Transporting a car can be a complicated and often expensive task. In Spain, many people are faced with the decision of opting for a shared tow truck or an individual tow truck. Although both options offer their advantages and disadvantages, it is important to analyze which of them best suits your needs and, above all, your budget. Below, we will find the differences between shared and individual tow trucks, comparing prices, waiting times and other important considerations. This way, you can make an informed decision and, in addition, we will help you calculate the best price for your tow truck.
Shared vs. individual tow truck: an overview
Before we get into the details of the pros and cons of each option, it’s essential to understand what each means. Shared towing means that your vehicle will be transported alongside other cars on the same tow truck. This generally translates into a lower cost, as the transport costs are split between multiple users. On the other hand, individual towing refers to the exclusive use of one vehicle to transport your car. While this option can be more expensive, it offers the advantage of a more personalized service and, potentially, shorter waiting times.
Pros and cons of shared tow truck
Pros:
- Reduced cost: One of the main attractions of tow sharing is the cost savings. By sharing the service, the expenses are divided between several clients, which can result in a significantly lower rate.
- Sustainability: By transporting multiple vehicles on the same trip, you reduce your carbon footprint, which can be an important factor for those looking for greener options.
- Availability: In many cases, shared crane companies have greater availability, as they can handle multiple requests at the same time.
Cons:
- Waiting times: Although tow-sharing companies are efficient, waiting times can be longer. This is because they have to coordinate the pick-up and delivery of multiple vehicles, which can delay the process.
- Less customization: By sharing the service, you may not have full control over the transportation of your vehicle, which can be a drawback if you have specific needs.
- Risk of damage: Although towing companies are usually insured, there is always a higher risk of damage when sharing space with other cars.
Pros and cons of the single tow truck
Pros:
- Speed: The individual tow truck, being dedicated exclusively to your vehicle, can offer faster response times. If you need your car transported urgently, this may be the best option.
- Personalized Attention: By hiring an individual tow truck, you have the opportunity to communicate directly with the driver and ensure that your needs are met.
- Safety: By having a vehicle exclusively for you, the risk of damage is reduced, as there are no other cars that can collide or cause problems during transport.
Cons:
- High cost: The main drawback of a single tow truck is the price. Typically, this service is more expensive than a shared tow truck, which can be a deal breaker if you are on a budget.
- Limited Availability: While individual cranes may be faster, availability can sometimes be an issue, especially during times of high demand.
- Fewer scheduling options: By opting for a single crane, you may need to adjust to the provider’s schedules, which may not be as flexible as with a shared tow truck..
Price comparison: shared tow truck vs individual tow truck
When it comes to pricing, it is clear that a shared tow truck is often the most economical option. For example, the cost of transporting a car 100 kilometres can range from 100 to 150 euros with a shared tow truck, depending on the number of vehicles being transported on that trip. In contrast, the same service with an individual tow truck could cost between 200 and 300 euros, or even more if the vehicle is large or if special conditions are required.
Practical examples
Let’s imagine that you need to transport a car from Madrid to Barcelona. If you choose a shared tow truck, you might be waiting a couple of days for other vehicles to complete loading before your car is transported. However, the cost savings could be significant. On the other hand, if you decide to opt for an individual tow truck, your car could be in Barcelona in a matter of hours, but at a much higher cost.
At the end of the day, the choice between a shared crane and a solo crane depends on your specific needs. If budget is your main concern and you don’t mind waiting a little longer, the shared crane may be the better option. On the other hand, if you need fast, personalized service, and you’re willing to pay a little more, the solo crane might be the right solution.
Now that you know the differences between shared and individual towing, as well as their pros and cons, we invite you to calculate the best price for your tow truck here. Research and compare options in your area to find the solution that best suits your needs and budget. Your search is over as your car will arrive at its destination in the best possible way!
