How to Report a Towing Company for Overcharging

Getting towed is stressful enough. Then you see the bill and your jaw drops. You're not alone. Towing overcharges happen constantly, and most people don't know they can fight back.

Here's the good news: you have real options. Every state has rules about how much tow companies can charge. When they break those rules, you can report them and get your money back.

This guide walks you through everything. You'll learn how to spot an overcharge, document it, report it to the right agency, and recover your money. Let's get started.

What Counts as Overcharging in the Towing Industry?

Not every expensive tow bill is illegal. But crossing certain lines is. Understanding the difference matters for your complaint.

Most states set maximum towing rates. These vary by vehicle type and distance. A basic tow might be capped at $100–$150. Heavy-duty tows or long distances cost more, but there's still a limit.

Storage fees are also regulated. Many states cap daily storage at $20–$50. Some charge extra for gate fees or administrative costs—but these must be disclosed upfront.

You've been overcharged if the company charged more than your state allows without a valid reason. Check your state's maximum towing rates to see what's legal in your area.

Red flags for overcharging:

• Charges that exceed state-set limits
• Hidden fees not disclosed before towing
• Inflated storage fees that compound daily
• Charges for services you never requested
• Double-charging for the same service

Step 1: Gather All Documentation About Your Tow

Before you report anything, collect hard evidence. This is your weapon in fighting the overcharge.

Here's what you need:

1. The tow receipt or invoice — Get a copy if you don't have one. Call the company and request it.
2. Photos of the receipt — Screenshot or photograph everything. Back it up online.
3. All communication records — Save emails, texts, and notes about phone calls with the company.
4. The tow company's name and license number — Found on the truck and invoice.
5. Date, time, and location of the tow — When and where your car was towed.
6. The reason for the tow — Was it illegally parked? Accident? Breakdown?
7. Your vehicle details — Make, model, year, and weight if possible.
8. Distance towed — How far did they take your car?
9. Any estimates given before the tow — Did they quote a price upfront?
10. Proof of payment — Credit card statement, check, or cash receipt.

Create a simple timeline document. Write down what happened in order. Be specific about dates and amounts. This looks professional to regulators and strengthens your case.

Step 2: Research Your State's Towing Laws and Rate Limits

Every state has different rules. You need to know yours before filing a complaint. This determines whether the company actually broke the law.

Here's how to find your state's limits:

1. Visit your state's Attorney General website.
2. Search for "towing regulations" or "maximum towing rates."
3. Look for your vehicle type (car, truck, motorcycle).
4. Note the base tow fee and mileage charges.
5. Check storage fee limits.
6. Review any special fees allowed (gate, administrative, etc.).

Review our state-by-state towing laws guide for a quick reference on your rights.

Some states don't have strict rate caps, but they require reasonable and customary charges. If your bill is wildly higher than other companies in your area, that's evidence of overcharging.

Write down the legal maximum for your situation. Then compare it to what you paid. If they charged more, you have a violation to report.

Step 3: Calculate Whether You Were Actually Overcharged

Math time. This is where you prove the violation.

Break down your invoice item by item:

• Base tow fee: Compare to your state's legal limit.
• Mileage charges: Multiply miles by your state's per-mile rate. Compare to what they charged.
• Storage fees: Multiply daily rate by number of days stored. Check against state cap.
• Extra fees: Gate fee, administrative fee, etc. Are these allowed in your state?

Create a simple spreadsheet:

If your math shows they charged more than the law allows, you have a solid case. Keep this calculation—you'll need it for every complaint.

Step 4: File a Complaint With Your State Attorney General

This is the official way to report a towing company. State Attorneys General take these complaints seriously.

Here's how:

1. Go to your state's Attorney General website. Search "[Your State] Attorney General."
2. Find the consumer complaint form. Usually under "Consumer Protection" or "File a Complaint."
3. Fill out the form completely. Include company name, license number, date of tow, and amount overcharged.
4. Attach your documentation. Upload photos of receipts, your calculation sheet, and any communications.
5. Write a clear summary. Explain what happened and why you believe it's illegal overcharging.
6. Submit the complaint. Keep a copy for your records.

