What Is TDLR and How Does It Regulate Towing in Texas?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation governs all tow operators. What it means for your protection.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation governs all tow operators. What it means for your protection. In this guide, we cover everything DFW drivers need to know about this topic — from practical safety steps to understanding what to expect from a professional towing company.
Understanding Your Roadside Coverage
Most auto insurance policies include a roadside assistance or towing and labor endorsement — but the coverage limits vary enormously. Some policies cap reimbursement at $50 per occurrence, which doesn't go far when a tow in DFW averages $125–$200. Others offer unlimited towing to the nearest qualified repair facility. Before you need a tow, pull out your declarations page and look for the roadside or towing section.
If your current policy's towing limit feels low, ask your agent about upgrading. The difference between a $50 and $150 towing endorsement is typically less than $5 per month on your premium. That upgrade pays for itself the very first time you need a flatbed.
How to File a Towing Reimbursement Claim
Filing a successful reimbursement claim requires three things: a receipt from the towing company, documentation of the breakdown cause (a shop invoice helps), and the claim form from your insurer. At NW Towing, every job generates a digital receipt that includes the vehicle's VIN, pickup and drop-off addresses, mileage, itemized charges, and timestamp. We email it immediately on job completion.
Submit your claim as soon as possible — most insurers have a 30 to 90-day window from the date of service. Include photos of the breakdown scene if you have them. If your policy requires the tow to go to the 'nearest qualified repair facility,' be aware that you can often argue your chosen mechanic qualifies if they're ASE-certified.
TDLR Compliance and Your Consumer Rights
Every towing company operating in Texas must be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Licensed operators are required to carry commercial auto liability insurance, maintain proper equipment, follow maximum rate schedules for non-consent tows, and provide itemized invoices. You can verify any company's license status in seconds at tdlr.texas.gov.
Texas law also gives you the right to choose your tow destination in most circumstances, receive a copy of your invoice before paying, and dispute charges you believe are excessive. If a company refuses to provide an invoice or insists on cash only without documentation, those are red flags. NW Towing provides digital receipts on every job, no exceptions.
Ready for Help Now?
NW Towing & Transportation has the equipment, the training, and the local knowledge to handle exactly this type of situation across all of DFW. Don't hesitate to call 214-882-0100 at any hour — our dispatch team operates around the clock, 365 days a year, because breakdowns and towing needs certainly do too.