Imagine you've just been in a car accident. You're shaken and confused, and out of nowhere, a tow truck shows up offering to help. It feels like a stroke of luck, but it could actually be the start of a costly scam.
A growing number of motorists are being targeted by predatory tow truck operators. These scammers take advantage of drivers at their most vulnerable moments, towing vehicles without proper consent and refusing to release them until large out-of-pocket fees are paid — charges that often aren't covered by insurance.
In February 2025, the California Department of Insurance issued a warning about a surge in these "vehicle hostage" scams, particularly in Southern California. The alert followed the arraignment of 16 individuals involved in a wide-ranging insurance fraud ring.
Among the schemes uncovered was a racket in which tow trucks arrived uninvited at accident scenes, towed vehicles to body shops in on the scam and demanded hefty payments to release them.
How the scam works
According to the California Department of Insurance, the typical scam follows this pattern:
- A tow truck arrives uninvited at the scene of a crash or breakdown, sometimes within minutes.
- The driver pressures the motorist to agree to a tow, claiming urgency or insurance requirements.
- The vehicle is taken to a shop not approved by the driver or their insurer.
- The shop then demands inflated fees to release the vehicle, and insurance often won't pay since the services were not authorized.
- If the driver refuses to pay, the vehicle is held hostage and daily storage fees start piling up.
Red flags to watch for
Be alert if any of the following occur:
- A tow truck shows up within minutes — before you've even called one.
- The driver insists on a specific body shop without asking where you want the vehicle taken.
- You're pressured to sign documents on the spot or provide personal information.
- The driver offers to call a rideshare for you, rushing you away before you've had time to assess what's happening.
- The truck was not dispatched by law enforcement or your insurer, yet the driver claims it was.
How to protect yourself
Get towing coverage as an add-on to your auto insurance policy. Most insurers offer a roadside assistance rider that connects you with vetted providers. The riders are reasonably priced, usually less than $10 a month.
If you are involved in an accident or your car breaks down, take these steps to avoid being scammed:
- If you have roadside assistance through an automobile club or your auto insurance company, call their toll‑free number for help. Do not accept help from an unrequested tow operator.
- If you're involved in a car accident and your car breaks down, contact police and your auto insurance company and have them request an authorized tow truck company so you know where your vehicle will be taken.
- If you're unsure about whether the tow truck is legitimate, call back to the roadside service center to confirm the identity of the tow company dispatched. And, check the name on the truck to be sure it matches.
- If you're asked to fill out a towing release form, don't sign it unless it clearly spells out the exact location where you want your vehicle taken and all charges involved.
- If you're still uncomfortable about the tow, take pictures of the truck to include the towing company name.
- If you suspect fraud, or if the bandit tow truck driver won't leave after you request him to do so, call the police immediately.
Give us a call if you would like to discuss your insurance coverage.