How to check a towing operator is legitimate and insured

When your car breaks down on the roadside, you need to know the person who arrives can actually do the job properly and won't disappear if something goes wrong. A legitimate, insured towing operator gives you that confidence — you get your car moved safely, you have a clear contract, and if damage occurs, there's someone to hold accountable. Checking a few key facts before the hook goes on takes five minutes and can save you thousands in disputes.

Verify they're registered and traceable

The first step is establishing that the operator exists as a formal business. Ask for their business name and registration number — this should match what appears on their vehicle, quote and documentation. Request their CIPC registration if they operate as a close corporation or company, or ask to see their tax clearance certificate if they're a sole trader or partnership. You can verify a CIPC registration yourself at the CIPC website using the name and number they give you.

Ask where they're based — a legitimate operator will have a physical address, not just a cellphone number. Call that address independently to confirm it exists and that the person on the phone knows about the business. Scammers and fly-by-night operators rarely have a fixed premises because they're not meant to be traced if a job goes wrong.

While you're at it, search their business name online along with your town or province. Legitimate operators usually have a website, Google Business profile, or at least consistent references across classified sites. If they only exist on one social media account with no other footprint, that's a yellow flag.

Check insurance and get proof in writing

A roadworthy tow operator carries liability insurance and goods-in-transit insurance. The liability policy protects you if they damage your car or property while towing. The goods-in-transit cover protects your belongings inside the vehicle. Never accept a verbal assurance; ask to see the certificate of insurance before they touch your car.

The certificate should show the policy number, the insurer's name, the coverage amounts, and the valid dates. Take a photo of it on your phone. If they hesitate or say "it's with the office," do not proceed — a genuine operator has this on hand or can email it to you within minutes.

While reviewing the insurance, clarify what it covers. Does it include damage to your vehicle during towing? Does it cover your personal items left in the car? If there are exclusions, get them explained in plain language. Ask who you contact if a claim arises — the operator or the insurer directly. Get that contact detail in writing too.

Before the tow begins, ask the operator to provide a written quote or work order that states the destination, the tow distance, the agreed fee, and any additional charges (storage, after-hours premium, etc.). This becomes your proof of what was agreed if a dispute emerges later. Never rely on a WhatsApp quote alone; it should be backed by something on business letterhead or email from a verifiable address.

Phone their references

If the operator has been in business for more than a year, ask for contact details of two recent clients you can call. Most legitimate operators expect this question and have clients willing to vouch for them. When you call, ask:

• Whether the tow was completed on time and to the stated destination
• If any damage occurred and how it was handled
• Whether the final bill matched the initial quote
• Whether the operator was professional and contactable throughout

If they refuse to provide references or all their references go to voicemail, take that seriously.

Checking legitimacy and insurance is not about being difficult — it's about protecting yourself when your car is at its most vulnerable. A professional operator will welcome these questions because they have nothing to hide. Once you've confirmed the basics, you can focus on getting your car safely where it needs to go. When you're ready to book, Strove's verified towing providers have already passed these checks, so you can move forward with confidence.