CAA launches Towing Bill of Rights to help consumers

New consumer protection campaign includes distribution to 10,000 Ontario motorists

THORNHILL, ON, Aug. 22, 2018 /CNW/ -  CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) officially unveiled a Towing Bill of Rights for consumers this morning, as part of a series of initiatives for Tow Safety Week.

The Towing Bill of Rights is based on Ontario law and outlines eight, easy to remember points for motorists to remember if they find themselves in need of a tow.

CAA releases new consumer protection campaign to educate Ontario motorists on their rights after calling a tow truck. (CNW Group/CAA South Central Ontario)

According to research done for CAA SCO by Ipsos, only half of Ontario drivers feel educated about their rights if they require a tow or roadside assistance. Drivers also worry about issues such as being charged unreasonably high fees or being misled and told by tow truck operators that insurance will cover costs when it doesn't.

"Despite the rules that came into law in Ontario early last year, many consumers still seem to be unaware of their rights when it comes to towing," said Teresa Di Felice, AVP, government and community relations at CAA SCO.  "It can often be very stressful for motorists after a collision or vehicle issue, and the Towing Bill of Rights is a quick and easy reference guide to help put the power and knowledge back in the hands of consumers."

The Towing Bill of Rights is an easy glove box reference guide designed to help ensure Ontario motorists are familiar with the provincial rules and regulations that protect consumers and regulate the towing industry in Ontario. The handy list, now broadly available in print and digital formats, outlines specific consumer rights in a digestible, consumer-friendly way.

In partnership with the Provincial Towing Association of Ontario, CAA SCO will distribute over 10,000 handy reference cards to motorists across the province starting today.

"It is critical that motorists understand their rights when it comes to towing, and it is also important that tow truck operators understand exactly what is expected of them when a vehicle is to be serviced," said Joey Gagne, president, Provincial Towing Association of Ontario. "Distribution of the Towing Bill of Rights contributes to both of these goals and we are happy to work with CAA to promote the protection of consumer rights in Ontario."

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) encourages all Ontario motorists and consumers to familiarize themselves with the specific terms of the Towing Bill of Rights:

1. You have the right to decide who can tow your vehicle and to what location unless otherwise directed by police.
2. A permission to tow form must be signed before towing starts, unless you have an auto club membership.
3. The towing company must provide you with an itemized invoice, before receiving payment.
4. The fi­nal bill cannot be more than 10% above the quoted price.
5. If you choose, you can pay by credit card.
6. During business hours, you can access your vehicle to get your personal items, while it's stored at a towing facility.
7. A tow operator must notify you where your vehicle will be towed.
8. Tow operators must disclose if they are receiving a fi­nancial incentive for towing your vehicle to a particular vehicle storage facility or repair shop.

The Towing Bill of Rights is based on specific rules and regulations set by the Government of Ontario through the Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act.  

Special Note: Exemptions around authorization and invoices are applied if services are provided through a membership association like CAA, where consumers aren't charged for the specific service provided.

Tow Safety Week runs Sunday, August 19 to Saturday, August 25, 2018, and also features a Tow Show where roadside professionals will take a pledge to protect consumers.

A digital version of the CAA Towing Bill of Rights is also available for download or printing at www.towrights.ca

About CAA South Central Ontario
As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of over 2 million members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.

SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario

Nadia Matos, PR Specialist, P: [phone], C: [phone], E: [email protected]; Kaitlynn Furse, PR Manager, P: [phone], C: [phone], E: [email protected]