Winter is one of the worst times to have car troubles. To make it worse there are tow truck scammers out there looking to take advantage of you if your car breaks down or gets stuck in wintry weather.
Allstate has published some tips to prevent yourself from become a victim of “Bandit Tow” scams. Allstate cites statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, who says that claims of overcharging on towing and/or vehicle storage has increase 103 percent from January through September 2010 over the same period the previous year.
[AD]We have inlcuded Allstate’s tips below to help keep you safe and
- When possible, use a towing operator pre-screened by your motor club or roadside assistance program.
- Never give a tow truck operator permission to take your car if they weren't called by you or by law enforcement personnel.
- Do not provide a tow truck operator your insurance information.
- Make sure all signage on the truck and documentation provided is identical and consistent.
- Whenever possible, have your car towed either to your home or a repair shop of your choice to avoid any storage fees or additional fees.
- Make sure you receive a printed price list that includes daily storage fees and miscellaneous charges as well as printed documentation of where the vehicle will be towed.
- Make sure you sign below the dollar amount quoted, not necessarily the bottom of the document.
- Always remove personal items and valuables before having your car towed.
One additional tip is to plan ahead and have information for a locally trusted towing company in your car, wallet, and or purse. If you do get stuck, you will be one step closer to getting home safely to your family.
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