Towing Issues: Tow truck fees, full coverage insurance, dodge ramcharger

Question
I had a rear tire blowout on my dodge ramcharger while going around the Washington DC beltway. I did loose control and did have some quarter panel damage. I had the truck towed home. They charged me $250 hook-up and around $4 a mile.  The towing totaled around $390 for a 34 mile tow.  This seems excessive to me but it didn't seem like I had any choice because the State Police called the tow truck.  Does this charge seem excessive to you and if so do I have any recourse?

Thanks,


Answer
Well the pricing for that area seems about right from what I am able to gather, and have heard about.  

When the police call for tow trucks to respond, first of all it is "an emergency request for services" which means drop what you are doing and respond.  

Second, in a lot of areas, the police have contracts with tow companies and the rates are set in those contracts...

The hook up might be a bit high (down here where I am in Alabama it is $195.00 hook up for accidents) and the mileage is what we charge.



Now as to what to do.   Yes it was a blow out which caused you to lose control and hit the barrier.. You had "ACCIDENT DAMAGE" at that point and even if it is minor damage it is still an accident and generally your insurance should cover it if you have full coverage insurance...(Insurance coverage limits IE full coverage or just liability are a choice you make in as to how much RISK and RESPONSIBILITY you want to take)

Hope this helps a bit.