All professional towing companies in Chicago, IL:
- Have tow trucks with a bed that tilts down to help loading and unloading (a rollback truck) or a wheel-lift truck – as well as knowing all the potential limitations, and all the advantages of their trucks.
- Has equipment for loading your vehicle that’s proper. For a rollback truck, this would include a bridle with hook to hook slots in the frame, not simply a large “J” hook. Some vehicles, if they can’t be put into neutral, might need specialized equipment known as “skates” that can help load and unload the car.
- Has the equipment for safely securing videos including ratchet straps, chains, and the proper type of hooks. All vehicles should be secured with at least four points. Sometimes wheel straps are needed, usually with high end cars. All professional towers have training with – and access to information detailing the proper methods of securing various makes of cars.
- Has their trucks inspected annually, with a publically displayed, dated and signed sticker showing that the inspection occurred.
- Meets all federal and state regulations including the public display of DOT number, company name, and place of origin – as well as all triangles, flares, cones, amber beacons, light bars, or fire extinguishers that may need to be used during transport.
- Professional Towing Company drivers who have completed medical exams, carry “med cars” and if needed, have Commercial Driver’s Licenses which point towards a high level of training.
- Stop at scales, as required when carrying loads greater than 10,000 pounds.
- Carries insurance that covers their own vehicle, as well as “on-hook” and “garage-keeper’s” insurance that covers your vehicle while it’s in their care.
- Has contracts or agreements with motor clubs and insurance agencies for direct payment, or no questions on reimbursement.
- Has all safety vests and equipment to make themselves vehicle at any scenes of disability.
- Have skills, training, certification, and experience about towing, recoveries, lock-outs, jump-starts, tire changes, and winching. The certification that can be obtained from organizations like the International Institute of Towing and Recovery, the Towing & Recovery Association of America, or Wreckmaster are all great ways of insuring a towing company’s professionalism.
Why use a professional towing company in Chicago?
A truly professional tower:
- Can safely secure your vehicle to prevent any damage in the event of a sudden stop or accident.
- Is unlikely to damage your vehicle during loading and unloading by improperly pulling on something, or by allowing a vehicle to row away.
- Can tow vehicles with collision insurance to a body shop, and get paid by the body shop, so that the collision insurance pays for the tow and repairs as a single charge. If you’re getting emergency roadside assistance, the tower should be able to directly bill AAA or insurance agencies, or if you have the proper insurance coverage, provide you with an itemized invoice that you can submit for reimbursement.
- Can accept checks or credit cards.
- Can provide emergency roadside assistance: including tire changes, lock-outs, jump-starts, and recoveries. The company should additionally be skilled, and experienced in providing these services, as they require an element of talent, finesse, and understanding to undertake safely.
- Maintains trucks to a high standard -(you don’t want to be left stranded because of a broken tow truck.)
The question that you should ask yourself is: would you rather entrust your vehicle to a skilled professional, or someone without the training and experience to safely service your vehicle without causing damage. The answer should be obvious. Always:
- Verify the Chicago Towing company’s name, place of origin, and DOT number on the side of the truck.
- Verify the commercial inspection sticker near the above information.
- Inquire about all certification, experience, and training.
- Look for required safety light bars, reflective clothes, or any other safety gear.
- Look for equipment appropriate for winching, loading, unloading, and securing your vehicle.
- Expect professional, courteous, timely service over the phone and in person.
- Look for a professional looking business area.
- Ask about “on-hook” and “garage-keeper’s” insurance.
Look out for Unprofessional towers who:
- Put more emphasis on price over service and quality.
- Don’t have insurance.
- Don’t follow laws requiring signage, official publically displayed certification, safety equipment, lights, gear, truck inspections, etc…
- Will claim that they don’t have to check at scales.
- Don’t have special equipment to safely load, unload, and secure your vehicle.
- Isn’t able to provide other services associated with towing, like lock-outs or recoveries.
- Don’t have contracts or agreements with insurance companies, motor clubs, or body shops to provide direct billing or easy insurance reimbursement through a professional invoice.
- Isn’t on the Trooper’s list with a file with rates and insurance.
- Don’t leave beacons and lights on the scene of a disabled vehicle for safety.
- Can’t always answer your call or provide you service at any time.
- Can’t handle credit card or check payment.
