Hiring a tow truck due to a recent accident or breakdown of your vehicle? If so, you will want to understand what rights you have as a consumer. Despite rules that came into law in Ontario in 2014, many consumers still seem to be unaware of their rights. Let’s take a closer look at Bill 15 and what it means for Ontario drivers.

Before Bill 15

Bill 15 was created to protect Ontario drivers, tackle fraud, and reduce costs and uncertainty within the auto insurance system. It passed in 2014, although its many aspects took two years to implement.

Before Bill 15, tow truck scams cost the insurance industry $1,500 to $3,000 for a “simple tow,” according to the Toronto Star. Corrupt tow truck practices led to higher auto insurance premiums for consumers throughout the province. It was common for consumers to complain about the mistreatment they were experiencing with the tow truck industry; with some consumers left feeling that the tow truck drivers were taking advantage of them.

After Bill 15

The Ontario provincial government passed Bill 15, Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act in 2014. Bill 15 amends various statutes in the interest of reducing insurance fraud, enhancing tow and storage service and providing for other matters regarding vehicles and highways.

Through the implementation of Bill 15, drivers are insured against unethical charges and operations by tow truck companies. Bill 15 includes some of the following changes:

  • Consumers need to provide permission to proceed with outlined terms before towing and storage services are charged
  • Tow truck drivers should have the ability to accept credit card payments as an option, not just cash
  • Consumers should have access to their vehicle to remove personal contents
  • Consumers should receive an itemized invoice listing services and total costs to drivers

If your vehicle is registered in Ontario and it’s towed to a storage lot, you have the right to be notified within 15 days.

Bill 15 also forbids tow truck operations from recommending repair shops or junk yards unless the consumer requests one. If a suggestion is made, the tow truck company needs to provide a written statement that explains the benefits of that business.

A big win for consumers

“Passage of this new law is a big win for consumers. This act will deliver real results for Ontario drivers involved in traffic collisions or [those] in need of roadside assistance,” said David Orazietti, the Minister of Government and Consumer Services, in a release. “Consumers should be confident that tow truck operators are reputable, properly trained and will treat them fairly. We want consumers to be protected, and we want to make our roads safer.”