Consumer Protection tow truck ottawa

There are questionable practices circling in the world of the service industry out there today, and the tow trucking industry is no exception. A majority of these practices relate to overcharges, bait and switch tactics, and false statements that your vehicle needs a tow when it doesn’t. To ensure you don’t fall victim to a tow truck scam, it’s important that you know your tow truck rights. This quick guide will outline your rights and the operator’s responsibilities to you.

Yes, it is. In 2017, the Ontario Government introduced new laws to strengthen protections for consumers. In Ontario, many municipalities have by-laws that license towing companies, but the City of Ottawa does not have a regulatory regime in place, so it’s up to you to know your rights and protect yourself.

Some “Chasers” will often race to a scene to win business and then convince a motorist their car needs a tow when sometimes it does not. This practice is illegal in Ontario. A tow truck driver cannot approach a motorist within 100 meters of the scene of an accident on city roads unless they have been called by the motorist or the police.

Bait and Switch tactics are present in the world of towing, and occur when a consumer unknowingly signs a form that approves a mechanical or bodyshop repair work order for their vehicle. Their vehicle is then towed to a shop where the repair bill is inflated and the vehicle is kept until the insurance or vehicle owner pays for the specific services. In the worst case, if the motorist does not pay, the repair shop can enforce the Repair and Storage Liens Act and sell their vehicle. 

Some tow truck drivers are paid a referral fee by vehicle repair shops to tow vehicles there. Other repair shops own and control tow truck companies to ensure they get the majority of the business. Some of these shops inflate repair bills and because of these operations, some insurance companies won’t work with these businesses, potentially putting you on the hook to pay for the fees to move it elsewhere.

Know your rights in Ontario! 

• You have the right to choose the towing company. Be cautious when a police officer on scene recommends you a towing company, as police accepting bribes from shady operators are common in North America. If the vehicle owner hasn’t suffered injuries and/or there are no police investigations following an accident, or if the vehicle is not blocking an intersection or flow of traffic, you have the right to choose which company you want to call for help.
• You have the right to choose the location they will tow it to. Note: In some instances, it is required that you’re taken to a Collision Reporting Centre first before dropping off at the final destination. 
• A permission to tow must be signed first. 
• Towing companies must publicly disclose their rates. 
• Towing companies must provide you with a detailed invoice before you pay.
• The final bill cannot exceed more than 10% above the quoted price.
• Towing companies must offer credit card as a form of payment.
• You have the right to access your vehicle during business hours to obtain your personal belongings without added fees.
• Towing companies must notify you of the location of your vehicle and;
• Towing companies must inform you if they are receiving a financial incentive from the repair shop or repair/storage facility.

For detailed information on all of the towing regulations, visit the Consumer Protection Ontario website here. 

At Alliance Towing, your safety is our number one priority. We complete each job with our customers’ experience at top of mind. Regardless of your situation, you can rest assured that when you call us, you will receive the most professional, detail-oriented treatment in Ottawa. Our friendly staff follows all the Laws and Regulations to protect your rights at all times.