Interesting story about towing costs...

Tips for towing, from hidden fees to costly considerations

Posted: 11:00 PM May 19, 2010
Reporter: Heather Haley
From VolunteerTV.com in Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- It's something you may not think about, until your family is stranded on the side of the road. Knowing who to call for a tow, when your vehicle stops, can be a tough decision.

It's actually important that you know before your car breaks down, because you can't be sure if the company that is coming to your aid is a reputable business.It's the end of a long day at work, and you just want to get home, but your car has a different idea.

Mario Pac said, "My friend was driving my car, and it just broke down." Stranded in a parking lot, Mario called AAA, and Tony Nelson with Moneymaker Wrecker Services, helped him on his way again.

Tony says, "I'll give them a rough estimate. I'll type in the GPS, so we'll know about how far their limit is, and if they're going to have to pay any over-mileage. That way they'll know before I tow."

Stephanie Milani with AAA East Tennessee said, "If you're on the road and you break down, chances are a tow is going to cost you anywhere from $65 to $75 just to start off."

And, Stephanie says that's just the first fee you could face, "Sometimes you'll get some hidden charges, you might want to ask for those up front, if you're calling for a tow," said Stephanie.

"Also if they have to spend extra time on the scene, if its just not a standard town, you may also see those charges reflected," she warned.

Weekday evenings can get very busy for Tony, as people hit the road trying to get home, and he said, "Most of them are collision or AAA calls."

Stephanie recommends checking into tow companies before you need to call them, that way you don't end up with a very expensive chauffeur ride home for you and your vehicle.

And, with the busy, summer travel season ahead beware, the mileage can really add up if you need to have your car towed across county, or even state lines.

So AAA officials say to be extra cautious, and ask about any and every possible cost, before your vehicle is towed.

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