Beware of the Tow Truck Scam: How to Protect Yourself After an Accident

You’ve just been in a car accident. Your heart’s pounding, you’re trying to think straight, and suddenly, a tow truck pulls up.
It feels like help has arrived right when you need it most.

But sometimes, that “help” can be the start of a costly scam. Unfortunately, you should beware that a growing number of drivers are falling victim to predatory truck operators who take advantage of people in stressful, vulnerable moments. Without proper consent, they’ll tow your vehicle away, then demand outrageously high fees before releasing it. Even worse, these charges are often not covered by insurance, leaving you stuck with a bill you never saw coming.

A Growing Problem in California and Beyond

In February 2025, the California Department of Insurance issued a warning about a rise in so‑called “vehicle hostage” scams, especially in Southern California. The warning came after 16 people were charged in a wide‑ranging insurance fraud ring.

One of the schemes involved tow trucks that would:

• Arrive at accident scenes without being called
• Tow vehicles to body shops participating in the scam
• Demand inflated, out‑of‑pocket payments before releasing the vehicles

It’s not just a California problem — these scams can happen anywhere. That’s why every driver needs to know the warning signs.

How the Scam Usually Works

Here’s the typical playbook:

1. Uninvited arrival — A tow truck appears at your crash or breakdown scene within minutes, before you’ve even called for help.
2. High‑pressure pitch — The driver insists your car must be towed immediately and claims it’s “what your insurance requires.”
3. Unauthorized destination — Instead of taking your vehicle to a shop you trust or your insurer recommends, they take it to a partner shop in the scam.
4. Inflated fees — The shop demands sky‑high charges to release your car — charges your insurer likely won’t cover because you didn’t authorize the tow.
5. “Hostage” situation — If you refuse to pay, daily storage fees start piling up until you give in.

🚩 Red Flags to Watch For

Be on alert if:

• A tow truck shows up almost instantly — before you’ve called for one.
• The driver pushes for a specific shop without asking your preference.
• You’re pressured to sign documents or give personal info right away.
• The driver claims your insurer or the police sent them — but you never confirmed it.

You’re rushed into leaving the scene without knowing where your car is going

How to Protect Yourself

The best defense is preparing before you need a tow. Here’s how:

1. Get Towing Coverage with Your Insurance

Most insurers offer roadside assistance add‑ons for just a few dollars a month. These connect you with vetted, trusted towing providers.

2. Consider a AAA Membership

AAA’s nationwide network provides towing, battery jumps, tire changes, and more, with clear pricing and authorized service partners. Plans start at low annual rates, and you can request help by phone, app, or online.

📋 If You’re in an Accident or Breakdown

1. Call your insurer’s roadside assistance or AAA — never accept an unrequested tow.
2. Involve police if you’ve been in a crash, and let them dispatch an approved tow service.
3. Confirm legitimacy by calling your roadside assistance provider back to verify the truck’s identity.
4. Read before signing any towing release — ensure it lists the exact destination and all costs.
5. Take photos of the truck, including its name and license plate.
6. Call police immediately if a driver refuses to leave or you suspect fraud.

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✅ Bottom Line

Accidents are stressful enough — the last thing you need is to be scammed when you’re already vulnerable.
By knowing the red flags and having a plan in place for towing, you can keep control of the situation and avoid unnecessary, costly headaches.

here at Neighborhood Insurance Agency, we help protect you from the unexpected — and that includes roadside scams. If you want to add affordable towing coverage to your auto policy or learn more about safe roadside practices,