Can a Tow Company Legally Hold Your Car in Ontario?
This is one of the most searched towing questions in Ontario — and for good reason. Stories of predatory towing and surprise storage fees are unfortunately common. Here's what the law actually says.
The Short Answer
Yes, but only under specific conditions. A tow company can hold your vehicle if you owe them for services rendered (towing + storage). This is called a "repairer's lien" under Ontario's Repair and Storage Liens Act.
However, they cannot:
- Refuse to release your vehicle if you pay the outstanding charges
- Charge unreasonable or inflated fees
- Tow your vehicle without authorization (with exceptions for police-ordered tows)
- Refuse to give you an itemized invoice
Your Rights Under Ontario Law
1. Right to Choose Your Tow Company
If you're in an accident or breakdown, you have the right to call the towing company of your choice — unless police have ordered a specific tow for safety or investigation reasons.
2. Right to Choose Your Destination
The tow driver must take your vehicle where YOU want it to go. They cannot insist on taking it to their affiliated shop or storage lot.
3. Right to a Written Estimate
Before any work begins, the tow operator must provide a written estimate. This includes the tow fee, any additional charges, and storage rates if applicable.
4. Right to an Itemized Invoice
You must receive a detailed breakdown of all charges before payment. No "lump sum" bills without explanation.
What to Do If a Tow Company Is Holding Your Car
- Request an itemized invoice in writing
- Pay the legitimate charges to get your vehicle back — you can dispute later
- Document everything — take photos, save texts, record conversations (Ontario is one-party consent)
- File a complaint with the Ministry of Transportation or your local bylaw office
- Contact a lawyer if fees seem fraudulent or if the company won't release your vehicle after payment
Ontario's Towing Regulations (What Changed)
Ontario has been cracking down on the towing industry. Key regulations include:
- Tow operators must be certified and carry proper insurance
- Maximum storage fees are being regulated in many municipalities
- No unsolicited towing — a tow truck showing up at an accident without being called cannot force you to use their service
- GPS tracking requirements for tow trucks in some regions
- Criminal background checks for tow operators
How to Avoid Towing Scams
- Save a tow company's number in your phone BEFORE you need one — don't rely on whoever shows up
- Ask for the total cost before they hook up your vehicle
- Never sign a blank authorization form
- Know where your car is being taken — get the exact address
- Call your insurance company — many policies include roadside assistance
The EMS Towing Approach
We do things differently:
- Clear pricing before we dispatch
- You choose the destination
- Itemized invoices always
- No storage lot games
- No pressure, no upsells
** (226) 476-4176** — Honest towing in London, St. Thomas, and Woodstock. 24/7.
If you've had a bad experience with a tow company in Ontario, report it. The industry is changing for the better — but it needs people to speak up.