Originally Posted By: Mackelroy
I don't have AAA, but have towed a few times, so keep a few local tow numbers on my phone. The best number to keep is the tow company the local police use, they get priority(so always on call). You might actually call the police , cause they get the best response , guaranteed for towing. Ive done this before.
The issue I have , is some tow companies will try to take advantage and charge you big time.
example, had a front flat on my Motorcycle, it was unridable, about 7 miles from the house. One company wanted $125, plus an extra $95 for a Holiday weekend. I said thanks but I'll call someone else. I said I'll pay the $125, but not the extra $95, they said you'll be lucky to find someone else. Which was probably true, but It was an easy quick call, so another tow company took the job.
The other company charge me $85 flat, much more reasonable. That was a $115 tow, and probably 20 miles from the house. One difference I should mention, AAA or other tow options normally requires a tow to repair shop or dealer , where pay yourself, it goes where you want.
The time I used the police, I didn't have a phone with me, and my alternator broke and Motorcycle was dead. I had to flag someone down and in this day and age, that is a Feat in of itself. All I needed was for them to call the police, which could get me a tow. Worked out fine, once I got someone to stop and phone it in. Cops came, then the tow truck. But dispatch may be able to bypass and call the tow directly, if not the other way works too, with cop showing up, no biggy either way.
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The $115 was for the last call using the police, but it was a 20 mile trip, still reasonable