Being in a car accident is already stressful enough. The last thing you need is to fall for a scam.
Unfortunately, some tow truck drivers have been known to swoop in pretending to be sent by your insurer, only to hit you with surprise costs, delays, and sometimes even legal headaches.
How to spot a tow truck scam
A little know-how can go a long way in helping you steer clear tow truck scams. Here are a few red flags to watch out for.
- Searching online? Tread carefully. Scammers can make themselves look convincing on search engines, even pretending to be authorised by insurers. Always double-check the website address to make sure you’re dealing with your actual insurer – not a lookalike.
- Cash demands? That’s a warning sign. If someone’s asking for payment upfront in cash, it could be their way of avoiding any paper trail. Stay cautious.
- Tow truck shows up uninvited? Be on alert. If a truck appears out of nowhere right after your incident and you didn’t request help, that’s your cue to be at least a little suspicious.
The dangers of using an unauthorised tow operator
When you’re stuck by the roadside and someone offers help out of the blue, it might seem like your luck’s turned around. But if they claim to be from your insurer without any proof, pause and confirm it with your insurer first.
You’re never obligated to go with them, even if they’re being pushy. That goes especially if your car is still safely drivable.
Your vehicle may go MIA
Some tow operators have been known to take vehicles to mystery locations and refuse to release them until you pay a "release fee."
Meanwhile, your insurance claim progress is stalled.
Surprise costs
Money is the main reason these scam tow truck operators act in this way.
Scam operators rarely mention pricing at the scene. Instead, you may later receive a bill for their services. Then there are hidden extras, including storage charges, inflated mechanic costs, and more.
Legal disputes can follow
Disputing these costs can lead to long and costly legal battles.
Disputes can drag on and sometimes end up in court, costing you even more time and money. You may also need to contact your local Consumer Protection Authority or Department of Transport to make complaints.
What Bingle Comprehensive Car Insurance covers
If you’re insured with Bingle and hold a Comprehensive Car Insurance policy, you have support when you need it.
If your vehicle is damaged following an insured event, we’ll cover the reasonable costs of:
- towing your car from the scene of the incident (if it can’t be driven safely) to our repairer or anywhere else we have nominated or agreed to, and
- storing your car for any period between your claim being lodged and your claim being settled – if it needs to be held in storage during that time.
If your car can’t be safely driven, we’ll also cover the reasonable costs of:
- emergency repairs to your car to make it safe to drive so that you can get it to your next destination, and
- emergency accommodation and travel to your next destination. Emergency accommodation will only be covered if you incurred the cost as a direct result of the loss or damage to your car.
In this context, your next destination is either where you were heading at the time of the incident, or your home.
What to do if you need a tow after a covered event (and you're insured with Bingle)
Here’s how to avoid trouble and keep things simple:
- Make a claim with Bingle. We’ll sort out the tow for you so you’re not left guessing.
- Double-check the tow provider. If you lodge your claim online, we’ll send someone from our trusted network of authorised providers.
The key here? If it feels off, check in with us. We’re here to help keep your claim on track and your stress levels in check. For more information, check out how you can learn how to lodge a claim with Bingle online.
If you need to make a claim, you can do so online with ease! Just click the button below and follow the prompts.