personal effects from the vehicle. You may not be able to empty the vehicle at the time of the incident, so you should always confirm that you'll be able to do so shortly thereafter.

For more information, contact a business such as Jays Towing.