For most people, the chance that they will someday need the services of an auto towing company is fairly certain. What is not as certain, however, is how they will choose the company that will provide them with that service. Many people choose towing companies via word of mouth or advertising some will use the company that is recommended by their auto insurance agent. There are some crucial details that you need to know before you contract the services of a tow company and entrust them with your vehicle. The following information will help you decide whom to call the next time you are stranded on the side of the road.

1- A good place to start your search is by calling your auto insurance agent, they will be able to tell you the companies that they prefer to work with. The advantage to this information is that, generally, the procedure to being reimbursed is much simpler when you use a company that is preferred by your insurance agent.

2- Ask friends and family what auto towing company they prefer to use. If a relative or friend has used a company that they are not happy with, they will tell you. Friends and family also are very quick to let you know if they are happy with the service that they have received from a particular company. You will need to call the towing companies that have been recommended by your auto insurance agent as well as any that have been recommended by your friends and family.

3- You will want to know what they charge per tow, how far they will tow your vehicle and if they will do any necessary paperwork for your insurance company or if you need to do that. It is also important to find out if you need to pay them upfront when they tow, or if you only pay after the insurance company.

4- Know what kind of car you have. It is important when you call an auto towing company that you know what type of vehicle you are driving, this will determine how they will choose to tow it. For example, a four-wheeled vehicle needs to be towed with the use of a flatbed truck; while a standard two-wheel car or truck can be transported using the "hook" method of towing.

5- It is very important for the safety and well-being of both you and your car that you make the decision of which auto towing company you would prefer to use before you actually need to call them. Doing the research and making a decision now will save you money, time and headaches later.