How to check a recovery operator is legitimate at the scene

You've just been in a crash. A vehicle pulls up with "recovery" markings. Before you hand over your keys or sign anything, you need to know whether this operator is actually licensed and legitimate — not just quick to arrive.

The roadside moment is when scams happen. A driver under stress is vulnerable to pressure, fake credentials, and operators who'll tow your car to their preferred repairer (where they earn kickback commission) rather than your choice. Verification at the scene itself stops this.

Check their registration and credentials on the spot

Ask the operator for their business registration number and request to see it on their vehicle or documentation. In South Africa, legitimate recovery operators register with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) or operate under a recovery licence. Ask them directly: "What's your RTMC registration number?" Write it down. Do not rely on their word — insist on seeing proof.

While you're at it, ask for their operator's licence number and request a copy of it. A genuine operator will have this without hesitation. If they're evasive, tell them to wait while you call the RTMC to verify their status. Most legitimate operators expect this question and won't be offended. A refusal or vague answer is a red flag.

Check the vehicle itself. Recovery trucks should display their licence number, operator name, and contact details prominently. Take a photo of the vehicle's registration plate and any visible licence or permit stickers. If the signage is missing, peeling, or looks amateurish, ask why. Proper operators maintain professional branding — it's how they're recognised and held accountable.

Call the operator's office number (not a number they give you verbally — look it up independently if possible, or ask them to text it to you and verify it online). Confirm that the person at the scene actually works for them and is authorised to recover vehicles. Ask the office staff what their standard process is. Legitimate operations have consistent procedures and can explain them.

Verify insurance and ask the right questions

Before the vehicle is moved, ask the operator whether they're insured to transport and store your car. They should carry professional indemnity and liability cover. Request the name of their insurer and a contact number. You don't need to verify it on the spot, but a legitimate operator will answer without hesitation. If they claim they're "fully insured" but can't name their insurer, that's suspicious.

Ask who they'll tow your vehicle to and why. Do not accept "our partner yard" or "standard procedure." You have the right to choose where your car goes. A legitimate operator will tow to your chosen repairer, a panel beater of your choice, an insurance company's preferred place, or a secure independent yard — not their own facility without your explicit consent. If they insist on their yard, ask why. The answer should make sense (for example, your chosen repairer is closed at 2 a.m.), not just "that's where we take all cars."

Request references. Ask for the contact details of at least two customers they've recovered in the last month and phone them. Ask those customers whether the operator was transparent about costs, respected their choice of destination, and kept them informed. Legitimate operators are proud of their track record and will give you numbers.

Finally, do not sign anything until you've verified their legitimacy. Take photos of their credentials, their vehicle, and their name badge. Keep the documentation they give you. If anything feels off — pressure, evasion, refusal to answer — politely decline and ask your insurer or roadside assistance provider (if you have one) to arrange a different operator.

You can find and book verified recovery operators on Strove, where operators are checked and reviews are genuine. In a crisis, that peace of mind is worth the extra moment to confirm you're dealing with someone legitimate.