Imagine you’ve just been in a car accident. You’re shaken and confused, and out of nowhere, a tow truck shows up offering to help. It feels like a stroke of luck, but it could actually be the start of a costly scam.
A growing number of motorists are being targeted by predatory tow truck operators. These scammers take advantage of drivers at their most vulnerable moments, towing vehicles without proper consent and refusing to release them until large out-of-pocket fees are paid — charges that often aren’t covered by insurance.
In February 2025, the California Department of Insurance issued a warning about a surge in these “vehicle hostage” scams, particularly in Southern California. The alert followed the arraignment of 16 individuals involved in a wide-ranging insurance fraud ring.
Among the schemes uncovered was a racket in which tow trucks arrived uninvited at accident scenes, towed vehicles to body shops in on the scam and demanded hefty payments to release them.
How the scam works
According to the California Department of Insurance, the typical scam follows this pattern:
- A tow truck arrives uninvited at the scene of a crash or breakdown, sometimes within minutes.
- The driver pressures the motorist to agree to a tow, claiming urgency or insurance requirements.
- The vehicle is taken to a shop not approved by the driver or their insurer.
- The shop then demands inflated fees to release the vehicle, and insurance often won’t pay since the services were not authorized.
- If the driver refuses to pay, the vehicle is held hostage and daily storage fees start piling up.
Red flags to watch for
Be alert if any of the following occur:
- A tow truck shows up within minutes — before you’ve even called one.
- The driver insists on a specific body shop without asking where you want the vehicle taken.
- You’re pressured to sign documents on the spot or provide personal information.
- The driver offers to call a rideshare for you, rushing you away before you’ve had time to assess what’s happening.
- The truck was not dispatched by law enforcement or your insurer, yet the driver claims it was.
How to protect yourself
Get towing coverage as an add-on to your auto insurance policy. Most insurers offer a roadside assistance rider that connects you with vetted providers. The riders are reasonably priced, usually less than $10 a month.
Another option is buying a AAA membership. AAA provides roadside assistance and towing services through a nationwide network of trusted service providers.
With plans starting at low annual rates, members can request help by phone, app or online and receive guaranteed coverage for specific towing distances, battery jumps, tire changes and more. Unlike rogue operators, AAA works only with contracted professionals.
If you are involved in an accident, you can avoid being scammed by:
- Calling your insurer, roadside assistance provider or AAA (if you are a member) before accepting help. They can confirm whether a tow truck was dispatched and direct you to an approved body shop.
- Asking for identification to ensure the tow operator has proper credentials and is affiliated with a reputable company. Legitimate towing professionals should have official ID and be willing to show it upon request.
- Not signing any paperwork until you’ve verified the tow and destination with your insurance company.
- Never handing over your vehicle to an unsolicited tow truck.