Latest news with #predatorytowing
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Missouri mechanic protects client's car from being towed — by a company just fined $7.1M for predatory towing
In Kansas City, Missouri, a local mechanic recently stopped a tow truck driver from hauling away a car he was actively working on at his shop by confronting the driver about allegedly violating state laws because he didn't have the required documents for a legal tow. 'We complained until they brought it back,' the owner of the shop told Fox 4 Kansas City. The driver claimed he didn't know Missouri law requires a signed form from the property owner before a vehicle can be removed from private property. Yet, the tow company involved is no stranger to controversy. The same company was the subject of a Fox 4 Kansas City investigation after a court handed down a $7.1 million judgment against it for similarly-predatory towing practices. That case highlighted a troubling pattern: unauthorized tows, inflated fees and drivers left scrambling to reclaim their cars. Incidents like this underscore the risks Missouri drivers face in a state where consumer protections around towing are inconsistent and poorly enforced. Whether it's an illegally parked car or a vehicle involved in an accident, the wrong tow can turn into a financial and legal nightmare. Predatory towing is drawing fresh scrutiny nationwide, and with reason. It's a practice known to exploit drivers through inflated rates, unsolicited arrivals at accident scenes, unauthorized removals and refusal to release vehicles or cargo within a reasonable timeframe, leaving drivers in a bind. Across the country, predatory tows can involve impounding vehicles, piling on dubious 'administrative fees' and using pressure tactics at chaotic accident scenes to obtain a driver's signature, effectively voiding any protections that might apply to nonconsensual tows. According to a 2023 report by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), nearly 30% of crash-related tows involve some form of predatory billing. The issue cuts across class lines, hitting truck drivers, everyday commuters and accident victims alike. In the absence of strong state laws, knowing your rights may be your best defense. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it What you can do about predatory towing Missouri is one of 18 states that require written authorization from property owners before vehicles are towed from private lots. The state also prohibits unsolicited towing on highways. But those protections can be shaky in practice. Missouri lacks statewide caps on towing rates and doesn't require towing companies to itemize charges on their invoices, meaning drivers often don't know what they're paying for until after they've paid it. When dealing with a tow, always ask for a written invoice and do not sign anything under pressure. If your vehicle was towed from private property, request to see the written authorization from the property owner. In cases involving an accident, remember: you may have the right to request your own towing provider, but only if it doesn't delay clearance or pose a safety risk. Read more: Americans are 'revenge saving' to survive — but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. Avoiding predatory towing scams: Know before you park The best defense is preparation. Here's how to protect yourself: Know your state's laws before you need them: Understand where you can and cannot legally park and where your vehicle may be susceptible to a tow. Read the signs: If parking on private property, look for clearly posted towing notices. If none exist, a tow may be illegal. Don't rush into consent: If your vehicle is towed after a crash, don't sign anything at the scene unless you've confirmed it won't waive your rights. This is especially important if law enforcement called the tow. Take photos: Snap pictures of your vehicle's location, any signage and the condition of the car before and after towing. This can help dispute inflated charges or wrongful tows. Ask for an itemized invoice ahead of time: If the tow operator can't or won't provide one, that's a red flag. Contact your insurer: Some policies include towing coverage. Insurers often have experience negotiating unreasonable fees and may be able to get your vehicle released more quickly. If you do fall victim to a predatory tow, file a complaint with your state's Attorney General's office and consider reaching out to a consumer protection attorney. In some cases, you can post a bond to retrieve your car while disputing the bill in court. What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of 'massive unemployment' in the US due to the 'biggest change' in history — and says this 1 group of 'smart' Americans will get hit extra hard. Are you one of them? How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Connecticut law that allows towing companies to sell seized cars after just 15 days is predatory, critics say
