The Alberta Motor Association has issued some tips to avoid “predatory towing” from contractors across the province.
This comes shortly after the City of Grande Prairie had a similar discussion, outlining what is necessary for a driver to do in the event of a traffic collision, especially when it comes to towing.
According to the AMA, predatory towing has become a growing concern in major cities across the province, and as a result, the organization has launched its “Know Before the Tow” campaign to empower Albertans with the knowledge they need to stay confident when faced with a towing scam.
As part of the campaign, the AMA has released five key towing rights that every Alberta driver should be mindful of on the roads.
Firstly, the AMA says drivers have the right to refuse unsolicited towing services, and the right to choose who tows their vehicle, and where, unless otherwise directed by police.
Additionally, drivers hold the right to access their vehicle to retrieve personal items during a storage facility’s regular business hours.
Vehicle owners also have the right to ask if the towing company receives a kickback for taking their vehicle to a particular storage facility or repair shop, no matter what a municipality’s chosen contractor may indicate. The AMA says drivers should also consider their right to request a quote before service, and an itemized invoice prior to making any payments.
Officials say drivers who find themselves in a collision and are in need of a tow should be mindful that opportunistic “unethical operators” will arrive at a collision or breakdown scene uninvited, create a false sense of urgency, and ultimately leave a driver with significant fees when the tow is finished.
Albertans can visit the AMA’s website for a digital copy of their towing rights, and soon, the AMA says all of their centres will offer free print versions, small enough to fit in a glove box.
