How to Find and Choose a Local Towing Company

What to look for when you need a tow

When your car breaks down or you're in an accident, you need a towing company that can reach you quickly and handle your vehicle safely. The best way to find one is not to wait until you need it — most people find a reliable company before an emergency happens, then keep the number in their phone.

Start by asking people you trust: coworkers, friends, family, your mechanic, or your insurance agent. They can tell you which companies actually showed up on time, treated their vehicle well, and charged what they quoted. Word-of-mouth is more reliable than online reviews alone, because you know the person giving the recommendation.

If you don't have a personal recommendation, search online for "towing near me" or "24-hour towing [your city]" to see which companies serve your area. Look at their websites for their service area, hours of operation, and whether they offer the type of towing you might need — flatbed, wheel-lift, or heavy-duty recovery.

Key Takeaways

• Ask your mechanic, insurance agent, or people you trust for towing recommendations before you need one in an emergency.
• Confirm the company serves your area and operates 24 hours if you want coverage at night or on weekends.
• Get a quote over the phone before you call a tow truck, and ask whether the price includes mileage or if there are additional charges.
• Check whether your insurance or roadside assistance plan covers towing, because it may pay the bill directly to the company.
• Keep the towing company's number in your phone and in your car's glove compartment so you have it when you need it.

Understanding towing costs and what affects the price

Towing costs vary widely depending on distance, the type of vehicle, and what kind of tow is needed. A short local tow within city limits typically costs less than a long-distance tow to another town. A flatbed tow (where your whole car is lifted onto a truck) usually costs more than a wheel-lift tow (where one end is lifted), but it's safer for certain vehicles.

Call the company and describe your situation: where you are, what kind of vehicle, and where it needs to go. Ask for a price range, not just a single number. Some companies charge a base fee plus mileage; others charge a flat rate. Ask whether the quote includes tax and whether there are extra charges for after-hours service, weekend service, or if your car is stuck in a difficult spot.

If your insurance includes roadside assistance or towing coverage, call your insurance company first. They may have a preferred towing network and will pay the company directly, so you don't pay out of pocket. Your roadside assistance membership (AAA, for example) works the same way — they cover towing up to a certain distance, and you just call them instead of calling a tow truck directly.

How to check if a towing company is legitimate

A legitimate towing company is licensed by the state and insured. In South Carolina, towing companies must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. You can ask the company for their license number and verify it, or ask to see their insurance certificate.

Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau, but read carefully — look for patterns rather than single complaints. One bad review might be an outlier; multiple complaints about the same problem (damage to vehicles, overcharging, not showing up) is a warning sign. Pay attention to recent reviews, because a company's quality can change.

Avoid tow trucks that show up at accident scenes offering to tow your car without you calling them. These are often called "chasers," and they may overcharge, damage your vehicle, or take it to a repair shop that overcharges you. You have the right to choose which towing company takes your car — tell the police officer at the scene which company you want, and they can call it for you.

What happens when the tow truck arrives

When the driver arrives, they should inspect your vehicle and explain how they'll tow it before they start. If your car is damaged or in an unusual position, ask them to show you what they're doing. You can take photos of your vehicle before and after the tow if you're concerned about damage.

The driver should give you a receipt with the company name, date, time, mileage, destination, and the amount charged. Keep this receipt — you'll need it if you file an insurance claim or if there's a dispute about the charge. If the final bill is higher than the quote you were given, ask the driver to explain the difference before you pay.

If your car is being towed to a repair shop or dealership, make sure the tow truck driver knows the correct address. Ask for an estimated arrival time so you can call ahead and let the shop know your car is coming. If the tow is going to a storage lot or impound, get the address and phone number so you know where to find your vehicle.

Choosing between local independent companies and national chains

Local independent towing companies often have faster response times because they know the area well and don't have to dispatch from a central office. They may also be more flexible about pricing and more willing to work with you if something goes wrong. The downside is that they may not have 24-hour service or may not answer the phone as quickly during busy times.

National chains and large local companies usually have more trucks available, so they can respond faster during peak times. They often have 24-hour dispatch and may offer additional services like lockout assistance or fuel delivery. The trade-off is that they may charge more, and you might get a less experienced driver.

The best choice depends on your situation. If you live in a rural area, a local company may be your only option. If you live in a city and want may provide 24-hour service, a larger company might be worth the extra cost. If you have roadside assistance through your insurance or a membership, they'll direct you to their preferred network, and you don't have to choose.

Setting up towing in advance

The smartest time to find a towing company is before you need one. Call a few companies in your area, get their rates, and ask about their response times. Write down the company name, phone number, and any account information they give you. Take a photo of this information and store it in your phone, and write it on a card to keep in your glove compartment.

If you drive an older vehicle or drive long distances regularly, consider joining a roadside assistance program like AAA. These memberships cover towing up to a certain distance (usually 50 to 100 miles) and include other services like lockout assistance and fuel delivery. The cost is typically $50 to $150 per year, depending on the membership level.

If you have a newer car, check your warranty or owner's manual — many manufacturers include roadside assistance for the first few years. Your insurance company may also offer towing coverage as an add-on to your policy, usually for a small monthly fee. Having one of these options in place means you won't have to search for a company when you're stranded.

What to do if you have a problem with the tow

If your vehicle was damaged during the tow or you were overcharged, contact the towing company in writing within a few days. Describe the problem, include photos if you have them, and include your receipt. Keep a copy of your letter. Many companies will negotiate if you have documentation of the problem.

If the company won't resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles or report them to the Better Business Bureau. If you paid by credit card, you can also dispute the charge with your credit card company if the bill was significantly higher than the quote.

If your vehicle was damaged and the towing company's insurance should cover it, contact your own insurance company. They can file a claim against the towing company's insurance on your behalf. This is usually faster than trying to negotiate directly with the tow company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose which towing company comes if I'm in an accident?

Yes. Tell the police officer at the scene which company you want, and they can call it for you. You are not required to use a tow truck that shows up on its own. If police have already called a tow truck, you can still request a different company, though you may have to pay to have your car moved again.

What's the difference between a flatbed tow and a wheel-lift tow?

A flatbed tow lifts your entire car onto a flat platform, which is safer for luxury cars, all-wheel-drive vehicles, and cars that are already damaged. A wheel-lift tow lifts one end of the car (usually the front) while the other wheels stay on the ground. Wheel-lift is cheaper but can cause damage to some vehicles, so ask which type the company recommends for your car.

Will my insurance pay for towing?

It depends on your policy. Some insurance plans include towing coverage; others don't. Call your insurance company and ask whether towing is covered and up to what distance. If it is covered, they'll give you a list of approved towing companies, and the company will bill your insurance directly.

How long does a tow usually take?

Response time depends on how busy the company is and how far away you are. In a city, a tow truck may arrive within 30 minutes to an hour. In rural areas, it may take longer. Always ask for an estimated arrival time when you call. The actual tow itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on where your car is and where it's going.

What should I bring or have ready when the tow truck arrives?

Have your car keys, your driver's license, and your insurance information ready. If your car is locked and you don't have the keys, tell the driver before they arrive so they know to bring tools to open it. If you're not at the vehicle, make sure someone is there to meet the driver, or give the driver clear instructions about where to find the car and where to take it.