While no driver wants to call for a Tow Truck In Beverly NJ, being prepared in advance can save time and money. Knowing about predatory towing companies can also help drivers avoid being overcharged or taken advantage of.
Neighbor offers a variety of truck storage options in Beverly, including indoor, covered and outdoor parking. These parking spaces are available in garages, lots, warehouses and driveways.
Roadside Assistance
If you have roadside assistance coverage on your car insurance policy, the provider will send someone to help if you get a flat tire or your engine dies. Some plans also offer jump-starts, fuel delivery and lockout services. The cost of the service varies between companies. It is sometimes included in your auto policy, or you can buy it from an automobile club, credit card company, or car manufacturer.
Some roadside assistance providers allow you to call for service as many times as you want in a year, while others charge a fee after a certain number of calls. It’s important to know which services your plan covers, as some may exclude certain services like winching or towing.
Some companies will provide a limited amount of fuel for free while others require you to pay for the fuel. It’s a good idea to carry extra fuel in case you run out while driving. In addition, some companies will give you a spare tire if yours is flat.
Predatory Towing
The practice of predatory towing — where a private tow truck company indiscriminately removes vehicles from privately owned parking lots for the sole purpose of extracting high fees — is a major problem in many areas. The issue often targets low-income individuals who are unfamiliar with the laws and regulations surrounding towing.
Towing companies are permitted and supposed to remove vehicles that block fire hydrants, driveways, and emergency access routes. However, they must give a driver 24 hours notice before the vehicle is removed, and companies can’t charge solely for expired registration or plates.
Connors recommends reviewing your state’s towing laws and keeping records of every interaction with the towing company. It’s also important to review the charges on your bill, as rates and fees vary by location. You can dispute these charges in small claims court if the towing company violates your rights.
Legal Issues
Before suing the towing company for illegally taking your car you need to gather as much evidence as possible. This includes any receipts, invoices, and written authorization you have received from the towing company. It is also a good idea to save any conversations you have had with the towing company (text messages, phone calls, etc) as this can be used as evidence in court. In addition, it is oftentimes taken more seriously to request your property back in writing rather than verbally. We recommend drafting a demand letter which can be submitted to the towing company prior to filing your small claims lawsuit.
You should also search for the towing company’s business license. Many companies use names other than their legal name for marketing purposes. Each county has a database that you can search to find the legal entity name. You will also need to identify the owner of the property where your vehicle was towed. You can do this by calling the county tax assessor’s office.
