About 30 years ago, I called CAA (Canada’s version of AAA) to tow my Volvo. The tow-truck operator offered to take it to his garage and not bill the extra mileage. Obviously, his garage gets a repair job. They gave me a quote and promised they would cost less than the (closer to me) Volvo dealer where I had asked to be towed.

Some details escape my memory so I will use reasonably accurate guesses. The quote called for the replacement of one part (e.g. starter) at $140 (again, approximately). I called Volvo. Cost of part: $140. All authorized garages get a discount and are required to sell it for $140. So I accepted the quote.

When I picked up the car, the bill had the part at exactly double ($280). They tried to double-talk their way around the difference between the quote and the bill. Here in Quebec, Canada, the bill cannot be higher than the quote (consumer laws).

I forget exactly how I did it but I paid the quoted price, had their relationship with Volvo terminated, and had them removed from the list of CAA authorized towing and repairs. Their lawyer threatened me. I told him to do his best.