Most states also let you file by mail or phone. Call the Attorney General's consumer protection line if the website isn't clear.

What happens next: The Attorney General's office will review your complaint. They may contact the towing company to investigate. If they find a violation, they can force the company to refund you or face penalties.

This process takes time—usually 4–8 weeks—but it's free and powerful.

Step 5: Report the Company to Your State's Public Utilities Commission

Some states regulate towing through the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). This agency oversees rates and service quality.

Check if your state uses this system:

• California, Texas, and Florida heavily regulate towing through the PUC.
• Many other states use it for specific types of tows (like police-ordered tows).
• Some states don't have a PUC—the Attorney General handles everything.

If your state has a PUC, file a complaint there too. You can often do it online in minutes. The PUC has real power to investigate and fine companies.

Filing with both the Attorney General and PUC doubles your chances of getting action.

Step 6: Dispute the Charge With Your Credit Card or Bank

If you paid by credit card or debit card, you have another powerful option: a chargeback.

Here's how it works:

1. Contact your credit card company. Call the number on the back of your card.
2. Explain the overcharge. Tell them the company charged more than your state allows.
3. Request a dispute. Ask them to initiate a chargeback for the overcharge amount.
4. Provide documentation. Send copies of your receipt, state law, and calculation.
5. Wait for the investigation. Your card company will contact the towing company and investigate.

Credit card companies take fraud and overcharging seriously. Many will reverse the charge within 30–60 days if you have solid evidence.

Bonus: You can do this while filing official complaints. The processes don't interfere with each other.

Step 7: File a Complaint With Your Local Police Department

If the overcharge was extreme or feels intentional, consider filing a police report for fraud or theft of services.

This is a bigger step, but it works in cases where:

• The overcharge is massive (more than 50% above legal limits).
• The company has a pattern of overcharging.
• The company refused to provide a receipt or itemized bill.
• You have evidence of deliberate deception.

Visit your local police station or file a report online. Be specific about the overcharge amount and why you believe it's fraud. Attach your documentation.

Police take fraud seriously, especially when there's a pattern. Even if they don't prosecute, the report creates an official record that helps your other complaints.

Step 8: Contact Your Insurance Company and State Insurance Commissioner

If you have roadside assistance coverage through your insurance, report the overcharge to your insurer immediately.

Here's why this matters:

• Your insurance company may have a dispute process with the tow provider.
• They may refuse to pay the overcharge portion and fight the company for you.
• They'll add the company to a blacklist of overchargers.
• Filing with insurance creates another official complaint on record.

Also file a complaint with your state's Insurance Commissioner. They regulate how insurance companies handle disputes and may investigate if multiple people complain about the same towing company.

Learn what towing costs your insurance should actually cover to understand your policy better.

Step 9: Pursue Small Claims Court if Necessary

If complaints don't work, small claims court is your next move. It's fast, cheap, and you don't need a lawyer.

Small claims court handles cases up to about $5,000–$10,000 (varies by state). Most towing overcharges fall in this range.

Here's the process:

1. File a claim at your local courthouse. Ask for the small claims division.
2. Pay the filing fee. Usually $50–$200, depending on the amount.
3. Serve the towing company. Have them officially notified of the lawsuit.
4. Prepare your evidence. Organize receipts, calculations, and state law.
5. Appear at the hearing. Present your case to a judge.
6. Get a judgment. If you win, the company must pay.

You don't need a lawyer for small claims, but having one helps. Many lawyers offer free consultations and take overcharging cases on contingency (they only get paid if you win).

The key to winning: bring your documentation and clearly show how the company exceeded your state's legal limits.

Step 10: Leave Public Reviews and Report on Industry Sites

While pursuing official complaints, warn other consumers. Public reviews create pressure on the company to change.

Post honest reviews on:

• Google Maps and Google Business
• Yelp
• Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• Facebook
• Trustpilot

Important: Stick to facts. Write about what happened and what you paid. Don't exaggerate or make accusations you can't prove. Honest, specific reviews are protected legally and carry more weight.

The BBB is especially powerful. File a complaint there and the company gets a negative rating. This hits their reputation and business.

