You’re driving down the road, five songs deep into a great playlist, when your car starts to sputter. You pull into the breakdown lane and call for a tow truck. While most people hope they never need to utilize a car towing service, it happens to everyone eventually. What’s more, these services can be very expensive. Knowing what to expect when you need one can save you a lot of money, not to mention stress.

Car towing companies typically offer emergency roadside assistance, including fuel delivery, changing flat tires, and jumpstarting. They also may be called to extricate vehicles that are stuck in mud or a ditch. Some also provide car locksmith services, such as unlocking locked doors without breaking windows. A towing company may be owned by a sole proprietor, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. An LLC, for example, offers tax benefits and protects owners from personal liability if the towing business is sued.

Many car towing companies charge a flat rate for hooking up your vehicle and a per-mile charge once they’ve started moving your vehicle. In addition, some companies have additional fees based on your particular situation. For instance, if you need towing at night or on a holiday, your bill will probably be higher. Also, if you have an oversized or larger car, your rates might be different as well.

There are also some unscrupulous companies that will try to take advantage of you and your situation by charging unreasonably high prices for their services. If you feel that a towing company is trying to gouge you, be sure to contact the Better Business Bureau or your local consumer protection agency.

When you need to call a towing service, you should remove anything from the vehicle that might be stolen or damaged while you’re waiting for it to arrive. In addition, you should be sure to park in a safe location. Leaving your car in the middle of the road or on a hill could lead to dangerous situations for you and other drivers.

Before hiring a towing service, you should always check with your insurance company. They’ll inform you if your policy includes roadside assistance or if there is a specific or registered tow truck company that it covers. In some cases, your insurance company may cover the cost of a tow only up to a certain limit in terms of price or distance.

While a car towing service can be a costly proposition, it’s essential to have them on hand if you get into trouble. Knowing what to expect and how much to pay for a car towing service can help you save money and stay safe on the roads. Moreover, building roadside assistance into your vehicle’s base coverage or joining a third-party provider can also offer peace of mind and potentially reduce the cost. Lastly, if you’re thinking of using a long-distance car towing company, be sure to read reviews and find out how they stack up against the competition.