Having a broken down car on the road is one of the worst things that can happen to you. You can get stuck somewhere, be late for an appointment and it can get expensive.
In order to move your car and move it to a shop, you have to call and hire a tow truck service company. Simple as it may seem, it can be very easy to get scammed by tow companies who just want to earn more money no matter what.
Signs To Watch Out For
There are a few thins that can happen when you work with scammers. They will overcharge you, they can bring your vehicle to a shop that will overcharge you again and worse, your car wouldn’t be properly repaired.
They can also hold your car until you pay for their expensive services. To top it all off, they will also charge you with a hefty storage fee that’s why there are lots who simply pay them just to get rid of them.
These are frustrating situations that can make you feel like your just stuck with them. In order to avoid such fraudulent business, there are some tell-tale signs you should watch out for such as the ones found below:
1. A tow truck that conveniently appears when you had an accident.
It seems too good to be true and most of the time it is. If you haven’t called a tow truck service or the police didn’t contact anyone to tow your vehicle, don’t allow that tow truck to take your vehicle.
2. The unknown tow truck ask for personal information.
Apart from appearing out of nowhere and without anybody calling them, the unknown tow truck would ask for a variety of personal information. They’d also ask you for information about your insurance or the vehicle’s lienholder.
3. The unknown tow truck refuses to leave without towing your car.
Sometimes you can be forced to simply take their offer because they’re already there and they make a stand. Don’t make that mistake. You’ll definitely be sorry afterwards.
What Should You Do
Now that you’ve identified them as potential scammers, here are a few things you can do.
- Make a stand – No matter how much they convince you, don’t give into getting their services.
- Don’t sign anything – If your not going to get their services, there is no reason for you to sign anything. They can use this contract against you.
- Gather information about them – The scammers may collect information from you but you shouldn’t give any. Instead, gather information about them. Ask for some paperwork and documentation about their fees and services.
- Call up a towing company you trust – Even if you haven’t had an accident before that requires you to hire a towing service company, you should be prepared at all times. Do your research or join a roadside assistance club in your area. Always be ready to call them when needed.
These tips are very helpful in making sure you don’t get scammed by other towing companies. But you should also read our tips on what to do while waiting on a tow truck. With these you’ll be prepared in case of a car emergency.
