Tipping waiters is standard protocol in the US, and almost everyone does it. However, waiters aren’t the only workers you should show gratitude and support to. In fact, tow truck drivers are also worthy of tips.
Since getting a tow isn’t as common as going out to eat, many people don’t know whether or not they should tip tow truck drivers and if so, how much.
Although customers aren’t obligated to tip tow truck drivers, it’s still a good gesture.
With that being said, customers need to know when to tip their tow truck driver. In this article, we’ll give multiple examples of when you may want to consider tipping them. Let’s begin.
Tipping a Tow Truck Driver – Things to Consider
Did the Driver Meet or Exceed Your Expectations?
A tow truck driver’s job is pretty straightforward if you think about it. However, you should consider whether or not they went above and beyond to make the experience as easy as possible. For instance, your driver may provide fantastic customer service or may be very personable.
No one enjoys breaking down and needing a tow, but a friendly and helpful tow truck driver can make all the difference. In this case, the driver deserves a tip.
Was Your Vehicle Difficult to Locate?
Another factor to consider is your location. Is your car stuck in an embankment or along a narrow dirt road? If that’s the case then you should give your driver a tip.
The more time and energy they put into locating you and your vehicle, the less time they get to spend on other jobs. Therefore, if you’re stranded in a remote or difficult to find location then it’s a kind gesture to tip your tow truck driver for the extra time they’re spending locating you.
Was the Service Quick?
The speed of the driver’s response is a great metric to determine if they deserve a tip or not. The faster a tow truck driver reaches you, the faster you’re able to get home safely. Therefore, the tow driver deserves a tip if they arrived as quickly as possible. It’s not only a reward for providing quick service but a sign of appreciation for all the hard work they do.
How Much Should You Tip?
As stated earlier, people aren’t having to call a tow truck that often so many are unaware of the appropriate tip amount. To be honest, the answer depends on the situation!
If the job is smaller like a flat tire or jumpstart then $5 is acceptable. However, for larger jobs such as a tow then $10 is standard. However, there’s no definite answer to this question because every situation is different. If their service was high-quality and quick then a bigger tip is appreciated.
As a general rule of thumb, $20 is considered a very generous amount in the towing industry.
Bottom Line
Tipping a tow truck driver is a good way to make them feel appreciated since their job can be very risky and difficult. Ensure you consider the above-mentioned tips the next time you need to get your vehicle towed.
Sources
https://insurancehub.com/cost-tow-car/
https://givehowmuch.com/tips/when-to-tip-tow-your-truck-driver-and-how-much
https://amrandtuckertowing.com/2021/08/when-should-you-tip-a-tow-truck-driver/
