In January 2017, Ontario introduced new towing regulations as a provincial law. In this article, we are going to discuss Ontario tow truck laws and what these changes mean for you.
If you've ever been stranded on a highway or involved in a vehicle accident, there is a strong likelihood that you've dealt with a tow truck.
For the most part, tow truck companies operate with honesty and integrity as they provide an essential service, but because the industry is known for its scams, high-rates, and even for taking advantage of vulnerable people, the province decided to regulate it.
If you have you been involved in an accident and are you looking for a trusted mechanic for all of your vehicles needs, contact the experienced professionals at Hansma today.
Now, let’s dig in and examine Ontario tow truck laws and what you need to know if you require a tow.
If you need a tow in Ontario, make sure you’re familiar with the new regulations
Ontario Tow Truck Laws
What You Need To Know
Over the years, tow truck operators have been offering assistance to motorists, whether helping with a flat tire, providing assistance when a vehicle owner is locked out, and of course providing towing services.
However, there have been many instances where motorists have ended up paying more than they should have for basic towing services.
After a recent incident in Ottawa, the Canadian Automobile Association is reminding motorists that there are new provincial rules in place to protect them when paying towing fees. Recently, an Ottawa couple ended up with a $4,000 towing bill.
"A lot of consumers were being subjected to excessive costs and very little information, and no access to their vehicles," said Elliott Silverstein, CAA's manager of government and community relations.
According to this CBC news article, "Part of the problem is that until now, there have been no province-wide rules governing the towing industry. There are more than 400 municipalities and 3,000 tow-truck drivers in Ontario, and only 16 jurisdictions have bylaws that licence the towing industry."
While the new rules regulate prices and help motorists, motorists should still be prepared by knowing their rights. If an incident occurs and you have roadside assistance, be sure to contact them first and ensure the tow truck company knows exactly what you're agreeing to when it comes to rate and location of storage.
New Ontario tow truck laws are in place to protect you
Ontario Tow Truck Laws - New Regulations
The new rules are being brought forward as a result of changes made by Bill 15, Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act.
If you're in a collision or encounter problems with your vehicle and require a tow truck, the new regulations are in place to protect you. They require tow and storage providers to:
Have permission from the consumer/driver or someone acting on their behalf before towing or storing a vehicle.
Publicly disclose rates and other information such as the provider's name and telephone number on tow trucks as well as in places of business.
Accept credit card payments from consumers.
Notify consumers where their vehicle will be towed.
Allow consumers to access their towed vehicles to remove personal property at no charge between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on all business days.
Give consumers an itemized invoice listing the services provided and costs before receiving payment.
Disclose if they are getting a financial incentive for towing a vehicle to a particular vehicle storage facility or repair shop.
Tow truck scams became too prevalent to ignore any longer
Tow Truck Scams
As a motorist, there are several common tow truck scams that you should be aware of, including:
1. Scanning
This refers to when a towing company uses police scanners to monitor accidents and show up at the scene unannounced. The tow company often will try to convince the now vulnerable driver to get towed to a body shop, even if it's unnecessary.
2. Inflated Fees
Sometimes, tow truck companies will increase fees beyond auto insurance policy limits. Often times this will add expensive, unnecessary fees like gate, labour, and release fees to increase overall prices.
3. Added Damage
In extreme scam cases, certain body shops will give tow truck drivers a commission for bringing them business. These body shops will often hold cars to drive up storage prices and can even increase damage and repair costs.
To avoid scams, never utilize a tow truck that shows up unannounced, research body shops ahead of time and only use ones you trust, like Hansma. Also, it is your right to request a quote and sign off on it before agreeing to using a towing service.
For further information on towing scams in Ontario, download this PDF.
Tow trucks get you to your mechanic of choice when you’re unable to get there on your own
Ontario Tow Truck Facts
Sixteen Ontario municipalities currently have by-laws that license towing businesses.
The new rules are being brought forward as a result of changes made by Bill 15, Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act.
The province is also taking action to improve the safety of tow trucks and their operators by including tow trucks in the province's existing Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration system as of January 1, 2017. This change will improve road safety through government monitoring and enforcement measures.
There are approximately 1,200 tow truck businesses, with 3,000 tow truck drivers in Ontario
Ontario Tow Truck Laws - Toronto Fees
Toronto has introduced a flat towing rate of $250, with the possibility of an additional $100 should the vehicle need to be winched into position before towing. The towing itself would be free. However, operators could start charging per kilometre travelled once outside city limits.
Car accident rates and towing fees are different and vary in different cities. Below is a list of towing rates from the accident site to the reporting centre only:
Toronto $166.00 plus tax, $178.58
York Region $250.00 plus tax, $282.50
Markham $275.00 plus tax, $310.75
Mississauga $250.00 plus tax, $282.50
Brampton $300.00 plus tax, $339.00
To download a PDF and learn more about GTA tow truck rates, click here.
Tow Truck Rates Outside of the GTA
As noted above, 16 Ontario municipalities have introduced flat rates for their towing services. Waterloo Region has not introduced a flat rate yet. However, the provincial laws are still effective here in Kitchener-Waterloo protecting motorists from scams.
Car accident rates and towing fees are different and vary in different cities
Trust The Professionals at Hansma
At Hansma, we offer service with a difference. We have worked hard to gain a reputation for honesty and quality work. You can trust us to only recommend and carry out the repairs that you actually need.
Whether you've been in an accident and are needing a place to send your car or if you are just looking for standard maintenance, we will let you know what you need done and when it should be done.
Our customers have come to consider us as their mechanic friend. And as your mechanic friend, we promise to give you top-notch service at reasonable and competitive rates.
Click here to meet our friendly team, read our testimonials, and contact us today and find out about the Hansma service difference for yourself. We are open every weekday from 8 AM to 6 PM. Come see us at 88 Shoemaker St. in Kitchener, Ontario.
"These guys are good. Up to date and well equipped to repair late model cars, yet enough experience to deal with older stuff as well. Recently, I had a recurring problem on my 2014 Equinox that they resolved through persistence, even though in the aftermath it became obvious that the problem was caused by me, the driver! Great service as always, Thanks!"
- Erv