The price of a tow
Page 23
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A s a novice in the trade, I
would like to help others starting out on their own to guard against breakdowns as much as possible.
I took out a well-known cover package and following a breakdown near Birmingham had to be towed home. I knew the recovery company would take me free for 20 miles, and I would have to pay the excess mileage. However, it would not tell me the mileage costs, and billed me for £488.02 for 174 miles. With hook-up charges, it said they charged £2387 per mile.
I have made several calls to get quotes, none of which came close to the average of £1.004130 per mile. I phoned the recovery firm which said £2.387 per mile was right but it had no intention of shopping around for cheaper rates for members. I was also informed the 20 free miles is in fact 10 as the pick-up has to get back to base Perhaps people should think twice before they pay out membership fees only to be later overcharged for a breakdown tow. I could have been towed home by my local garage for £260, without a membership charge.
Cohn Jones
CJ Haulage, Bury St Edmunds.