Ontario has specific laws that govern how towing companies operate, what they can charge, and what your rights are as a vehicle owner. Many Ottawa drivers are not aware of the protections now in place, and that lack of awareness costs people money in situations where they had every right to push back.
Consent Towing vs Non-Consent Towing
Consent towing is when you call a towing company yourself. You choose the company, you agree to the service, and you have full control over where your vehicle goes. Ontario Towing operates exclusively as a consent towing company. Every call that comes in is from a driver or property owner who has chosen to reach out. No vehicles are taken without that call.
Non-consent towing happens when a vehicle is towed from private property or at the direction of police following a collision. Ontario law requires non-consent towers to deliver the vehicle to a compliant facility and notify the owner promptly.
What Towing Companies in Ontario Must Disclose
Before towing your vehicle, a licensed operator must tell you the rate for the tow, any applicable mileage charges, and the daily storage rate at the destination facility. Ontario Towing provides this information upfront when you call (613) 619-4545. The rate is confirmed before a truck is dispatched and there are no charges added after arrival.
The TSSEA Standard and What It Means
The Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, known as TSSEA, was introduced in Ontario to raise the standard of operator conduct and vehicle maintenance across the industry. Companies operating under TSSEA certification must pass regular inspections, maintain proper insurance, and meet training requirements for drivers and equipment.
Ontario Towing is TSSEA compliant. When you call a TSSEA operator, you are working with a company that has cleared a higher bar than the minimum provincial requirement. This matters most in situations involving insurance claims or disputes about the condition of a vehicle after a tow.
Your Right to Choose Your Tow Destination
If you call for a tow, you have the right to direct where your vehicle goes. The towing company cannot take your vehicle to a shop they prefer or to a storage facility without your explicit agreement. Ontario Towing confirms the destination with the vehicle owner or authorized driver before any hook-up is completed. This is standard practice on every call, not an exception.
Storage Fees in Ontario
Once a vehicle is in storage, fees accumulate daily. Ontario law sets limits on what can be charged and requires that owners be notified in writing. If your vehicle has been towed to a storage facility without your consent, contact the facility immediately to minimize charges and review your rights under Ontario Regulation 383/12.
What Police Direction Means for Towing
Ottawa Police and the Ontario Provincial Police can direct a towing company to move a vehicle that is blocking traffic or involved in a collision. In those cases, the police choose the towing company from a rotation, not the vehicle owner. Ontario Towing participates in police-directed tow rotations in parts of the National Capital Region and operates under the same conduct and disclosure standards regardless of how the call originates.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
Follow us on X, Facebook, Telegram, and Google News
