If my car is hooked up, is it too late to stop the tow?

No. As long as the tow truck has not departed the scene, you can still withdraw your consent and demand that your vehicle be unhooked.

What if the driver demands a 'cancellation fee' before unhooking?

Do not let them hold your car hostage over a fee. State that you will discuss any legitimate fees after the car is unhooked. Your primary goal is preventing the vehicle from leaving.

Will I have to pay a fee if I cancel after the car is hooked?

You may be liable for a reasonable call-out fee, but this is far better than being liable for a massively inflated towing and storage bill later.

What makes the truck leaving the scene such a critical moment?

Once the truck leaves, the operator has physical possession of your car. This gives them immense leverage to charge exorbitant fees, and it becomes much harder for you to fight back.

How can I avoid this situation entirely?

By never giving consent under pressure. Use a service like InstaTow where the price and all details are agreed upon digitally before a truck is even dispatched.

Your Car Has Been Hooked – You Still Have Options

Image: public/assets/12231.jpg

A tow operator has hooked up your car. You feel a surge of panic, thinking it’s all over and you have lost control. This is not true. As long as the vehicle has not left the scene, you still have options and you still have rights. That feeling of powerlessness is exactly what the operator wants you to feel.

Hooking Is Not the Point of No Return

In Western Australia, the act of attaching your vehicle to a tow truck does not finalise the transaction. The crucial moment is when the vehicle is towed away from the scene. Before that happens, you can still intervene.

If you have second thoughts because the operator has become aggressive, has refused to confirm a price, or you simply realise you’ve been pressured, you can act.

Your First Move: Withdraw Consent

This must be done immediately and clearly. There can be no room for ambiguity.

State firmly:

“I am withdrawing my authorisation for this tow. Please unhook my vehicle now.”

Do not get into a debate. Do not discuss what you signed. Your only message is that your consent is now revoked.

Dealing with the "Cancellation Fee" Threat

The operator will almost certainly demand an on-the-spot “cancellation fee” or “call-out fee.” They will say they won’t unhook the car until you pay it. This is a high-pressure tactic to force the tow to proceed.

Your response should be:

“I am happy to discuss any legitimate fees after my vehicle is unhooked, but I am not authorising you to take my car.”

This separates the two issues. You are not refusing to pay a legitimate fee; you are refusing to let your car be taken. It is a reasonable position that is hard for them to argue against, especially if police are present.

Why This Is a Battle You Must Win at the Scene

The operator knows that once they drive away, they have won. The fight over a potential $150 call-out fee at the scene is nothing compared to the fight over a $1500 bill once your car is in their yard. They are counting on you giving up and letting them take the car to avoid the immediate confrontation.

Do not give up. The stakes are highest right now, before the truck moves.

Prevention is the Best Strategy

This entire high-stress scenario is avoidable. By using an app-based service like InstaTow, you provide clear, informed consent before a truck is even dispatched. You know the price, the provider, and the destination. There is no ambiguity and no room for pressure tactics at the roadside.

If you find yourself in this situation, stay calm and remember your rights. But better yet, make a call to a trusted source first and avoid the confrontation altogether.