7 things to ask before you book a tow truck
Your car has just broken down and you're googling "tow truck near me" in a panic. That's normal. But those two minutes of asking the right questions can save you 50-150 € and a lot of frustration.
1. Is that the final price?
The single most important question. When they say "150 euros", ask: does that include everything? VAT? Any surcharges for the time of day, type of vehicle, or access difficulty?
Invoices that jump from 120 € to 185 € because of "surcharges not mentioned" are more common than you'd think. Get a fixed price in writing — even a WhatsApp message counts. If they won't commit to a price before sending the truck, that's a red flag.
2. How long until you get here?
Especially important if you're on a motorway hard shoulder. "About an hour" that turns into two and a half hours happens all the time. Ask for a realistic estimate and call back if it's been a while.
3. What type of truck are you sending?
Not all tow trucks work for all cars:
- Electric or plug-in hybrid: must be a flatbed — wheel-lift can destroy the motor
- AWD / 4x4: also needs a flatbed
- Low or sports car: standard ramps may scrape the underside
- Heavy van or SUV: needs a higher-capacity flatbed
If they send the wrong truck, you lose time — and sometimes they charge for the wasted trip.
4. Do you have insurance?
Any professional tow company carries liability insurance that covers damage to your vehicle during transport. But not every operator is fully insured.
Ask about their professional liability and vehicle damage coverage. If your car gets scratched during loading, that insurance is what pays. Without it, good luck making a claim.
5. Where are you taking my car?
Some tow services (especially insurance-dispatched ones) take your car to the nearest partner garage — which may not be your trusted mechanic. If you want a specific destination, say so before the truck leaves and ask about any price difference.
6. How do I pay?
Cash, card, bank transfer — every company is different. The last thing you want is standing on the roadside at 10 PM being told "cash only" when you have none.
Ask upfront. And if they demand full payment before the truck even leaves, be cautious. A reasonable deposit is normal; full prepayment for a service not yet delivered is a warning sign.
7. Can I get an invoice?
If you need it for your insurance claim, for your company, or just as proof — ask from the start. Some operators only give informal receipts, and trying to get a proper invoice later is painful.
A serious company provides invoices without hesitation. If they make excuses, ask yourself why.
Bonus: compare if you can
If your car is safely parked and it's not an emergency, take 10 minutes to get 2-3 quotes. Price differences of 30-40% for the exact same service are common.
If you're on the motorway hard shoulder at night in the rain — that's not the time to compare. Call your insurance or the first available service.
Summary
Fixed price with VAT, arrival time, truck type, insurance, destination, payment method, invoice. Seven questions that take two minutes and can save you money and headaches.