Is it really possible to cancel a tow after I've signed the form?

Yes. You can withdraw your consent at any point before the vehicle leaves the scene. You must do so clearly and firmly.

What if the tow driver demands a cancellation fee?

Do not let a debate over a fee stop you from cancelling the tow. Your priority is preventing the vehicle from being taken. State that you will deal with any legitimate fees later, but that you are withdrawing consent now.

Will the police help me if the driver refuses to unhook my car?

The police are there to keep the peace. While it's a civil matter, they will likely intervene to de-escalate a confrontational situation. Inform them clearly that you have withdrawn consent.

Why is it so important to stop the tow before it leaves?

Because once your vehicle is removed from the scene and taken to a private yard, the operator has physical possession and can hold it hostage while charging you escalating storage fees.

What's the best way to prevent this from happening at all?

Never agree to a tow under pressure. Use a service like InstaTow where you provide clear, digital consent with an upfront price before a driver is even dispatched.

How to Cancel an Unauthorised Tow Before It Leaves

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You’ve been pressured, you’ve signed something you regret, and a tow operator has hooked up your car. It feels like it’s too late, but it’s not. In Western Australia, you can still cancel the tow before the truck leaves the scene. Acting quickly and decisively is critical.

Step 1: State Your Intention Clearly and Loudly

Do not be timid. The operator will try to ignore you or pretend it’s a done deal. You must be unambiguous.

Say this:

“I am withdrawing my consent for this tow. Unhook my vehicle immediately.”

Repeat it if necessary. Make sure any witnesses or police officers on scene can hear you.

Step 2: Do Not Get Drawn Into an Argument

The operator will likely become confrontational. They will tell you it’s too late, that the job is logged, or that you have to pay a “cancellation fee.” Do not argue about the details.

Your only focus is on stopping the vehicle from leaving. Every other issue is secondary. Stick to your script.

“I do not care about the fee right now. I am withdrawing my consent. Unhook the vehicle.”

Step 3: Involve the Police if They Are Present

If WA Police are at the scene, immediately bring the issue to their attention. An officer’s presence will often de-escalate the situation.

Approach the officer and say:

“Officer, I have withdrawn my consent for this tow, and the operator is refusing to unhook my vehicle.”

This frames it as a dispute over consent, which is a civil matter, but the refusal to comply in a potentially tense situation may get the officer’s attention. They can keep the peace while you sort it out.

Step 4: Start Recording on Your Phone

If the operator refuses to comply and no police are present, calmly take out your phone and start recording. Announce that you are doing so.

“I am now recording this interaction. I have stated clearly that I do not consent to this tow. You are refusing to unhook my vehicle against my wishes.”

Video evidence is incredibly powerful. Often, the act of being recorded is enough to make an operator reconsider their actions.

The Moment It Leaves, You Lose

Once that truck drives away, your situation becomes infinitely more complicated. The operator now has physical possession of your property. The fight is no longer about consent at the roadside; it’s about extortionate fees to get your car back from their yard.

This is why acting before it leaves is so critical. A legitimate operator may be frustrated, but they will likely comply. A predatory operator knows that losing the car at the scene means losing their payday, which is why they will resist.

The best way to avoid this is to never give consent under pressure in the first place. Call InstaTow. Our digital process ensures your consent is clear, informed, and given without duress.