Despite our best efforts, accidents happen. And when they do, there can be a lot of moving parts. Not to mention, you’ll likely be stressed out and the adrenaline will be pumping. You’ve followed our checklist for what to do after a car accident, but now what happens with your car? Does it need to be towed no matter what? And with tow truck scams around, what towing company can you depend on, especially when it comes to your car insurance? To help you out in this situation, we’re covering what you need to know about your rights when it comes to tow trucks in Ontario.

Understanding Ontario tow truck regulations​

In Ontario, the regulations around hiring a tow truck have undergone some changes in the last few years. Notably, as of January 1, 2024, the Ontario government passed new regulations to move the governance of towing and storage from municipal to provincial jurisdiction. The province of Ontario is now responsible for tow truck certification and oversight – which means all towing and storage providers are required to be officially certified. This new legislation applies to all tow and storage operators in Ontario, and you can view an operator’s status and certificates on the government website.

Requirements for tow truck drivers have remained much the same since the changes in the Consumer Protection Act in 2017, but in 2024 a new code of conduct came into effect. Under that code, tow truck drivers must:

• Have permission (or the permission of someone acting on your behalf) before towing or storing your vehicle.
• Publicly disclose rates and other information, like the company’s name and phone number, on tow trucks and places of business.
• Accept credit card payments and not insist on cash payments. (Credit card payments create a paper trail, which helps to settle any potential disagreements that could arise between you and the tow truck company around how much was really paid.)
• Inform you where they’ll be towing your vehicle.
• Allow you to access your towed vehicle (unless police direct otherwise).
• Provide an itemized invoice that lists the services provided and costs prior to receiving payment.
• Tell you if they’re receiving a financial incentive for towing your car to a certain vehicle storage facility or repair shop.

According to the Ontario government website, the towing company must supply a form that documents your consent and includes other information required by law. Without your consent, the company can't charge you for their services, and once you sign the form the agreement can't be changed. Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but make sure you don't sign anything you don’t understand (especially if the form is blank!). 

Additionally, some of the new regulations that came into effect in 2024 are specifically for tow truck drivers. According to these new rules, a tow truck driver must:

• Provide a copy of of their tow driver certification upon request.
• Notify the vehicle owner if the vehicle is being taken to a different location than the one the owner requested.
• Not solicit the vehicle owner to consent to any other services, including specific storage providers, legal services, or health professionals.
  
  

How much does a tow cost in Ontario?

Along with the new regulations set by the Ontario government in 2024, there’s also been a change in how much a tow costs in Ontario. Previously, municipal laws set a limit on how much a tow truck could charge. With the new regulations, the provincial government set the maximum rate. You can view these rates on the government's official website and all operators are required to post their rates.

What hasn’t changed from the previous regulations is that tow operators have to accept payment methods other than cash (including contactless payment). They must provide an itemized invoice that outlines the cost before services are provided, and give the vehicle owner a receipt afterward.

How to get a tow truck in Ontario

If you need to get a tow truck in Ontario after a car accident, don't panic - getting your car towed is easier than you think. First, stay safe. If possible, pull over to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights, and if you have them, place safety triangles behind your vehicle. Always stay safe and be aware of any possible traffic around you.

1. Contact your preferred towing service or your insurance provider

If your car needs to be towed after an accident (or for any other reason), you’ll want to contact your preferred towing service. Don’t feel obligated to use the services of just any tow truck that arrives on scene – there’s a chance it’s not an entirely reputable company. If you’re not sure who to call, reach out to your insurance provider – a claims adjuster can help point you in the right direction.

TIP: Have a Sonnet policy and in need of a tow after an accident? Call our 24-hour national tow program at 1-888-668-6087.

2. Read your towing agreement carefully

It’s critical you read everything a tow truck driver asks you to sign. This way you’ll understand exactly what you’re agreeing to. Stay involved in the towing process from start to finish, even if the tow truck driver is telling you otherwise and that they’ll take care of things. You should always be in the loop when it comes to your vehicle.

