What usually happens is a tow truck appears at the scene almost the same time as the police after getting into a car accident and calling 911. While you’re talking to the driver or authorities about the multiple or single-car accident, the tow truck operator might take advantage of the confusion and talk you into taking your car to their shop. To be safe, know exactly who you’re dealing with for heavy-duty towing in Joliet IL.
The tow truck operator gives you his card and drives away. Once you give them a call to pick up your car, they’ll direct you to where their shop is and you’ll be handed a bill for an exorbitant amount. These predatory towing scams have become a major problem across the United States.
Deal with the Right Towing Company
Drivers of towing companies monitor police scanners where accidents and requests for assistance reports are made. They show up like knights in shining armor but are nothing more than villains. In the midst of the confusion you’re trapped in and the dismay you feel, they’ll prey on your vulnerability. So here’s how to protect yourself:
- Call Your Insurance Company
Your first go-to in the above-mentioned situation is your insurance company. Know what your coverage is, how much are the reasonable towing rates, and which company in the area they recommend for a towing service in Joliet IL.
- Ask the Authorities for a Recommendation
If you’re unable to reach your insurance company, the authorities can be of help on the matter. Find out who they can suggest for the towing and body repair of your vehicle. If they can’t provide you with a recommendation on the matter, they surely know someone who can.
What To Know Before The Tow
If your car doesn’t need to be towed, then drive it home and get the help of a body repair shop you know. But if you do need towing, call the company that has been endorsed by your insurer or the police. Once you’re already dealing with the tow truck driver, be mindful of the following steps to keep yourself protected from being victimized
- Get the name of the company, the name of the driver, and the truck’s license plate. Also, ask about the possible cost for the tow and repair services. The law requires towing companies in Joliet to provide such information.
- Get the estimated cost in writing, or better yet, voice recorded. The price list cannot change unless you’re informed beforehand. Make sure that’s agreed upon in writing too.
- Beyond that, all you can be charged is a storage fee per day. Get that amount included in the list. In case of added work, it will require your approval.
Once that’s squared away, you’re in a good place. It might require having to be firm but that will save you from the gut-wrenching experience of being scammed.
Who Are You Gonna Call?
In case you can’t reach your insurance company or the police attending to your case, your next best bet for towing in Joliet IL and the Chicago Metropolitan Area is Naperville Classic Towing. They serve Joliet residents with road service, roadside assistance, flat tire replacement, gas delivery, and jump starts aside from professional towing recovery.
They’re backed by more than 3 decades of reputable towing service which earned them the authorities’ trust in Illinois. The company is licensed and has solid insurance to protect its customers. Best of all, Naperville Classic Towing is on call 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Nothing says convenience more than round-the-clock availability.