Advertisement
Your tow truck operator may be collecting a bounty from the repair shop resulting in a higher repair bill for you.
Q: “Why does it seem that tow trucks show up at the scene of an accident before the police or first responders?”
—Rob Sandhu, Toronto
A: Tow truck operators in some parts of Canada scan police radio to learn of collisions, then race to be first at the scene of an accident. Tow truck operators may be more interested in collecting a bounty from a repair shop than the towing charge for “hooking” your vehicle. If a large reward is paid, the repair shop may cut back on the quality of your repair or boost the bill to make up the difference. To avoid this, try to plan ahead for the eventuality of a breakdown. Have the phone number of a towing service (included for the first three or four years of your new vehicle warranty, or auto club or auto insurance contracted provider) ready in the event of a breakdown. Tell the tow truck operator where you want the vehicle taken.
George Iny is the president of the Automobile Protection Association. Send him your automotive questions at [email protected]
Share this article Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Share on Reddit Share on Email
Looking for a new car? What you should know about leasing versus owning.
The Canadian government is sending out the last carbon rebate of 2024. See who’s eligible and how much you...
Need the best interest rate? Want fixed payments or flexibility? Find out the differences between personal loans and lines...
Canadians who financed or leased their new vehicles in the last two years could be paying more in loans...
Buying a car is a big deal. Understand the financial part of the purchase and, hopefully, save yourself some...
Roadside assistance is something you never think about—until you need it. Having one of these credit cards will ensure...
If shopping is your hobby, or you want discounts on everything—from groceries to a new car—check out this list...
Vehicle supply is building, and prices are going down. Here’s why the stars may be aligning for new car...
If you need a roomy, reliable and fuel-efficient ride, check out our pick for the best pre-owned family sedan...
The Corolla is Toyota’s bestselling vehicle, as it’s easy to see why. Here’s what to look for when buying...