Be careful of dishonest tow drivers after an event

After being involved in an incident, the last thing you need is to become a victim of a scam. There are instances where illegitimate tow truck drivers have taken advantage of drivers following an accident or breakdowns pretending to be working on behalf of insurers. 

This might mean you could face unnecessary costs, delays and even potential legal battles.

How to spot a tow truck scam 

Keeping an eye out for a few tell-tale signs can protect you from falling victim to a scam tow truck operator.

• Be careful when using search engines to find a tow truck driver . Dishonest third parties can game the system to pretend to be authorised by insurers and intercept people in need of help. Be certain of whether a website is really your insurer and not an unaffiliated company – for example, check the URL.
• If the operator asks for cash in hand, stay alert . It’s possible that this may be an attempt to skirt a paper trail.
• Be careful if a tow truck pulls up shortly after an incident when you haven’t called for help.  This may be a tow truck driver looking for an opportunity. 

Understand the risks of using an unauthorised tow provider

If you end up stuck on the roadside, it might seem like a lucky break if a tow truck arrives out of the blue and offers help. They may tell you they were sent by your insurer, however if you’re unsure it’s best to reach out to your insurer to confirm.

You don’t have to accept their assistance, even if they pressure you – especially if your car is still safely drivable.

Choosing to allow your vehicle to be towed by a scam tow truck operator can lead to a few consequences.

Losing access to your vehicle for an unknown amount of time

Scam tow truck operators may tow your vehicle to an unknown place and keep it locked up until you pay hefty ransom fees, stalling your claim progress.

Unexpected or hidden costs

Money is the main reason these scam tow truck operators act in this way.

They avoid talking about the bill until long after they’ve “helped” on the scene and then send out the invoice for towing services.

Other costs can also pile up, including storage fees and inflated mechanic costs.

Legal disputes

If you choose to dispute the tow provider’s charges, cases can be lengthy and even end up in court potentially at a cost to you. 

Other options can include making a complaint to the Department of Transport or your relevant Consumer Protection Authority.

What your insurance covers

If you’ve been involved in an insured event and have an AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance policy, you have cover that can help.

If your car is unsafe to drive or needs storage while your claim gets underway, then we’ll cover the reasonable costs of:

• One tow to get your car from the scene of the incident to our nearest repairer or another location nominated by us, or
• storing your car.

What to do if you need a tow after a covered event when you’re insured with AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance

To avoid being scammed, remember these key tips:

• Make a claim with AAMI – we’ll arrange a tow for you.
• Verify the provider – ensure the tow truck operator or repairer is authorised by AAMI. If you lodge online or over the phone, the tow will be arranged using one of our authorised providers.

By staying aware and following these steps, you can protect yourself from unauthorised tow operators and ensure your claim runs smoothly. If you’re ever unsure, just give us a call—we’re here to help.

Make a claim

Read more:

• Be aware of hire car scams after a not-at-fault car accident
• What happens when you’re in a car accident and not at fault?
• What to do in a minor car accident

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as AAMI. Any advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available.
The information is intended to be of general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon the information. Please make your own enquiries.