Predatory Towing
What is Predatory Towing?
Predatory, Rogue, or Bandit Towing occurs when less than scrupulous towing companies use deceptive or coercive practices to take advantage of motorists in stressful and vulnerable situations.
From the beginning of 2022 to the end of 2024, NICB has seen an 89% increase nationwide in predatory towing claims. These claims are coming from big cities, small cities, suburbs and rural areas alike.
You may have been targeted by this scheme if you’ve been on the receiving end of any of these predatory behaviors:
Unsolicited, High-Pressure Towing
Legitimate and honest towing companies wait to be called to the scene of an accident or a private lot rather than arriving unsolicited. Predatory towers often monitor police scanners or prowl highly trafficked areas to swoop in on towing opportunities before drivers have the chance to make informed choices. While it’s true that roads should quickly be made clear of damaged vehicles after a collision, motorists always have the right to seek and approved, licensed tower from their insurance or local law enforcement.
Excessive and Hidden Fees
In too many cities and towns across the country, once a vehicle is on a predatory tower’s hook, owners have little recourse but paying whatever they are billed to get their vehicles returned.
Motorists have reported being charged thousands of dollars – in some cases more than $16,000 – after their vehicles were towed from crash scenes. These bills often include excessive and vague “miscellaneous” or “storage” fees packed on by rogue towing operators. Without clear pricing standards, drivers can be left vulnerable to unfair and unexpected costs.
NICB is working with law enforcement, member carriers and policymakers to mandate fee transparency and enhance strong consumer protections that prevent abuse and help drivers understand what they owe before their vehicle is towed.
NICB’s Partnerships and Investigations with Law Enforcement
NICB field agents and analysts work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement to investigate and combat predatory towing. Through real-time lead and information sharing, joint operations and data analysis, NICB helps members and investigators identify unscrupulous tow operators.
This partnership protects NICB members and policyholders across the nation while giving our partners the tools and intelligence they need to hold bad actors accountable.
How Can You Prevent Predatory Towing from Happening to You?
NICB recommends the following tips to keep in mind to make sure you don’t fall victim to predatory towing schemes:
Spot and Stop Predatory Towing PSA
If you’re involved in a crash or your vehicle is towed unexpectedly, stay alert, ask questions and verify the tow company before agreeing to any service.
Protecting yourself and those close to you starts with learning the common signs of towing schemes and how to report them.
Get a head start by watching NICB’s Predatory Towing Public Service Announcement.
NICB Advocacy to Combat Predatory Towing
A number of states lack meaningful consumer protections against predatory towing, such as requiring licensing for towing operators, banning accident scene solicitations, or mandating transparency regarding towing fees.
To combat predatory towing, NICB Government Affairs advocates for greater transparency and accountability across the U.S., with notable recent achievements in Chicago, Arkansas, Virginia, Idaho, Kentucky, and Utah.
Join Us in Combating Predatory Towing
Join NICB in advocating for legislation that mandates clear and fair towing practices across the United States by downloading and sharing our PSA and tips.
