Image: public/assets/336.jpg
When you are being pressured by a tow operator at the roadside, what you say matters. You need to be clear, firm, and final. Here are the exact phrases to use to shut down common pressure tactics and reassert your control.
The Situation: They showed up unsolicited.
Their Line: “We were in the area and saw you needed help.” / “Someone must have called us.”
What You Say: “Thank you, but I did not request a tow. I am making my own arrangements.”
Why It Works: It is polite but firm. It establishes that you did not give consent and you are taking charge.
The Situation: They are rushing you to make a decision.
Their Line: “We need to clear the road now.” / “You can’t leave the car here.”
What You Say: “I will not be rushed into a decision. I need a moment to make a phone call.”
Why It Works: It directly addresses the pressure tactic and takes back control of the timeline. A legitimate operator will respect this; a scammer will argue.
The Situation: They refuse to give you a price.
Their Line: “Don’t worry, insurance will handle it.” / “It’s just the standard rate.”
What You Say: “I require a final, all-inclusive price in writing before I agree to anything.”
Why It Works: It is a non-negotiable demand for transparency. It moves the conversation from vague assurances to a concrete number, which is what they want to avoid.
The Situation: They insist on taking your car to their yard.
Their Line: “We have to take it to our yard for assessment first.”
What You Say: “No. The car is to be towed directly to [Your Mechanic’s Address]. That is the only destination I will authorise.”
Why It Works: It shuts down the storage yard trap. By specifying the destination, you prevent them from taking your car hostage.
The Situation: They are trying to get you to sign a blank form.
Their Line: “Just sign here and we can get moving.”
What You Say: “I will not sign anything until the final price and destination address are filled in on this form.”
Why It Works: It prevents them from using your signature as a blank cheque. It forces them to commit to the terms on paper.
The Ultimate Phrase to End the Conversation
If they refuse any of these reasonable requests, you only need one final phrase:
“I do not consent to this tow. Please step away from my vehicle.”
Your power lies in your consent. Do not give it away under pressure. Take a moment, and call InstaTow. We give you all the information you need upfront, so you never have to argue at the roadside.
Be the first to like this.
Need a Tow Now?
Get Perth's fastest towing and roadside assistance with live tracking and upfront pricing.


