Despite our best efforts, accidents happen. If you get into an accident and your vehicle is deemed unsafe to drive, you have no choice but to call a tow truck. However, it’s important that you know your rights and what to look out for before the tow truck arrives. While most tow truck operators are honest professionals, some towing services try to take advantage of people shaken up from a collision. The good news is that there are steps you can take to avoid a sticky towing situation.

Call your insurance company
First things first, speak to your insurance representative. A claims representative can advise you on your coverage (you may have purchased additional coverage to cover the cost of towing when you originally purchased your auto policy). If insured with OTIP, our Curo Claims Services representatives can also share current reasonable towing rates and help ensure there’s no unnecessary delay in repairing your vehicle. In some cases, they may even assist with having your vehicle towed to a preferred repair facility in your area.

Does your vehicle actually need to be towed?
After an accident, your adrenaline is high, and you may be panicking a little. Do your best to remain calm, and assuming you are relatively unharmed, assess whether your vehicle is safe enough to drive. Ask yourself these questions:
 

• Is my vehicle free of fluid leaks?

• Are my headlights and taillights still working correctly?

• Are all my mirrors intact?

• Do steering and braking feel normal?

• Is my hood still able to close securely?

If you cannot answer yes to all the questions or have another reason to believe your vehicle may not be safe to drive, it’s best not to risk it and call a tow truck¹. If there is a police officer at the scene, you can also ask them to help you examine your vehicle.

Prepare your vehicle for towing
Before your vehicle is moved, take thorough photos and videos of the damage and the collision scene — and remember to include the inside of your vehicle, especially if any personal property (e.g., laptops, cellphones, and car seats) was damaged¹. Remove any valuables and necessities from your vehicle before giving the tow truck operator admission.

Call a trusted towing company
If you have access to a roadside assistance service, call them instead of a regular towing service or use a towing company recommended by a police officer. Make sure the tow truck that shows up is the one you called — or if you didn’t call for it, make sure it’s from a reputable company.

Know your towing rights
Some Ontario municipalities (e.g., Brampton, Hamilton, Mississauga, Toronto, and Windsor) require operators to post a municipal licence number on their trucks². If you are in one of those communities, check if the tow truck has a municipal licence number before you use their services. You have the right to decide who tows your vehicle and to what location³ — a reputable towing company should not insist on taking your vehicle to a specific location unless the police request that your vehicle is taken to a Collision Reporting Centre or a police station². In addition, tow truck operators should disclose if they will receive a financial incentive to tow your vehicle to a particular facility³.

Read the paperwork carefully and keep it safe for later
A towing company must give you an itemized invoice to review before towing starts³. Never sign a blank contract or work order that does not outline what you are paying for and where your vehicle is being towed. Compare the cost with your claims representative’s estimated towing rates or local towing rates found online. In Ontario, the final invoice can be no higher than 10% above the quoted price³. You are not obligated to pay in cash – legally, towing companies have to accept credit cards. Paying by credit card is encouraged since it creates a paper trail that can help settle any payment disputes if they arise. Finally, keep a copy of the receipt and paperwork safe because you will likely need to reference them later.

Getting into an accident is nothing short of stressful, especially if your vehicle is damaged and needs towing. If you are interested in getting an auto insurance quote with additional roadside assistance coverage, contact an OTIP broker at 1-833-615-9326 today.
 

1. BrokerLink

2. Financial Services Commission of Ontario

3. CAA’s Towing Bill of Rights