Common Towing Myths Debunked

Misinformation about towing circulates freely — in parking lots, on forums, and in family group chats. Some of it is harmless. Some of it leads Winnipeg drivers to make decisions that are dangerous, expensive, or both. Here are the five most common towing myths, debunked plainly.

Myth 1: "I Can Ride in My Towed Car"

The myth persists partly because it seems logical — your car is moving slowly on a flatbed, why not stay in it? Here's why it's not acceptable:

• You have no ability to control the towed vehicle if something goes wrong during transport
• You are not protected by the tow truck's safety systems in a collision
• Airbags will not deploy correctly when the vehicle is on a flatbed
• Seatbelts are not effective protection when the vehicle can shift or tip on the deck
• If the flatbed tow truck brakes hard, your car can shift and you have no warning

Jets Towing will always ask passengers to exit the vehicle before loading. Your safety during transport is in the cab of the tow truck — and legally, that's where you ride if the driver has space.

Myth 2: "All Tow Trucks Are the Same"

This myth leads Winnipeg drivers to call the cheapest number they can find without asking about equipment, training, or insurance — and then be surprised when things go wrong.

Tow trucks come in several fundamentally different configurations:

• Flatbed (rollback): The vehicle drives or is winched onto a flat deck — all four wheels off the ground. Best for low-clearance vehicles, AWD/4WD, EVs, automatics with drivetrain issues, and any situation requiring maximum protection
• Wheel-lift: A hydraulic arm lifts two wheels — the other two remain on the ground. Suitable for conventional FWD or RWD vehicles in straightforward situations, but not appropriate for AWD, EVs, or vehicles with drivetrain problems
• Hook and chain: Largely obsolete for passenger vehicles because it can damage bumpers, frames, and drivetrains
• Heavy-duty recovery: For transport trucks, buses, and large commercial vehicles — requires completely different equipment

Equipment matters. Driver training matters. Insurance matters. A company operating without insurance that uses the wrong equipment for your vehicle type isn't saving you money — it's creating a damage claim you'll struggle to resolve. Learn more about what separates services on our premium vs. standard towing page.

Myth 3: "Insurance Always Covers Towing"

Many Winnipeg drivers discover this myth is false at the exact moment they need help most. Basic Manitoba Autopac through MPI does not include towing or roadside assistance. To have towing covered through MPI, you need to add the Emergency Road Service (ERS) rider to your policy.

Other coverage sources include:

• CAA membership (levels vary in towing distance and number of calls per year)
• Credit card travel or auto benefits (check the fine print — distance limits apply)
• Private insurer add-ons (varies by provider)
• New vehicle manufacturer roadside programs (typically for a limited period post-purchase)

The time to verify your towing coverage is not when you're standing beside a broken-down car in a Winnipeg winter. Check your MPI policy, pull out your credit cards, and make note of what each covers. Read our towing insurance claim guide for full details.

Myth 4: "Night Towing Costs More"

Some companies do charge after-hours premiums, but this is a practice of less transparent operators, not an industry standard. Reputable towing companies operating with published flat-rate pricing — like Jets Towing — charge the same rate at any time of day or night, any day of the week.

Jets Towing's prices start at $75 for a standard tow, regardless of whether you call at noon on a Tuesday or 3 a.m. on New Year's Eve. We are a 24/7 service, and that means consistent pricing around the clock.

The protection here is simple: always get a price quote before the tow begins. Any reputable company will provide one. If a company refuses to quote before arrival or presents a much higher bill than discussed, you have grounds to dispute it.

Myth 5: "Towing Damages My Car"

This myth has a kernel of truth buried in it: improper towing can damage your car. Correct towing by a trained professional using appropriate equipment does not damage your vehicle.

Damage from towing typically happens when:

• The wrong equipment is used — such as wheel-lift towing an AWD vehicle
• The attachment points are incorrect — dragging a vehicle by its bumper instead of using proper tow points
• The vehicle is not secured adequately and shifts during transport
• An untrained operator loads the vehicle incorrectly on the flatbed

The solution is not to avoid towing — it's to use a licensed, insured, trained tow operator. Jets Towing is licensed and insured in Manitoba, and our drivers are trained on proper loading and securing procedures for all vehicle types. If you're ever concerned about how your vehicle is being handled, speak up before the tow begins — a professional driver welcomes questions and will explain exactly what they're doing and why.

Our towing safety guide explains what should happen during a proper tow, so you know exactly what to look for.

Frequently Asked Questions