What is the single most important question to ask a tow operator?

Ask for the final, total price to get your car to your chosen destination. A refusal to answer this is the biggest red flag of a scam.

Why is getting the price in writing so important?

A written price on the authorisation form is a legally binding quote. It prevents the operator from changing the price later. A verbal agreement is much harder to prove.

Why are they vague about where they are taking the car?

Because they are taking it to their own storage yard to trap you with high daily fees. They don't want you to have the address, which would make it easier for you to challenge them.

Should I be suspicious if a tow operator avoids answering my questions?

Yes. Evasiveness is a clear sign that they are not being upfront. A professional operator will answer your questions clearly and confidently.

How does InstaTow answer these questions for me?

The app provides all the answers upfront: a fixed price, your chosen destination, and the details of the vetted operator. It ensures total transparency before you commit.

What Tow Companies Hope You Don’t Ask

Image: public/assets/519.jpg

The business model of a predatory tow company relies on speed, confusion, and a lack of questions. They want to get your car on their truck before you have time to think. Your most powerful defence is to slow them down and ask a few simple, direct questions. These are the questions they are hoping you won’t ask.

1. “What is the final, total price to tow my car to [Your Destination]?”

This is the question they fear most. They want to talk in vague terms like “standard rates” or tell you “insurance will cover it.” They do not want to give you a single, fixed number because it locks them in and removes their ability to inflate the bill later. A professional operator can and will give you a final price. A scammer will make excuses.

2. “Can you write that price down on the authorisation form before I sign?”

This is the follow-up that exposes their intentions. Getting a verbal quote is one thing; getting it in writing is another. If they are planning to scam you, they will be very reluctant to create a paper trail that proves they lied. An honest operator has no problem with this request.

3. “Where, exactly, are you taking my car?”

They want to take your car to their own high-cost storage yard. That’s where they make their real money. They will be vague, saying things like “our secure facility” or “the assessment yard.” Demand a specific street address. If they are evasive, it’s because they don’t want you to know where your car is being held hostage.

4. “What are your daily storage fees?”

Even if they claim storage is necessary, they will not want to discuss the cost. They know that a fee of $50 per day is a massive red flag for you. Asking this question shows you are aware of the storage fee trap and forces them to reveal a key part of their profit model.

5. “Are you a licensed tow truck operator and what is your company’s name?”

This question establishes accountability. A legitimate operator will have no issue identifying themselves and their business. A dodgy operator, especially one who showed up unsolicited, may be evasive. It reminds them that they can be identified and reported.

Transparency Kills Their Leverage

Notice the pattern. All of these questions are about creating transparency. Transparency is the enemy of the towing scam. Their entire model depends on operating in the grey areas of confusion and stress.

With InstaTow, these questions are answered before you even book. The price is fixed. The destination is chosen by you. The provider is vetted and identified. The entire process is transparent by design.

If you find yourself in a stressful roadside situation, remember these questions. Your willingness to ask them is your best protection.