Driver shocked to see his car attached to tow truck – they only left it for 10 minutes and had to pay $160
A driver is not the only one who has complained after discovering, to his surprise, that his car had been towed ten minutes after he parked it.
The stowing industry in Iowa is facing criticism after drivers and former workers claimed that companies were taking advantage of unwary automobile owners.
Due to a lack of laws protecting drivers, several Des Moines drivers have come forward to share their startling experiences with the city’s towing companies.
Stan Haessig, an Iowan, stated, “A friend had their vehicle towed in Iowa City,” according to Axios.
“I loaded some things behind their apartment for less than ten minutes, and when I walked out, I discovered the car was still connected to the tow truck.
“Cost $160 to get it released on the spot and was told if they towed it to the lot several blocks away the charge would be at least $350.”
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According to a another driver, the towing business appeared to be waiting for the ideal opportunity to strike.
“I had my car towed,” Jill Lippincott, a resident of Des Moines, said Axios.
“They seemed to just be driving around and waiting until someone parked there, even though the parking lot was empty.”
The focus on towing, according to Lippincott, appears “especially punitive when parking is tight already because of construction.”
Another tenant claimed that prior to having their automobile seized, they had not noticed any warning signs.
“I was towed while cleaning out my brother’s apartment (in DSM) after he passed away,” Bridget McNersey stated.
December 1 law sees 244 cars towed on first day as drivers fight $235 fees and to get their vehicles back from impound
“The little tow sign was hidden by weeds.
“I was unaware that they even kept an eye on the lot. I had to pay $200 for it.
The national charity Public Interest Research Group claims that Iowa has limited defense against predatory towing.
When a driver’s automobile is seized, towing companies can charge them outrageous prices because there is no restriction.
What to do if your car is towed
Whether done correctly or not, getting a towed car back can be difficult.
There are a few procedures to follow if your car is towed after you parked in a “No Parking” area or for any other justifiable reason.
What to do if your automobile is being towed:
- Try to figure out why your car was towed. Did you not see a posted “No Parking” sign? Did you miss a car payment? Did you return to a lot where you have unpaid citations? Finding the reason can narrow down the phone numbers to dial.
- Locate the vehicle. Most states, cities, or counties require towing companies to leave some form of contact information via a posted sign or sent by mail.
- Recovery dates and times depend on the company that towed the vehicle, but those times will be posted to the website or can be recited by a representative.
- Pay the fees. Be careful to be as prompt as possible, as some tow yards may charge storage fees by the day.
You can challenge the action by taking the following actions if you believe your car was wrongfully towed:
- Be prompt – many states have a small window of time where it’s acceptable to file a complaint against a company that wrongfully towed the vehicle.
- Gather supporting documents: photos, emails, receipts, police reports, and witness statements if applicable. The more evidence, the better.
- Get familiar with your local laws, as laws for towing companies vary per state.
- Try speaking with the towing company. Sometimes it may have been a simple oversight, and the matter can be resolved quickly.
- Contact the Justice of the Peace in your area, as they may have more insight or resources to help. They are often utilized for towing cases.
- Talk to a lawyer. Many lawyers have free case consultations, and depending on the case, it may be worth it to utilize a lawyer.
Source: National General, Oregon Department of Justice, and Rak Law Firm
According to Axios’ investigation, lawmakers and Des Moines municipal officials have shown support for tow company limits aimed at protecting drivers.
Lawmakers sponsored a bill in the Iowa House last year that would have increased regulations, such as mandating firms to release automobiles at no additional cost if drivers return to their vehicles before they are towed away.
Additionally, the measure would allow drivers to retrieve their possessions from their automobile while it is being towed, even if they are unable to pay the fees to retrieve their vehicle.
Additionally, towing businesses would have to display their rates and give a detailed receipt that breaks out the expenses.
Read More on The US Sun
Next year, the bill is anticipated to be reintroduced.
A request for response from The U.S. Sun was not answered by the city of Des Moines.
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