When your car breaks down on Highway 1, you lock your keys inside at a Burnaby mall, or get into an accident on the streets of Vancouver, you need a towing company you can trust. But not all towing services are created equal. Some overcharge, some arrive late, and others may not even have the proper equipment for your vehicle.
At TowSquad Towing, we believe knowing how to spot a reliable towing service can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s a practical guide to help Lower Mainland drivers choose the right towing company—before an emergency happens.
✅ Read Local Reviews & Customer Feedback
Start your search with Google, Yelp, and local Facebook groups. Look for towing companies with 4-star ratings or higher and plenty of feedback mentioning quick response times, fair prices, and professional staff.
- For the Lower Mainland, search phrases like:
“Best towing company in Vancouver” - “Affordable roadside assistance in Coquitlam”
- “Reliable tow truck near me Burnaby”
Pro Tip: Pay attention to how companies respond to both good and bad reviews—this reveals a lot about their customer care.
???? Verify Licensing & Insurance
A reputable towing provider in British Columbia should be licensed through the appropriate municipal or provincial authorities and carry full liability and cargo insurance.
Before requesting service, ask:
- Are you licensed to operate in my area?
- Are your drivers WCB-covered and insured?
- Can I see proof of coverage?
This is especially important when dealing with high-value or commercial vehicles.
???? Get Transparent Pricing
Prices can vary based on distance, time of day, and vehicle type. Don’t get caught off guard—ask for a clear breakdown of costs before committing.
Look for clear info on:
- Look-up fee
- Per-kilometre rate
- After-hours or holiday surcharges
- Additional services (winch-outs, tire changes, etc.)
TowSquad Towing offers upfront pricing and custom quotes so there are no surprises when the bill arrives.
???? Check Response Time & Availability
In a place like the Lower Mainland, where traffic is unpredictable and weather can turn quickly, fast response times are crucial.
Make sure the company:
- Offers 24/7 service, including holidays
- Can dispatch tow trucks quickly to urban and suburban areas
- Has coverage across key zones like Surrey, New Westminster, Richmond, and Port Moody
A good benchmark is 30 minutes or less for most urban calls.
???? Ask About Available Services
Not all tow trucks are equipped for every job. The company you choose should offer a range of services suited to your specific needs:
- Emergency roadside assistance (battery boost, flat tire, fuel delivery)
- Light-duty towing (cars, motorcycles, SUVs)
- Heavy-duty towing (RVs, buses, commercial trucks)
- Long-distance towing (e.g. Vancouver to Abbotsford)
- Winching and vehicle recovery
TowSquad Towing partners with trusted operators who are equipped to handle everything from commuter cars to construction equipment.
????️ Get Recommendations from Locals
Word-of-mouth remains one of the best ways to find a dependable tow truck service. Ask local auto repair shops, body shops, or even coworkers and neighbours in your city.
People who’ve lived in Metro Vancouver for a while usually know who shows up fast—and who to avoid.
???? Inspect Their Fleet & Equipment (if possible)
A reliable towing company should operate a clean, well-maintained fleet. Whether you need a flatbed for an all-wheel-drive vehicle or a heavy-duty wrecker for a commercial rig, they should have the proper truck for the job.
Photos of their trucks and gear on their website or Google listing can give you a quick idea of their professionalism.