3. Document the towing process

Speaking of your vehicle, once it’s on the tow truck, be sure to snap a picture. This can come in handy later if the tow company attempts to charge you for extra services that weren’t provided, such as using a dolly or winching.

Protecting yourself from tow truck scams

Like auto insurance fraud, falling victim to a tow truck scam can end up costing both you and your insurer.

Tow truck scams operate when repair shops pay tow truck drivers (known as “chasers”) a referral fee for bringing in damaged vehicles. The repair shop may then overcharge for their services to recover the referral fees.

Ontario towing FAQs

What is the minimum towing fee in Ontario?

The minimum tow fee depends on the base rate for each towing service. This can vary by hour and by the equipment required. It’s best to check the official Ontario website to see the current fees.

Does my car really need to be towed after an accident?

Not necessarily. If you’re able to drive your car after a fender-bender, you don’t need to get it towed. If it can’t be driven, however, you may need a tow.

Does my car need a dolly when being towed?

Dollies are used in some cases by certain types of tow trucks to lift the rear wheels of a vehicle. A dolly might be used on your vehicle if it’s all-wheel or rear-wheel drive. It may also be used if there is damage to the back of your vehicle.

Does my car need to be winched?

If your vehicle has gone off the road, it may require to be winched. Winching (also called recovery in some instances) simply means that a tow truck driver needs to pull your vehicle back onto the road. If your vehicle didn’t leave the road but was simply repositioned, this wouldn’t be considered winching.

Where should I get my car towed after an accident?

You have the right to choose where your car is towed. However, in some jurisdictions, you may be required to first bring your vehicle to a collision reporting centre after an accident.

When it comes to repair shops, if you’re not sure where to have your vehicle taken, ask the tow truck driver to take your car to your home. This way, when you call your insurance provider to make a claim, you can decide on where to repair your vehicle after discussing it with a claims adjuster.

Many insurers have certified vendors that they’ve selected for their high quality of workmanship and customer service. By opting to go with your insurer’s body shop, you may be provided with a claims guarantee. In other words, the shop will back the work done for a certain period of time (with Sonnet, this is as long as you own the vehicle). Above and beyond the claims guarantee, there are other pros to using a recommended vendor, including saving both time and money. But don’t worry, you’re not locked into using insurer-approved vendors. You do still have the option to take your vehicle to your preferred mechanic if you choose.

As the registered owner of your vehicle, you have the right to know where your vehicle is being taken and who is taking it. If your car is being taken to a tow yard or a repair shop, it’s important to get the name of the yard or shop and their contact information (including address, phone number and email). Without this information, you could experience delays in your claim being settled, which no one wants. Also, be sure to ask how much the yard’s storage fees are beforehand. You’ll want to confirm with your insurance company that this cost is covered. If it’s not, you may be on the hook for this expense.

Does my car insurance include coverage for a vehicle tow?

If you have collision or all perils coverage included on your auto policy, your insurance company will typically cover the costs of a tow in the case of an accident.

For other non-accident incidents (such as mechanical problems), you’ll need to have roadside assistance added to your policy to help cover the costs. Roadside assistance is usually limited to a certain dollar amount. For example, in Ontario, the roadside assistance endorsement (also referred to as OPCF 35) will reimburse you for $50 of the costs incurred.

Outside of your Ontario car insurance policy, you may also have coverage for a tow through an alternative service or your car dealership. If this is the case, get familiar with the services they provide and always keep any necessary documentation with you when driving.

Get your car covered with Sonnet

Knowing what to do when an accident strikes can help to alleviate some of the panic and anxiety that can arise. It can also help prevent you from falling victim to a tow truck scam and, of course, help your claim run as smoothly as possible. 

Speaking of claims, if you’re looking for Ontario car insurance that gives you flexibility and peace of mind, check out what we have to offer at Sonnet: reliable car insurance in any area with plenty of options for customizing your policy to your needs. Cut costs, not corners – get an auto insurance quote from Sonnet today and see how much you could be saving.