A flat tire, engine failure, or accident is stressful enough on its own; drivers shouldn’t have to worry about auto towing scams on top of it. Unfortunately, fraudulent tow truck operators roam around trying to swindle drivers into paying exorbitant fees. To prevent this from happening to you, take note of the following.

5 Ways to Avoid an Auto Towing Scam

1. Know Your Insurance Policy

When you know what your policy covers, you won’t be as inclined to consider unknown options. Find out whether roadside assistance is included and what limitations or stipulations there may be. Ideally, you should familiarize yourself with your policy before your car breaks down or is involved in an accident.

2. Don’t Accept Unsolicited Help

Although pleasant coincidences occur every now and then, they aren’t common. If a tow truck just happens to drive by, be on guard—auto towing scammers often listen to police radio channels to scope out accidents and breakdowns.

3. Don’t Disclose Insurance Information

If a fraudulent tow truck operator gets your insurance information, they can use it against you at a later date. This usually involves them calling and masquerading as your insurance company to gather even more personal information.

4. Carefully Review the Paperwork

No matter how tense and exhausting the situation may be, take the time to review all documents before signing them. Double-check that the name on the tow truck matches the one in the paperwork. When signing, do so near the quoted price. If you leave your signature at the end of the document, that number may be higher the next time you see it.

5. Don’t Hesitate to Contact the Police

If an unsolicited tow truck company insists on taking your car, call the police. It doesn’t matter how polite they are—if you’ve already declined and they still won't leave, contact the authorities and tell them your location.

If you’re ever in the Heflin, AL, area and need auto towing services, call Cheatwood's Service Station at (256) 463-7968. For nearly 30 years, they’ve provided dedicated roadside assistance and auto repairs. When they arrive, their ASE-certified technicians will try to fix the problem before they tow your car away, saving you both time and money. For more information about what they can do, visit their website.