Being stuck with a broken car on the side of the road is a scary and worrying experience. It is not only disturbing but dangerous to be stranded in the middle of the road with traffic flowing around you. Chances of collisions and accidents by getting hit by a fast driving vehicle increase by manifolds. Therefore, you should try to get out of the situation as soon as possible.
The easiest way is to call a
roadside assistance service. They can get you back on the road in no time by providing the required repair service. Unfortunately, this is also the time that scammers capitalize. They scam you by providing substandard roadside services at higher rates. The situation makes you lose money and the problem with your vehicle is often not solved.
Hence, no matter how tense the situation is, never let your guard down. Always be vigilant and try to distinguish between a professional and an opportunistic roadside service provider. Here are some of the roadside assistance scams to watch out for.
Unsolicited Towing Service
Nothing seems more blissful than an approaching tow truck when you are stuck with a broken car. However, if you find an unmarked tow truck approaching that offers to help, it is better to decline respectfully. This is by far the most common type of roadside assistance scam. They may at first feel like a blessing but accepting their help gets you in even deeper trouble.
Scammers nowadays are using a specialized tracking system to track stranded cars on the road. Then they approach and offer help and once you agree, you will have bills twice or thrice the original amount. Only then will you know that you have been scammed. So, it is best to say no to the uncalled help.
Suspicious Quotes
Another common roadside assistance scam is incomplete quotes. The tow truckers provide you with an incomplete tow and then mention several extra charges in the name of service at the time of payment. When getting a quote, make sure it is complete; it should include the mileage cost, service fee, fuel costs, and other loading and off-loading charges. Make sure your final payment matches that amount.
The only way to be safe from such scams is by being preemptive and asking for the complete bill beforehand, no matter how much you trust that towing company. If you receive an overpriced bill after using their services, you will have no other choice but to pay the unfair amount.
One-destination Towing
There are
multiple reasons where you may need roadside assistance services for your vehicle. Different problems require different kinds of solutions and often various towing destinations. So, if you get a towing company that offers towing services to only a specific location, it is recommended to not move further in business with them.
These towing companies take your vehicle to a specific repair shop, where you are asked to pay an extra amount for repairs straight away.
On the other hand, professional towing service allows you to choose the destination, whether a repair shop or a garage. So, it is better to have more options than paying more for some forced repair.
Missing Paperwork
The worst mistake you can make while using a towing or roadside service is not asking for a written invoice and accepting an incomplete set of paperwork. If a tow truck arrives and hands you incomplete paperwork, it is better to politely decline the service and not let them tow your vehicle.
Make sure that the name printed on the invoice matches the name on the truck. Further, check the final payable amount thoroughly. It should include all the charges. If you find the paperwork suspicious in any way, you have all the right to politely decline the service.
About Us
Ontario Towing provides you with the best towing and roadside assistance services throughout Ottawa and surrounding areas. We offer an extensive range of towing services, from flatbed towing to boat towing. Our experienced drivers and updated tow trucks ensure the safety and professionalism that you expect from a towing company.
We also provide a variety of fast and reliable roadside assistance services with the utmost professionalism. Our licensed and qualified professionals are well-trained to offer you friendly and effective roadside recovery services with a speedy response time. For a special request like long-distance towing,
contact us for a hassle-free price quote at any time.
Ontario Towing amplifies its legacy of reliability with the introduction of Ottawa’s Roadside Assistance. Tailored for Ottawa’s drivers, this program promises swift interventions and unmatched roadside support, setting new standards in vehicular safety.