Is it a scam if a tow truck won't give me a price?

Yes. Refusing to provide a clear, upfront price is a major red flag and a key tactic in towing scams.

Why do they take my car to their own storage yard?

They do this to gain control over your vehicle. It allows them to charge daily storage fees and hold the car until their inflated invoice is paid.

Will my insurance really cover any tow cost?

No. Insurers will only cover 'reasonable' costs. If a tow bill is inflated or includes unjustified fees, your insurer can refuse to pay the full amount, leaving you liable.

What is the single best way to avoid a tow scam in WA?

Never use an unsolicited tow truck. Always make the call yourself to a trusted provider and get a fixed price before they are dispatched.

What should I do if I feel pressured?

State clearly, 'I will not authorise this tow without a written quote.' If they continue to pressure you, walk away and call for your own help.

This Is How Tow Truck Scams Actually Work in Western Australia

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Towing scams are not accidents. They are a deliberate process designed to exploit your stress and confusion at the roadside. Here is the playbook used by predatory operators in Western Australia.

Step 1: The Race to the Scene

Bad operators race to accident or breakdown scenes. They monitor scanners or get tips from unofficial spotters. The goal is to be the first person you interact with, positioning themselves as the default solution before you have time to think.

Step 2: Create Urgency and Pressure

Once on scene, they apply immediate pressure. Common tactics include:

Claiming the car is a traffic hazard that must be moved now.
Saying they were “sent by police” or “your insurer”.
Rushing you to sign paperwork you can’t properly read.

This is designed to stop you from making a clear decision. It works.

Step 3: The Vague Agreement

The next step is to avoid any discussion of price. You will hear phrases like:

“Don’t worry, insurance will cover it.”
“We’ll sort out the price later.”
“It’s a standard rate.”

They need to get your car hooked without a recorded price. Once it's on the truck, they have all the leverage.

Step 4: The Tow to an Unknown Yard

Your car is not taken to your mechanic. It is taken to a private holding yard affiliated with the tow company. You may not even be told the exact address. This is critical for the next stage of the scam.

Step 5: The Inflated Invoice and Storage Fees

Days later, you or your insurer receive an invoice for thousands of dollars. The bill includes inflated towing fees, a “recovery” charge, admin fees, and daily storage fees that have been accumulating since the moment your car arrived. Your car is now held hostage until the bill is paid. Your insurer may dispute the excessive costs, leaving you caught in the middle.

This Is Not an Accident. It's a Business Model.

Every step is designed to maximise profit from a vulnerable situation. It relies on pressure, misinformation, and your natural desire to resolve the situation quickly.

The only way to stop it is to break the chain at the start. Refuse to be rushed. Demand a fixed price upfront. And choose your own tow truck operator.

Get advice before you agree. One call to InstaTow gets you a clear quote and a trusted driver, with no games.