Everybody has been through it at least once: being stuck on the side of the road and having to call a towing service to get you out of a frustrating situation. But not all towing companies are created equal. So if you're looking to identify a reliable company that you can contact in case things go south while you're out on the road, keep on reading below to discover just a few things that you'll want to keep in mind.

Response Time

Response time is one of the most important factors you'll want to consider when looking at various towing services. After all, who wants to spend an extra hour standing by the side of the road while waiting for assistance? While towing companies can give you time estimates or averages, it's important to note that local towing companies usually have quicker response times than national chains, simply because they handle fewer calls on average, and focus on a smaller geographic area.

Availability

Another important aspect of towing services that should be a 'must have' is 24/7 support. Some towing companies may only offer support during the weekdays, or may not offer certain services on the holidays. And while some people are willing to gamble on the hope that they'll never need to be towed late at night, it's not the smartest move. A reliable towing company should have no problem responding promptly at any time of day. You should also seek out companies that offer services beyond towing. The best companies will change your tires or jump start your vehicle even in the middle of night, which affords customers a peace of mind that's hard to put a price on. 

Insurance

To start with, you should limit your search for towing companies (like Parkway Wrecker Service) to ones that will accept your insurance. If you don't, you might be unpleasantly surprised to find that some (or all) out of pocket expenses won't be covered, and that they add up rather quickly. In addition, you should look for companies that are insured themselves. This means that if the tow truck driver gets an accident while towing your vehicle, you aren't held responsible for any of the damages. Only companies with proof of local license and insurance should be considered. If you can't check those things off your list, move on to the next company, no matter how good the price of their services might be.