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Predatory Towing Practices
NOTICE AGAINST PREDATORY TOWING PRACTICES
Needing to have your vehicle towed is never pleasant, and often stressful, but becoming a victim of predatory or coercive towing practices can add financial and legal strain to an already taxing situation.
Tow requests may be monitored over public airways or through third-party phone applications. Predatory tow companies can use this information, which may include your name, insurance company, and other deceptive practices to lure you into agreeing to services, thinking you are dealing with the appropriate company. Be wary. Once the tow company has your vehicle, legal and financial fees can mount.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Expand all- What is required of tow companies to operate?
All tow companies operating in Prince William County are required to have a business license and be registered with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
- When can my vehicle be towed?
Typically, there are three ways a vehicle may be towed, and by who.
- Police involvement. Officers may have vehicles towed if the vehicle is involved in an accident, abandoned or inoperable, or illegally parked. In these cases, the department uses a specified list of reputable tow companies in the County, and regulates storage and other fees, as well as response times. To be on the official police list, tow companies must apply and meet/maintain certain operating standards.
- Private property. In order to tow from a private property, the tow company must have permission to operate on that specific property. Private properties include, but are not limited to private HOA developments, shopping centers, restaurants, etc. Tow companies operating on private property must adhere to the requirements set forth by Virginia law and County ordinances. Signs are required on the property, and when a vehicle is towed, the tow company must notify the police.
- Public property or owner request. This type of towing is more likely to lead to predatory practices. Towing from public property or at an owner’s request is not as regulated and can subject the vehicle owner to costly consequences. Always be vigilant in these instances and take the time to ensure your vehicle is in the right hands.
- What are recommendations to avoid predatory practices?
While towing by the police and from private property is regulated, be cautious if you are approached by a tow operator on public property, including the side of the roadway, and even in cases where you are expecting a tow from your own personal request or at the request of your insurance company.
- NEVER relinquish custody of your vehicle or agree to services if you are hesitant about the legitimacy of the tow company.
- ALWAYS verify the name of the tow company on the truck matches the one providing the services you or your insurance company have requested.
- REQUEST documentation from the tow driver and ASK questions. Do not feel rushed to agree to anything.
- CONTACT the police if you have concerns. You may be stranded on the side of the road and vulnerable.
- What to do if you fall victim to predatory practices?
While some predatory tow practices may be construed as civil matters, certain circumstances may qualify the matter as a criminal offense. If you feel you have been the victim of a crime, always report the incident to the police.
Consumer complaints can also be filed online with the Virginia Office of the Attorney General.