Experiencing an auto accident is distressing, and encountering a towing scam afterward can exacerbate the situation. In Chicago, predatory towing practices have become alarmingly common, with some companies exploiting vulnerable drivers by charging exorbitant fees or unlawfully seizing vehicles.
Understanding Towing Scams in Chicago
Predatory towing scams often involve unlicensed tow trucks showing up uninvited at accident scenes, tricking drivers into accepting their services. These operators may falsely claim to work with insurance companies or law enforcement agencies to gain trust. Once they tow the vehicle, they demand excessive fees — sometimes between $2,000 to $16,000 — far higher than the average towing cost of under $400.
According to reports from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), towing scams have surged by 89% in the last three years throughout the nation. Some tow truck drivers falsely claim to represent insurance companies, then hold vehicles hostage for excessive fees. Others illegally tow cars from accident scenes without consent or engage in reckless driving, putting the public at risk. Spotters often track accidents through police scanners and call in unlicensed towers before victims can make arrangements.
Since many states have few or no laws regulating this practice, it's often technically legal — with law enforcement only able to issue fines for missing permits. The NICB advises, “If you didn’t request it – reject it.”
Preventive Measures
To safeguard against towing scams:
- Verify Credentials & Contact Authorities: Only accept help from tow truck operators you or your insurance company requested. Ask for identification and confirm their affiliation before agreeing to a tow.
- Document & Ask for Fees Upfront: Wait for police if possible, request towing fees in advance, and take photos of the tow truck, company name, and driver’s license for your records.
- Payment Warning Signs: Legitimate tow services accept multiple forms of payment — cash-only requests are a red flag for a scam.
If you're ever in an auto accident, be on the lookout for unauthorized tow truck drivers offering help at the scene. Your safety comes first — don't let a bad situation get worse.
With 250+ years of combined trial experience, the Chicago personal injury attorneys at MDR LAW LLC are here to protect victims across Illinois.
Contact us today for trusted legal support if you've been injured in an accident due to negligence.