You’re coming back from a pleasant weekend getaway in Kansas City. Everything worked out perfectly. Still, it’s true what they say; there’s no place like home. You are cruising down the highway with that warm feeling of contentment tingling in your stomach. The sun is setting slowly; just like you, it is no rush to get anywhere. The sky is a blend of warm oranges and pinks, and the radio is playing a good tune. Your loved one is in the seat next to you, a small smile creeping over their features, caught somewhere between reality and sleep. The car engine chimes in, and multiple lights sparkle on the dashboard, giving their contribution…wait, what? Nothing ruins the mood faster than an unexpected car problem. The vehicle sputters to a full stop. You are in a terrible situation. It needs to be resolved, but the problem is, you’ve never had to deal with towing in St. Louis before. Let us help you get the basics down.
The Preamble of your Engine
When you have car troubles, there are three things you can do. The first is to fix it yourself. Very handy if you can do that, but for most of us, this is rarely an option. Calling a friend is a possibility, but again, not always. The pros are your safest bet; a high-quality tow truck service can have you out of a tight spot in an instant, but you need to find them first. Not all companies are the same, and knowing what to ask your potential tow truck driver could save you from certain unpleasantries down the road. Without further ado, below are some essential questions you should be asking.
What Vehicles Do You Usually Tow?
Have you ever thought about what the life of a tow truck driver is like? He provides a valuable service, but as you can imagine, it can be tough being on his side too. To help ease both your burdens, asking the right questions can avoid confusion. Let’s start with the what. My father used to tell me, “Be wary of the car mechanic who says he can fix your car without asking what you drive”. No mechanic can be an expert for all models and makes, and not all drivers deal with all vehicles. It could slip your mind, but checking if the tow truck is compatible with your vehicle seems like a reasonably good opener. Along the same lines, you could ask what kind of tow truck they will be driving as well.
When Can I Expect You to be Here?
Moving on to the when seems logical. The driver can accommodate your vehicle’s needs, but he used a rather fishy phrase such as ‘I’ll be there as soon as possible’ when answering your question. Nothing is implied; always ask. In most cases, they will say in half an hour tops. This means you can hold them to their word. Furthermore, if you are holding up traffic or late to something important and the driver cannot reach you quickly, it makes sense to keep looking at other options. If you contact a reliable towing company off the bat, chances are this will be your first and only call.
Where Will You Take My Car…and Also, Can You Take Me?
Now we move on to the where. In the heat of the moment, you may forget to ask this question. Seems rudimentary and quite obvious, but when we have a problem to solve, we just want it to be done without thinking about what the solution entails. A good tow truck driver will likely ask you where you want your car delivered; do not be caught off guard. Here are three more sensible options:
- Your mechanic
- Your insurer’s mechanic
- As a final backup plan, most tow companies have yards where they can store your car. Keep in mind that this does come at a charge.
If you need a ride as well, there is a possibility that the tow truck driver will take you with them. Be sure to ask them if they can do this. Most of the time, they should be able to.
How Much Will It Cost?
When you think about towing in St. Louis, instinct will always push one question to the fore. How much money will this require to solve the problem? Always ask the towing company for a cost estimate. See if this is something you find reasonable. Since you are there, ask the driver if there are any surcharges (drop-off location fees and such), and again, while you are at it, ask what payment methods they accept to form a complete picture.
When Dealing with Towing in St. Louis, Ensure You Ask about Insurance
There is one more thing to check. If your insurance covers tow truck services, it would be wise to pick a company that they approve. A follow-up question should be if they will be dealing directly with your insurance company. As you can imagine, the answer you are looking for is a resounding ‘yes‘. Additionally, ask the driver to give you a call when he is near. The benefits are two-fold. Firstly, you can be prepared for their arrival to ensure the job gets done as quickly as possible. Secondly, in case multiple tow companies arrive, you will know which one is yours.
Reliable help can be found in St. Louis
Maybe you are thinking about a move from Kansas to St. Louis now that you know they have excellent tow truck services. More likely than that, you were probably planning a move to Missouri for a number of different reasons, ones you had before reading this article. Just like a tow truck moving your car, a move like this entails a lot of planning and time. There are plenty of reasons for a relocation from the neighboring Kansas to Missouri, a possible change of scenery being one of them, but the whole experience can be hassle-free if you find the proper assistance.
Final Verdict
If you ask all the right questions, there is no reason that towing in St. Louis cannot indeed be problem-free. All you need is to find a reliable company that can accommodate your needs. Good luck, and don’t forget to ask your St. Louis tow truck driver all of these questions!