What Are the Factors That Determine the Cost of Towing Bills?

Several factors determine the cost of your towing bill. If you ever have had the experience of calling a towing service, you would know that it is not an inexpensive service. There are situational, operational, and other factors that determine its cost.

Your towing costs can be unexpected if you don't know which factors affect them. And you might end up paying more than you should if you are getting services for the first time.

So, it becomes important for you to know those factors that determine the price of your towing bill. Let's have a look at those points in this article.

Distance from The Company

It depends on how far you are from the towing company. How far will the towing truck have to travel to reach your destination?

The cost will be higher if they have to cover a lot of distance before towing. Many towing companies will cover their traveling cost for the first couple of miles in their hooking costs. After that, they will charge you according to per mile.

Time of The Day

The cost of your towing bill will also depend on what time you call them. It costs less to tow your vehicle during the day than at night. This is because there are limited towing options at night. Also, it is hard to see and tow at night, especially if it is along a busy road.

Also Read: Common Car Breakdown Reasons and Their Solutions

Location of The Vehicle

The location of your vehicle will also determine your towing bill. It will cost you less if your vehicle is standing on a main road or parking lot because these places are easy to access.

However, if your vehicle is in the ditch or trapped in mud, it will take more labor force and equipment. Moreover, it will take more time to tow your vehicle from such a location. All these factors contribute to a higher towing rate.

Condition of The Vehicle

If the condition of your vehicle is good, it would be easier to tow it. This will cost you less. But, if your vehicle is in a damaged condition, for example, after an accident. Your car may be all mangled up making it harder to tow the vehicle. Therefore, the towing company will charge you more.

Type of Vehicle

Heavy-duty vehicles are more difficult to tow than regular cars, requiring more equipment and effort. A towing truck consumes more fuel while towing a heavy-duty vehicle. Towing companies charge according to the type of vehicle. And they will charge more for a heavy-duty one.

Other than these, there are some operational costs that will also affect your towing bill such as

Labour Cost

The towing company's labor cost can affect your towing bill. How? towing companies employ laborers. They have to pay their tow truck drivers who work overtime and at night.

They also have to hire staff to answer phone calls. There are security guards who look after the company 24 hours. Towing companies adjust their pay in their towing bills.

Vehicle Costs

Tow vehicles are not inexpensive. Towing companies have to pay for their start-up costs, and their annual insurance premium for each tow truck. They have to pay for their maintenance and fuel. All these factors contribute to your towing bill.

Space Rent

Finally, towing is an extensive business, and companies need to lease space for it. They have to pay rent and utilities for space and a lot where they can park their trucks. This can directly affect your towing bill.

Final Words

Communicating your towing bill concerns before getting services from a towing company is crucial. This will help you get a clearer estimate of your towing bill. Companies may try to lowball you over the phone and only tell you the base price.

Some states have rules of how much a towing company can charge for a particular service. Know those rules and file a claim later in case of disputed charges.

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