What Should Towing Agreements Say?

In many states, Utah included, towing agreements must meet certain requirements by law in order to protect consumers.

Towing companies have to follow best practices to avoid the possibility of customers filing complaints. In Utah, before issuing a towing agreement, the company must provide the customer with a copy of the Utah Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Towing at first contact, and they must be able to prove that their client received this document.

In addition to that document being provided, towing agreements and receipts have to include certain information in writing.

Company Contact Information

Towing agreements have to include a company’s name, address and phone number. Consumers have a right to know the contact information for the service provider that manages the transport of their property.

Your Car’s Particulars

The document also should list the year, make and model of the vehicle to be towed. It should include the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the license plate number as well.

Transportation and Storage Details 

You should be able to clearly read the name of the licensed, certified driver responsible for your tow as well as the unit number. All charges should be listed and categorized as either transportation, administration, fuel surcharge or storage fees.

You should see both the start and end time for all services provided with the total number of hours listed. Your towing receipt should list the date your vehicle was retrieved.

Non-Consent Tows

The process doesn’t work exactly the same if your car was towed without your consent because you were parked illegally or violating another road ordinance.

Some states have no laws on how much a tow company can charge consumers after they’ve towed their vehicle, but others, including Utah, place restrictions on towing fees. The state issues a towing fee schedule that governs how much the company can charge the vehicle owner for a fuel surcharge, for mileage and for storage.

Filing Complaints

Tow truck companies are required to meet standards set forth by each state, such as obtaining the proper licensing and insurance. Consumers who believe they have been overcharged or the company has violated any rules and regulations on a state or federal level can file a complaint.

In Utah, this complaint can be filed online with the Utah Department of Transportation.

What’s the Bottom Line?

Know the quality of the company you hire before you consent to any towing agreements. That way, you will have no doubt about the professional level of service you will receive, and you’ll get a clear, itemized bill after services are rendered.

Stauffer’s Towing & Recovery takes great pride in providing a high level of customer service and achieving client satisfaction. We always provide straightforward, transparent towing agreements, so call today if you need excellent towing service you can count on.