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Consumer Protection Engagement: Predatory Towing and Storage Practices

Alberta engaged targeted stakeholders to strengthen consumer protection from predatory towing and vehicle storage practices.

Overview

Due to concerns regarding some predatory practices related to towing and storage, the government is seeking to strengthen consumer protections in this area. Municipalities, emergency responders, insurance providers, towing and storage industry and other stakeholders have been engaged to provide greater understanding of the issues and discuss potential actions that may be taken by government.

Status

  • Open

  • Results under review

  • Completed

Who is listening

The ministries of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction (SARTR), Transportation and Economic Corridors, Public Safety and Emergency Services, and Treasury Board and Finance.

Get informed

Concerns have been raised about instances where tow truck drivers showing up at accident scenes without being called and pressuring drivers to get their cars towed by creating a false sense of urgency and/or misrepresenting that they were called by emergency responders.  Consumers have also reported being charged exorbitant fees for towing and/or storage, as well as situations where the location of their vehicle is not being disclosed until these fees are paid.

Get involved

Stakeholder engagement

We have worked with industry representatives, stakeholder organizations, and across the Government of Alberta to gain a deeper understanding of the issues and explore different strategies to protect consumers.  

Outcomes

Feedback received from stakeholders will help inform government policy aimed at strengthening public protections in Alberta.