If you’ve ever been in a collision in Toronto, you’ve probably noticed how fast tow trucks arrive — sometimes faster than police. That speed isn’t always a coincidence. Some operators monitor police scanners or traffic apps specifically to reach accident scenes first, a practice commonly known in the industry as “chasing.” The truck that arrives first is not automatically the one that has to tow your vehicle, and understanding this before you’re ever in a crash can save you from an inflated bill or an unfamiliar shop you never agreed to use.
Yes — You Have the Right to Choose
In Ontario, a tow operator cannot legally remove your vehicle from an accident scene without your consent, unless police have directed an unauthorized or unsafe vehicle to be cleared for traffic reasons. Outside of that specific circumstance, the decision belongs to you, the vehicle owner — not to whichever truck pulled up first, and not automatically to your insurance company either, unless you choose to use their preferred provider.
This matters because a truck that arrives uninvited has a financial incentive to get you to sign off on the spot, often before you’ve had a chance to think, check your insurance policy, or call someone you actually trust.
What to Say at the Scene
If a tow truck arrives that you didn’t call, it’s reasonable — and within your rights — to say something like: “I have my own towing arranged, thank you.” You’re not required to explain further or justify the decision. If you haven’t arranged anyone yet, you can call a company on the spot; most accident recovery providers in Toronto, including ours, can dispatch within minutes.
Why This Decision Matters More Than It Seems
- Storage fees add up fast. Some operators tow to their own storage lot by default and begin charging daily storage fees immediately — fees that can exceed the actual towing charge within a few days if your vehicle isn’t retrieved quickly.
- You may not get to pick the repair shop. Certain tow operators have arrangements with specific body shops and will take your vehicle there directly, which can complicate using your own preferred shop or one your insurer recommends.
- Pricing isn’t always disclosed upfront. An operator who arrived uninvited hasn’t quoted you anything. You may not learn the total cost until the invoice arrives.
Choosing your own accident recovery provider avoids all three of these situations, because you’re the one setting the terms — destination, price, and timeline.
What a Legitimate Accident Recovery Company Should Offer
When you’re deciding who to call (ideally before you ever need them), look for:
- A quote before dispatch, not after arrival
- Willingness to tow anywhere you choose — home, shop, or dealership
- Proper recovery equipment, not just a standard tow truck, for vehicles that are off the road, rolled, or wedged against another vehicle
- 24/7 availability, since accidents don’t happen on a schedule
- Clear identification — a marked truck and an operator who can show ID or company credentials on request
What to Do If a Truck Already Took Your Vehicle
If you weren’t able to choose in time and a vehicle was towed by an unfamiliar operator, you’re still entitled to ask where it was taken, request an itemized invoice, and, in many cases, have it moved to a shop of your choice once storage fees are settled. Ontario’s towing regulations also require operators to post their rates and provide them on request — you can ask for this before agreeing to anything further.
The Simplest Fix: Save a Number Before You Need It
The best way to avoid all of this is deciding in advance who you’ll call. GTA Towing and Roadside Assistance provides 24/7 accident recovery in Toronto with upfront pricing, and you always choose the destination — no default storage lot, no surprise invoice. Save the number now, so if you’re ever at the roadside after a collision, the decision is already made.
Related reading: What to Do After a Car Accident in Toronto
Call us at 
Email us at 
