If you’ve ever had your car towed, especially after a breakdown or accident, you know how stressful it can be. But did you know that in Ontario, drivers have specific legal rights when dealing with towing companies? Understanding these laws can save you from overpaying, protect your vehicle, and ensure you’re treated fairly by any towing company in Kitchener or Waterloo.
Whether you’ve been stranded before or want to be prepared for the future, this post breaks down what the law says about towing services, how to protect yourself, and what to do if your rights are violated.
1. You Have the Right to Choose Your Towing Company
Many drivers don’t realise this, even if the police or someone else calls for a tow, you have the right to choose which company to use. If you’re in Kitchener or the Waterloo Region, you can specifically request a trusted and licensed provider like WR Towing to handle your vehicle safely.
Pro Tip: Never let anyone pressure you into using a company you didn’t authorise. Always ask for the company’s name and confirm pricing before your vehicle is moved.
For more on how trusted towing services support drivers in emergencies, read our feature post: Stuck on the Side of the Road? How WR Towing Saves Your Summer in Waterloo Region.
2. You Must Be Given a Written Estimate
Under Ontario’s Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA), tow operators are required to provide a written estimate of all fees before towing your vehicle. You must sign this estimate before any service begins.
This prevents hidden charges and ensures full transparency on:
- Towing distance fees
- Storage costs
- Additional service charges (like winching or cleanup)
3. You Have the Right to Access Your Vehicle
If your vehicle has been towed and stored, you have the right to access it to retrieve personal items during business hours. You don’t have to pay any fees just to get your belongings out of the vehicle.
This is a crucial protection for drivers, especially if essential documents or valuables were left inside after a breakdown or collision.
4. You Have the Right to Know Where Your Vehicle Is Taken
Every towing service near you must disclose the exact location where your car will be taken before they start towing. Always ask for the name, address, and phone number of the facility.
If a tow truck operator refuses to share that information, that’s a red flag. Only work with licensed, transparent, and local towing companies.
5. Tow Operators Must Display Their Licensing Information
All tow truck companies in Ontario must be licensed and display:
- Its operator name
- TSSEA certificate number
This helps protect you from unauthorised operators or predatory towing practices.
The next time your vehicle breaks down or you’re involved in an accident, remember, you’re not powerless. By understanding Ontario’s towing laws, asking the right questions, and working with reputable providers, you can stay in control.
If you ever need a reliable tow truck in Kitchener, Waterloo, or Cambridge, don’t hesitate to call WR Towing, your trusted local partner for safe, fair, and efficient towing services.