Towing is a vital service for the fleet industry, full of supportive service providers that offer safe and effective vehicle transportation solutions. They help with breakdowns, auto accidents, and all types of roadside assistance needs. Unfortunately, there's another side to towing that is less than honest, known as predatory towing.
Towing predators take advantage of drivers. They remove vehicles without having a contract, direct dispatch, or legitimate request, and effectively hold vehicles hostage, sometimes for large amounts of money. It’s important to understand that these fraudsters use false signage, provide misleading information, and use other deceptive tactics to trick drivers into either parking illegally or convincing them they have.
The goal of a predatory towing company is no longer to extract large amounts of money—it’s to take ownership of your vehicle and sell it. It’s important to know the risks of predatory towing so you understand what to do if this happens to you.
Here are tips fleet drivers can use to minimize the risk of predatory towing:
Learn relevant parking and towing laws The first step is to learn state and local parking and towing laws. You should know how to avoid the risks of parking illegally and collecting unnecessary fines. You should also be aware of your rights to access your vehicle in a towing situation. Different states and areas within each district have different predatory towing laws, so check your government’s Department of Transportation (DOT) website for details.
Make your fleet drivers aware of parking and towing signage in unfamiliar areas Before parking a fleet vehicle in an unfamiliar lot or location, read all signage posted in lots, sidewalks, and driveways. There are plenty of valid reasons to tow vehicles, such as blocking a fire hydrant or emergency access route, or at the request of a business or property owner. But in some situations, even an inch that trespasses over a line is enough for a vehicle to be towed. Be sure to follow all posted signage to minimize the chance of parking illegally.
More illegal towing happens in urban areas You are at an increased risk of running into these agencies in urban areas. There are more parking ordinances than in other territories, and legal parking can be more complex. If you are travelling to an unfamiliar city or town, you may be able to find out in advance if it is a hot spot for aggressive towing. Websites for the city or local parking authority may have helpful information.
Be proactive about calling your fleet provider for a reputable tow When your vehicle is disabled, call your fleet provider at once to request a tow. We will engage a reputable towing company and provide you with their information. Keep in mind, if your vehicle is blocking traffic, the police will dispatch a local towing company who is contracted to remove the vehicle as fast as possible.
Get information during a tow If you are present when a towing company is removing your vehicle, ask where they are taking the vehicle. Get a business card. If they don’t have one or it doesn’t match the branding of their truck, take a picture of the truck signage and license plate. This can help you locate your vehicle, or help the police track them down if needed. Do not get into a confrontation with a predatory towing company, as they can use intimidation tactics to gain compliance.
Don’t sign anything If a tow is assigned by a police officer, you don’t have to sign to authorize the tow. It has been authorized by the police. If your fleet provider or insurance company dispatches the tow, they have authorized it, so you are not required to provide a signature.
If you believe you’ve been illegally towed, contact your local police If you are a victim of a predatory towing company, contact the police as soon as possible to confirm if the towing company has violated any local ordinances by moving your vehicle. You may immediately file a complaint with local law enforcement and have the vehicle returned quickly.
Review all charges and dispute if needed If your fleet vehicle has been towed, review all charges to ensure they are legitimate and accurately match your legal responsibilities. Some states require towing companies to provide an itemized bill of all services rendered. If you do not receive one, make sure to request it.
Keep yourself and other fleet drivers educated about trends happening in the industry. This protects you and your vehicle. Contact us today to talk with a safety specialist.
