Automobile accidents can be stressful and chaotic. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, the focus is typically on making sure everyone is safe, exchanging insurance information, and figuring out what to do next. Unfortunately, it’s also the perfect time for scammers to come and prey on people.

Towing scams are becoming an issue for some people after an accident. These scams can lead to hefty fees or extra costs, additional stress, and other potential issues down the road.

Here are ways to help protect yourself, your vehicle, and your money from a towing scam.

How Tow Scams Sometimes Operate

Scammers thrive in high-stress situations when people are vulnerable and have a lot to deal with all at once. Unfortunately, following a car accident is a prime-time scammers will strike.

Knowing how towing scams work is the first step in knowing how to avoid them.

• A tow truck shows up at the scene without being called. Scammers may monitor police radios or use scanners to find accidents and rush to the scene to offer “help.”
• The operator quickly hooks up your car before you can stop them. They may tow your vehicle to a body shop you did not approve or even steal your vehicle.
• You may later be charged inflated fees that weren’t agreed upon or discussed upfront.
• The towing company may refuse to release your car until you pay and/or agree to unnecessary repairs.

These are some of the techniques used in a towing scam. It’s important you remain vigilant following an automobile accident to help protect yourself from one.

5 Steps to Help Avoid Becoming the Victim of a Towing Scam

1. Verify the tow truck was dispatched by the police, your insurance company, or other motor vehicle association on your behalf.

Unless the tow truck was requested by you or one of these parties, the operator should not be allowed to hook up and tow your car.

Some auto insurance policies cover towing costs if you’re in a covered collision. It’s important to know the details of your policy and to contact your insurance company as soon as possible following an accident.

Are you shopping around for auto insurance? The licensed agents at InsureOnline.com can help you see what options are available to you. Start your quote online today or give us a call at (844) 358-5605 to see your options.

2. Ask for the driver’s business card with company’s name, address, and phone number(s).

Share this information with your insurance company. If the operator refuses to give you this information BEFORE they tow, or they do not have it, do not consent to the tow. Reputable towing companies should have proper identification.

3. Jot down the tow truck’s license plate number or take photos of the plate and any other identifying information on the truck.

The information may be useful in the future, especially if they turn out to be a fake towing company.

4. Make sure the fees are filled in and legible before signing any towing slip.

Legitimate towing companies provide a towing slip or other documentation which includes details of the tow. This will include items such as the towing fee, mileage charges (if any), storage fees (if any), and any additional costs. The towing slip should also include your vehicle information and its destination. If the form is blank or fees are missing, do not sign.

5. If the police haven’t shown up and the tow truck operator won’t give you the information you requested, call 911 to explain the situation and ask for help.

Scammers may try to tow your vehicle without your consent by pretending it’s required or by pressuring you to agree quickly. Before giving you consent, make sure you have all the information you need.

Auto accidents are stressful. Make sure you have the auto insurance coverage that makes sense for you before you even need it. InsureOnline.com licensed agents can help you understand the legal requirements in your state and shop around for an auto insurance policy that gets you the protected. Fill in our form for a quote or call our agents at (844) 358-5605 to start the conversation.

Unfortunately, scammers prey on people in vulnerable situations, such as drivers who got into a crash. By keeping calm, asking questions, and requesting information, you can potentially avoid becoming the victim of a towing scam. Stay vigilant.

About InsureOnline.com

InsureOnline.com is a digital insurance agency that provides affordable insurance to consumers who want to shop and purchase insurance online while still having the option to work with an agent if they wish. The agency offers auto, home, life, health, and commercial as well as other specialty lines of insurance. Our goal is to provide an easy, fast, convenient, and safe online shopping experience for consumers looking for the best price by utilizing all the latest and greatest technology. Based in Bedford Park, Illinois, we are licensed to write business in many states and have a multilingual staff licensed and certified in a variety of insurance lines. We partner with many highly rated insurance companies to provide the best insurance solutions to meet your individual needs and your budget. Buy insurance online or talk to a licensed insurance agent! It's your choice.

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The general and educational information here supports the sales, marketing, or service of insurance policies. Individuals should seek advice from their own qualified and duly licensed independent tax or legal advisors based upon their own particular circumstances.