Imagine your car has broken down on the side of the road and you're waiting for the tow truck you've called to arrive. What if another, unrelated tow service—one you did not call and with which you are unfamiliar—should arrive first? Do you have to accept service from them simply because they arrived on the scene earlier? More importantly, should you accept their service? The following information should clear up any confusion about the matter.

Can You Refuse Service from an Unrequested Tow Truck?

Yes. If an unrequested tow truck should arrive on the scene before the truck you called, you are under no obligation to accept service from them. There is no "first-come-first-served" tradition among towing services. If you prefer to wait for a truck from the service you called, you are well within your rights to do so.

In fact, it's a good idea to remember the name of the towing company you contacted and compare it to the logo and markings of any truck that arrives. That way, you know they've come in response to your call and have not simply happened upon you while passing by.

Why Should You Wait for the Tow Truck You Requested?

If you wait for the requested truck, you have recourse if something goes wrong. You know the phone number and, presumably, have access to their location. A "white knight" tow truck may not have the proper contact information on the logo, so you might not ever be able to contact them again if your vehicle should somehow be damaged during transport. Worse, tow truck scammers have been known to troll the highways in search of stranded motorists. While you're vulnerable, they may try to gouge you with additional fees or outrageous prices.

Note that, in some cases, police on the scene may request towing service to move your vehicle out of traffic. If this happens, you may ask that they transport the vehicle only to the nearest safe parking spot instead of to a repair shop, so you can wait for your preferred tow company.

In short, you do not have to accept service from a tow truck that simply stopped by to offer services. In fact, it may even be unwise to do so, if you're unfamiliar with the driver and the company. For prompt, dependable towing or roadside assistance throughout the Greater Flathead Valley, contact Bolster's Towing in Kalispell, MT. They've been offering 24/7 service throughout the region since 1971 and are well known and trusted. Call (406) 752-4528 at any hour to request a tow truck.