How Much Can a Towing Company Legally Charge in Oregon?
As someone who has unfortunately had to call a towing company in Oregon, I was shocked by the high cost. I couldn’t believe how much they charged me just to tow my car a few miles. I did some research and found that Oregon has very few regulations on towing companies, which allows them to charge whatever they want. This can lead to consumers being taken advantage of, especially in situations where they are already stressed and vulnerable.
I’m sharing my experience so that others can be aware of the high cost of towing in Oregon and can avoid being overcharged. I’ll also provide some tips on how to find a reputable towing company and how to negotiate a fair price.
Oregon Towing Laws and Regulations
Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 822.030 states that towing companies can charge a “reasonable fee” for their services. However, there is no definition of what constitutes a “reasonable fee” in the statute. This gives towing companies a lot of leeway to charge whatever they want.
In addition, ORS 822.030 prohibits towing companies from charging for services that they did not provide. For example, a towing company cannot charge you for a tow if you did not actually have your car towed. However, towing companies can charge for additional services, such as storage, impound fees, and administrative fees.
Factors That Affect Towing Costs
The cost of towing in Oregon can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The distance of the tow
- The type of vehicle being towed
- The time of day or night
- The availability of towing companies
- The reputation of the towing company
It’s important to keep these factors in mind when you’re negotiating a price with a towing company. You should also get quotes from multiple towing companies before making a decision.
Tips for Finding a Reputable Towing Company
When you’re looking for a towing company, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable company. Here are a few tips:
- Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or coworkers.
- Read online reviews of towing companies.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints against the company.
- Make sure the company is licensed and insured.
Tips for Negotiating a Fair Price
Once you’ve found a reputable towing company, you need to negotiate a fair price. Here are a few tips:
- Get quotes from multiple towing companies.
- Be prepared to walk away if the price is too high.
- Ask for a discount if you’re a AAA member or if you’re paying in cash.
- Be polite and respectful, even if you’re frustrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about towing costs in Oregon:
- What is the average cost of a tow in Oregon?
- What is the most I can be charged for a tow in Oregon?
- What should I do if I feel like I’ve been overcharged for a tow?
The average cost of a tow in Oregon is between $100 and $200.
There is no legal limit on how much a towing company can charge in Oregon. However, most towing companies will charge a reasonable fee based on the factors discussed above.
If you feel like you’ve been overcharged for a tow, you can file a complaint with the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC). The PUC can investigate the complaint and take action against the towing company if necessary.
Conclusion
The cost of towing in Oregon can vary depending on a number of factors. It’s important to do your research and find a reputable towing company before you need their services. You should also be prepared to negotiate a fair price. If you feel like you’ve been overcharged for a tow, you can file a complaint with the Oregon Public Utility Commission.
Are you interested in learning more about towing costs in Oregon? Let us know in the comments below.
