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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Tow truck driver hurt post-storm

Tow truck driver hurt post-storm
from CBC News
April 30,2010

A tow truck driver, trying to clear a crash after a major snowstorm in southern Alberta, was seriously hurt when a car struck him. The tow truck driver was on Highway 22, south of Cremona, when a southbound Volkswagen Jetta hit him on Thursday afternoon. The Jetta's driver then left the scene in another vehicle, said police. Didsbury police said weather was no longer a factor at the time of the collision. The tow truck driver was taken to the Foothills hospital with serious injuries. He is in stable condition.Charges are pending against a man, 48, who is in custody. Power still out About 1,000 homes are still in the dark in southern Alberta after more than 15 centimetres of snow fell in some areas between Wednesday and Thursday.Electricity provider, Fortis Alberta, has 300 workers restoring power to some homes and businesses south of Cardston and in the High River area on Friday. Helicopters are also being used to spot downed lines as some areas are still difficult to access by road."In some areas, the snow is two to three feet deep. That compounded with the high winds that some areas experienced yesterday certainly didn't help," said Fortis spokeswoman Jennifer McGowan.Some rural residents who are in isolated areas with no power need to call Fortis to ensure crews get to them, she added.