Question 1

What areas do you serve in Riverside?

Accepted Answer

Riverside Towing Co. provides towing and roadside assistance services throughout Riverside, CA and surrounding areas including Corona, Jurupa Valley, Moreno Valley, Perris.

Question 2

How quickly can you respond to a towing request?

Accepted Answer

We aim to respond to all emergency calls within 30 minutes or less, depending on your location and current traffic conditions. Our dispatch team will provide you with an estimated arrival time when you call.

Question 3

What types of vehicles can you tow?

Accepted Answer

We can tow all types of vehicles including cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, and light commercial vehicles. Our flatbed and wheel-lift tow trucks can handle both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles safely.

Question 4

How much does towing cost in Riverside?

Accepted Answer

Towing costs in Riverside depend on three things: distance from pickup to destination, vehicle type and weight (light-duty cars vs heavy-duty trucks and RVs), and time of service (after-hours and holidays typically cost more). Before we dispatch a truck, our team gives you a flat upfront quote over the phone so there are no surprises. Call (951) 800-3123 for a specific quote. We accept cash and all major credit cards.

Question 5

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

Our hours are Mon-Sat: 6am-12am | Sun: Closed. Call (951) 800-3123 during open hours and a dispatcher will give you an ETA before we send a truck.

Question 6

Do you provide towing on freeways?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide towing services on local freeways including I-215, SR-60, SR-91, I-15. For safety, if you're stranded on a freeway, stay in your vehicle and call 911 first, then contact us for towing coordination. The California Highway Patrol also runs the Freeway Service Patrol program on many Inland Empire freeways during peak hours, which can clear minor incidents at no cost.

Question 7

What does California's Move Over Law require?

Accepted Answer

California law (Vehicle Code §21809) requires drivers to slow down and move over one lane when passing emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or Caltrans vehicles with flashing amber lights. If you can't safely change lanes, slow down significantly. The NHTSA maintains a national overview of state Move Over laws.

Question 8

Do you offer roadside assistance or just towing?

Accepted Answer

We offer comprehensive roadside assistance including jump starts, flat tire changes, gas delivery, vehicle lockout service, and more. If the issue can be fixed on-site, we'll get you back on the road quickly. If towing is needed, we can handle that too.

Question 9

What should I do if I've been in an accident?

Accepted Answer

First, ensure everyone's safety and call 911 if there are injuries. Then document the scene with photos, exchange driver-license and insurance information with the other drivers, and contact your insurance carrier. If the collision is on a public road in California, the CHP or local police will file a Traffic Collision Report. Once the scene is cleared, call us for safe, professional collision towing to transport your vehicle to a body shop, your home, or the destination of your choice.

Question 10

My car was towed by police — how do I get it back?

Accepted Answer

If a police agency had your vehicle towed (illegal parking, abandoned, after an accident, etc.), call the agency that ordered the tow to find out which tow company stored it and where the impound lot is. You'll typically need your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance to release the vehicle. The California DMV maintains general guidance on vehicle impound, lien sale, and abandoned-vehicle rules. We do not operate an impound yard, so we cannot help locate police-impounded vehicles.

Question 11

Do you handle junk car removal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide junk car towing and removal services. Whether your vehicle runs or not, we can tow it to a salvage yard, recycling center, or location of your choice. This is a great way to free up space in your driveway or garage.

Question 12

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash and all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Payment is collected after service is completed. We don't require a deposit before dispatching a truck.

Question 13

Do you accept insurance or auto-club direct billing?

Accepted Answer

We can typically work with your insurance carrier or auto-club roadside-assistance program after the tow is complete, depending on your coverage. Tell us when you call which carrier or club you have, and we'll let you know whether direct billing is possible or whether you'll pay us and seek reimbursement.

Question 14

How do I know if I need a flatbed tow truck or wheel-lift?

Accepted Answer

Our dispatch team will help determine the best tow truck for your situation based on your vehicle type, condition, and circumstances. Luxury vehicles, lowered/modified vehicles, all-wheel drive vehicles, and vehicles with extensive damage typically require flatbed towing to avoid damaging the drivetrain or undercarriage.

Question 15

Do you tow lifted trucks, modified vehicles, or exotics?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our flatbed trucks can accommodate lifted trucks, lowered vehicles, exotic and luxury cars, and most modified vehicles. Mention modifications when you call so we send a truck with the right equipment and clearance.

Question 16

Can you tow an electric vehicle (EV)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EVs typically require flatbed towing because their wheels should not spin during transport (this can damage the motor or regenerative-braking system). Tell us the make and model when you call and we'll dispatch a flatbed.

Question 17

Can I ride in the tow truck with my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

In most cases yes — our trucks have a passenger seat for the vehicle owner. State and local regulations limit the number of passengers, so call ahead if more than one person needs a ride.

Question 18

Is there a cancellation fee if I no longer need the tow?

Accepted Answer

If you cancel before our truck is dispatched, there's typically no fee. If the truck has already been dispatched or has arrived on scene, a small service charge may apply to cover driver time and fuel. Tell us as soon as possible if your situation changes — we'd rather know than have a truck arrive to no one.

Question 19

Are your drivers licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our drivers operate under our California-issued Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) and we carry the on-hook and commercial liability insurance required of California tow operators. The California Public Utilities Commission maintains a public lookup of licensed motor carriers in the state.

Question 20

Will you provide a receipt for insurance claims?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After service, we provide a written or emailed receipt listing the pickup location, drop-off location, vehicle VIN, date, time, and itemized charges. Save it for your insurance claim or expense reimbursement.

Question 21

Do you tow commercial vehicles or RVs?

Accepted Answer

We can tow many medium-duty commercial vehicles, vans, and smaller RVs. Heavy-duty semi trucks, full-size class A RVs, and over-the-road tractors typically require heavy-duty equipment. Tell us the vehicle's gross weight or class when you call.

Question 22

Can you unlock my car if I've locked my keys inside?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide professional vehicle lockout services. Our technicians use specialized tools to unlock your vehicle safely without damaging the paint, windows, or locks. Available Mon-Sat: 6am-12am | Sun: Closed.

Question 23

Can you tow a vehicle with no front wheels or major front-end damage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We dispatch a flatbed for vehicles that can't roll on their own wheels — that includes missing wheels, locked steering, severe collision damage to the front end, or an inoperable transmission. Tell us the vehicle's condition when you call so we send the right equipment.

Question 24

Will my vehicle be damaged during the tow?

Accepted Answer

Properly performed towing should not damage your vehicle. We use protective straps, soft tie-downs, and trained drivers. For lowered, exotic, or AWD vehicles, we use flatbeds specifically to avoid drivetrain or undercarriage damage. Inspect your vehicle on arrival — if anything looks wrong, document it and notify us before we leave.

Question 25

What happens to my vehicle's keys during towing?

Accepted Answer

If you're present, you keep the keys. If we're towing your vehicle to a body shop or your home and you can't be present, we'll coordinate key handoff with whoever receives the vehicle. We don't keep customer keys at our facility.

Question 26

Can you tow to multiple destinations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but each additional destination adds time and may affect the price. Tell our dispatcher up front if you need multiple drop-offs (for example: vehicle to body shop, then ride home) and we'll quote the full job.

Frequently Asked Questions