In an accident or stopped by law enforcement? What you should know.
Updated: Jun 21, 2020
We are going to share answers to some of the misconceptions people have when they are either in an accident or stopped by law enforcement where your vehicle ends up getting towed. The following information is relevant in both situations.
When either of these situations occur people will often be surprised at how much the tow charges are. We hear it all the time (ie: "It was just towed two hours ago" or "You towed it like a block"). Tow companies who tow for law enforcement are typically on a rotation list. When an officer makes his assessment of the scene and deems a vehicle unroadworthy or your pulled over for whatever reason and arrested the officer will call police dispatch and request a tow. Dispatch will then contact the next towing company on the rotation list and your vehicle will be towed to their impound yard. The rates the tow company charge you are set by order of the Public Utilities Commission -- specifically the "Public Tow Rates". These are the same rates every tow company in the State of Colorado must set their fee schedules by.
What you might not know is that in almost every case you have the right to request your own tow. If BusyBee Towing is your preferred towing company you can call them directly and request a tow. There are a few things you have to keep in mind however, 1) You need to call your preferred tow company as soon as possible. Do not wait until the police arrive and the officer tells you they have a tow truck on the way -- be proactive. 2) Once you know your tow company is on the way -- let a responding officer know you called your tow company and they are on the way. 3) BusyBee will always give you an estimated time of arrival (ETA) -- let the officer know what the ETA is.
Keep in mind that if your preferred tow companies ETA is too long the officer has the right to request a tow from the rotation list for someone who can respond sooner. This will often happen if your vehicle is blocking traffic or is a road hazard for other pedestrians. The officer will make that determination and will make every effort to accommodate you.
What does all this mean? If you are able to call your own tow provider your tow becomes a private tow and not law enforcement ordered. The fee(s) you will be charged will almost always be lower than governed by Public Tow Rates. It is considered a private transaction between you and your tow company -- remember to ask them how much it will cost when you call them.
This article is provided as-is. It is not endorsed by BusyBee Towing and is the sole knowledge and or opinion of the writer. No guarantees as to accuracy in your specific town; county; city; state; country or otherwise is expressed in any way. Any questions should be directed to the law enforcement officer on scene.