If your car is broken down on the side of the road, it doesn't matter if it's a big problem or a little problem, all you want is for your car to get moving again. For that reason, it can be weird to talk about "emergency" towing instead of regular towing since it all seems the same. Regardless, there are a few occasions when you'll need to hire specifically for emergency towing services; here are a few.

1. You've Been in an Accident

Collisions are a scary and confusing time, and depending on how bad the accident was, the last thing on your mind might be calling a towing company—and if there are injuries, they should have a higher priority. At some point though, you'll need to clear your car out of the road and get it to a collision center, and you'll need more than a regular towing hitch to get it there. You'll need a vehicle that can handle a car that may not even roll well, and you need it now, so you can deal with the incident.

2. It's a Busy Time of Day

Like everyone else, towing companies operate (usually) in order of the calls that they receive and the proximity they are to you. If you're stuck on the side of a highway in the middle of rush hour, chances are, there'll be other people experiencing a very similar problem to yours and will receiving towing before you. If it's busy and you need to get your car somewhere else now, your best bet is to hire emergency towing services.

3. You've Got Precious Cargo

Being stranded on the side of the road is one thing, but being stranded on the side of the road in 95-degree weather and a baby in the backseat is a different matter entirely. In times like that, the last thing you want to do is wait for a towing company to send a vehicle whenever they're able—you need assistance now. Emergency towing exists for when getting to your destination is more important than normal. Even if you don't have a baby, you can still be in the middle of deliveries that have to be there on time or be carrying something that could be destroyed if left on the side of the road for several hours. Use your best judgment and if necessary, call for a towing service to come immediately.