How to Avoid Towing Scams in Montreal: Red Flags and Tips

How it works: A tow truck appears at an accident scene within minutes — before you called anyone. The driver pressures you to let him load your car “before the police ticket you” or “because the road needs to be cleared.” Once loaded, the price is whatever he decides.

Defence: Never accept a tow truck you did not call yourself or that was not dispatched through 911 or *4141. You have the legal right to refuse.

How it works: The company quotes $75–$100 on the phone. When the truck arrives or the invoice comes, the total is $300–$500 with add-on fees: “hookup fee,” “after-hours surcharge,” “fuel surcharge,” “dolly fee,” “winching fee,” and “administrative fee.” Each was never mentioned on the phone.

Defence: Always ask for a written all-inclusive estimate before your car is loaded. A reputable company will give you one clear number.

How it works: The tow driver insists on taking your car to “their” garage instead of where you want it. The garage charges inflated repair prices and pays the tow company a referral fee. Some drivers claim “the police require” the car go to a specific yard — this is almost always false.

Defence: You choose where your car goes. Period. This is your legal right under Quebec law. The only exception is in exclusive towing zones where the initial tow goes to a designated holding area — but even then, you choose where the car goes next.

How it works: Your car is towed to a yard. When you try to pick it up, you are told you owe $50–$100 per day in storage fees — plus the original tow. The yard may only be open limited hours (making it impossible to pick up quickly) or demand cash only, with no credit card option.

Defence: Pick up or arrange transfer of your car as quickly as possible. If you suspect unreasonable storage fees, file a complaint with the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC).

How it works: The invoice includes charges for services that were never needed or never performed: “winching” (when the car rolled onto the flatbed normally), “cleanup fee” (when there was no debris), or “accident scene management.” These phantom charges inflate the bill by hundreds.

Defence: Watch the entire loading process. Take photos and video. A legitimate tow is straightforward — if the invoice lists services you did not see happen, dispute them immediately.

How it works: The driver demands cash payment on the spot and refuses to provide a proper receipt. Without a receipt, you cannot submit an insurance claim, dispute charges, or prove what you paid. The “discount” for cash is designed to prevent any paper trail.

Defence: Always insist on an itemized receipt. A legitimate company provides one automatically. If they refuse, refuse to pay and report them.

How it works: The driver claims to be “city-authorized,” “police-dispatched,” or “the official tow company for this area.” They use this false authority to prevent you from calling your own service. In reality, outside of exclusive towing zones and highway *4141 calls, you can choose any tow company you want.

Defence: Ask for the dispatch reference number. If the tow was not dispatched through 911, *4141, or your own call, you have no obligation to accept it. Read our exclusive towing zones guide to know exactly when an assigned tow truck is legitimate.

How it works: Your car goes to “their” garage. Without your approval, they begin repairs and then bill you for work you never authorized. When you refuse to pay, they claim a mechanic’s lien and hold your car until you do. This trap is incredibly difficult to escape once you are in it.

Defence: Never authorize any repairs until your insurance company has inspected the vehicle. Get everything in writing. If unauthorized work is performed, file a complaint with the OPC and your insurer.

🛡️ Right #1: You choose where your car goes. No tow company can force a destination. Even if police called the tow, you decide the delivery location (with limited exceptions in exclusive zones for the initial move).

🛡️ Right #2: You are entitled to a written estimate before services begin. Under Quebec consumer protection law, a service provider must give you a price estimate before performing work.

🛡️ Right #3: You have the right to refuse an unsolicited tow truck. No one can load your car without your consent (unless police have ordered the vehicle removed for safety or legal reasons).

🛡️ Right #4: You are entitled to a detailed, itemized receipt for every charge. The receipt must include the company name, address, date, services performed, and amounts.

🛡️ Right #5: No one can perform repairs on your vehicle without your written authorization. If unauthorized work is done, you are not obligated to pay for it under the Quebec Consumer Protection Act.

✅ Inside Exclusive Zones (Protected)

• Tow trucks dispatched only through 911 or *4141

• Rates are regulated by bylaw — fixed, non-negotiable pricing

• Tow companies are pre-approved and contracted

• Driver cannot choose the company but rates are fair and transparent

⚠️ Outside Exclusive Zones (Higher Risk)

• You can call any tow company — but so can scammers show up uninvited

• No regulated rates — pricing is whatever the company charges

• Chase towing and bait-and-switch scams are most common here

• Your best defence: call a company you already trust