Find trusted towing services on USA Tow Finder to see which companies in your area have good ratings and complaint histories.

What to Do if the Towing Company Retaliates

Some dishonest companies get angry when you file complaints. They might threaten you or refuse to release your car.

This is illegal. Retaliation for filing a complaint violates consumer protection laws.

If this happens:

• Document everything they say or do.
• Take screenshots of any threatening messages.
• Report the retaliation to your Attorney General.
• Contact a lawyer immediately.
• Call police if you feel threatened.

Retaliation strengthens your case significantly. It shows the company knows they're wrong and are trying to intimidate you into silence.

Common Reasons Towing Companies Overcharge (And How to Prevent Them)

Understanding why overcharges happen helps you prevent them in the future.

Reason 1: Ignorance of local laws. Some small operators don't know state rate limits. Not an excuse, but common.

Reason 2: Hidden fees in the fine print. They quote a low base rate, then add "administrative," "gate," or "dispatch" fees you didn't expect.

Reason 3: Inflated vehicle weight or damage claims. They claim your car is heavier or more damaged to justify higher rates.

Reason 4: Unauthorized additional services. They charge for things you never asked for—like cleanup or inspection.

Reason 5: Compounding storage fees. They charge daily storage but don't disclose it clearly upfront.

Prevention tips:

• Always ask for a written quote before the tow begins.
• Ask specifically about all possible fees (gate, storage, administrative).
• Request an itemized receipt after the tow.
• Know your state's limits before calling for a tow.
• Use roadside assistance (AAA, your insurance, etc.) when possible—they negotiate rates.
• Take photos of your car's condition before and after the tow.

FAQ: Your Questions About Reporting Towing Overcharges Answered

Q: How long do I have to report an overcharge?

Most states have a statute of limitations of 3–4 years. You can file complaints years after the fact, but sooner is better. File within 6 months for the strongest case.

Q: Will reporting cost me money?

Filing with the Attorney General, PUC, and BBB is completely free. Small claims court has a small filing fee ($50–$200). Hiring a lawyer is optional but can increase your chances of winning.

Q: What if I already paid the full bill?

You can still report and recover the overcharge amount. The company must refund the illegal portion even if you've paid.

Q: Can I report anonymously?

Most official complaints require your name and contact information. But you can file reviews anonymously on some platforms. Official complaints have more power, so use your real name.

Q: What if the towing company disputes my complaint?

The regulator investigates both sides. Bring your documentation—receipts, state law, and calculations. Clear evidence wins.

Q: How much money can I recover?

You can recover the exact overcharge amount—the difference between what you paid and what your state allows. Some cases also include damages or penalties.

Q: What if my state doesn't have rate limits?

Report based on "unreasonable and excessive" charges. Compare your bill to what other companies in your area charge. If yours is wildly higher, that's evidence.

Q: Can I sue for emotional distress?

Small claims court focuses on money damages (the overcharge). Emotional distress is harder to prove and usually doesn't result in extra awards.

Q: How long does the process take?

Attorney General complaints take 4–8 weeks. Credit card disputes take 30–60 days. Small claims court takes 2–4 months. You might get multiple outcomes simultaneously.

Q: What if I used roadside assistance (AAA, State Farm, etc.)?

Report to both the towing company and your roadside assistance provider. They often negotiate refunds faster than government agencies. See our guide on roadside assistance options to understand what coverage you have.

Your Next Steps: Take Action Today

Overcharging is illegal, and you have the power to fight it. Don't let a bad experience slide.

Here's your action plan:

1. Gather your documentation today.
2. Research your state's towing laws this week.
3. Calculate your exact overcharge.
4. File a complaint with your Attorney General within 7 days.
5. File with your state's PUC if applicable.
6. Dispute the charge with your credit card company.
7. Leave honest reviews on Google and BBB.
8. If needed, pursue small claims court.

You've been overcharged unfairly. The system is designed to help you get your money back. Use it.

Prices from major roadside assistance providers like AAA, GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm are current as of 2026. We're not affiliated with these companies. Find towing services near you on USA Tow Finder to locate licensed, vetted providers in your area.