Can my insurer send a tow truck to an accident without me calling them?

No. Your insurer does not know you've had an accident until you contact them. Any tow truck claiming to be 'sent by your insurer' without you having called them is lying.

Why do tow operators lie about being from my insurance company?

To gain your trust and bypass questions about price. They know you are more likely to agree to a tow if you believe it's officially sanctioned by your insurer.

So who actually chooses the tow truck after a crash?

You do. You, the driver, have the authority to consent to a tow at the roadside. Your insurer's role is to cover the reasonable cost as part of your claim later.

What is the safest thing to do immediately after an accident?

After ensuring everyone is safe, call the claims hotline for your insurance provider. They will guide you on their approved process for towing.

What if I can't get through to my insurer?

If you need immediate assistance, call a reputable tow service directly. Insist on an upfront, fixed price and a clear destination to protect yourself from scams.

Your Insurer Does Not Choose Your Tow Truck – Despite What You’re Told

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One of the most persistent myths at a WA crash scene is that your insurance company has magically dispatched a tow truck to help you. This is a strategic lie told by unsolicited tow operators to gain your trust and your keys.

Let’s be crystal clear: your insurer does not have a fleet of tow trucks circling Perth, waiting for accidents. They do not know you have crashed until you call them.

The "Insurer Sent Me" Scam

A tow truck appears moments after a crash. The driver approaches you and says something like, “G’day, I’m the authorised tow for SGIO/RAC/Allianz.”

This is designed to make you believe the process is already underway and officially sanctioned. You’re stressed, you recognise your insurer’s name, and you comply. You have just been scammed.

Unless you have physically spoken to your insurer on the phone and they have confirmed they are dispatching a specific truck from a specific company, the operator at the scene is not there on their behalf.

Insurance Authority vs. Roadside Authority

This is the distinction that matters.

Roadside Authority: At the scene, you (the driver) are in charge. You give consent. No one can take your car without your permission.
Insurance Authority: After the fact, your insurer has the authority to approve or deny payment for the tow.

Predatory operators deliberately confuse these two things. They use your insurer’s name to get roadside authority from you under false pretences.

The Correct Process

The only legitimate way an insurer is involved at the roadside is if you follow these steps:

You have an accident.
You call the claims number on your insurance policy.
You speak to a representative and give them the details.
They tell you they will arrange a tow and may give you the name of the company and an ETA.

Any other scenario, especially one involving a driver who just “shows up,” is not legitimate.

What to Say When They Use Your Insurer’s Name

If an operator claims to be from your insurer, your response is simple:

“I haven’t called them yet. So that’s not possible. Please step away from my vehicle.”

It is a simple, factual statement that completely dismantles their lie. Take control of the situation yourself.

The first call you make should be to your insurer for guidance, or to a trusted provider like InstaTow for a transparent, upfront tow. Don’t let a familiar name in a stressful moment lead you into a scam.