Waterbury, Connecticut — There is a controversial law in Connecticut that allows tow truck companies to sell the cars they tow after just 15 days. Critics of the law call it predatory and say private tow truck operators are targeting working class neighborhoods. Paul Boudreau and Greta Blau of Waterbury, Connecticut, had their car towed in 2021. "They said it was because the registration was expired," Boudreau said. "DMV had just reopened at that point, there was about a six- to 10-week wait to register a car even." A few weeks later they found out their car was going to be sold. "And I lost the car," Boudreau said. "…And that's perfectly legal in Connecticut. People can't come up with $300 to $600 to $800 in an evening." The couple told CBS News their apartment complex was targeted for years. "They took 1,000 cars in two years," Blau said of her complex. The problem got so bad, Boudreau and Blau helped set up a neighborhood watch, keeping an eye out for one specific company. "The guy who tows the cars, the name of the company, is LLC," Blau said. "He targets places like these complexes where working class people live, where poor people live." Their property manager eventually barred MyHoopty from coming to their apartment complex, but CBS News discovered the company was still targeting other complexes in the area by staking out another complex overnight. At about 5:30 a.m. local time, the CBS News crew saw the glowing lights of a MyHoopty tow truck and watched as it stopped at a CBS News producer's car, fully intent on towing it away. The crew moved the car before that could happen. "Rules are set to ensure that most residents that have a right to park there, can park as close to their property as possible," Michael Festa, owner of MyHoopty, told CBS News. When asked whether he believes what his company is doing is right, Festa responded, "I think it's right and just to enforce the rules of the (apartment) complex."
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kansas City woman wins $7.1M in landmark illegal towing case — what you should know about predatory towing
Predatory towing has long been a thorn in the side of American drivers — whether their car breaks down at home or they're forced to move it after a crash. But a Kansas City woman just won a $7.1 million judgment against a local towing company, sending a message to the U.S. towing industry: illegal practices won't go unpunished. IBISWorld estimates the towing industry is worth $14.4 billion as of 2024. Attorney Brianne Thomas, a partner at Boyd Kenter Thomas & Parish LLC, calls it a righteous fight, one that began in 2022, when her client parked a food truck in an empty lot behind a shuttered restaurant. There were no signs forbidding parking, no fences, and no warnings. And yet, within 30 minutes, the truck — her entire livelihood — was towed away. 'They were successful, they had her truck for 699 days,' Thomas told Fox 4 Kansas City. Now, with a verdict in hand, the case is being seen as a wake-up call for the towing industry. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it The woman's food truck was the only vehicle in the lot at the time of the tow. Under Missouri law, a property owner must be present for a tow to be considered legal, but no one was on-site. 'They towed the truck after 30 minutes; they towed illegally,' Thomas told Fox 4. Instead of paying the thousands of dollars the company demanded to release the truck, the woman filed a complaint with the Attorney General's office. That decision paid off: a jury has now awarded her $6.9 million in punitive damages, plus $200,000 in compensatory damages. 'The people of Kansas City spoke loud. They spoke not just to this community but to the entire towing industry, and they said it's not going to happen here, it's not going to happen anywhere,' Philip Danaher, an attorney at Danaher Law Firm, told Fox 4. As for the tow company, it appears to have shut down. Its office is now up for sale, and calls to the listed number go unanswered. A neighbor near a second location confirmed the business ceased operations within the last month. Read more: You don't have to be a millionaire to gain access to . In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here's how Predatory billing affects 29.8% of crash-related tows in the U.S., according to the Department of Transportation, but there are ways to avoid becoming a victim. Know your local laws. Towing rules vary by city and state, and the definition of a 'legal' tow isn't always obvious. Look up your area's rules, especially if you regularly park in commercial or high-traffic zones. Be alert for warning signs. Watch for signage, fencing, painted curbs and fire lanes, even in empty lots. If you're unsure whether it's private property, play it safe and park elsewhere. Document the scene. If your car is towed, take photos of where it was parked, and ask for a copy of the tow authorization. Don't just pay the fee. If something seems off, like missing signage or an unusually high bill, you don't have to accept it. File a formal complaint. That's exactly what the Kansas City woman did when her truck was taken without cause, and it made all the difference. She reported the incident to the Missouri Attorney General's office, and, after a lengthy legal battle, won a $7.1 million verdict. Her story is proof that taking action can lead to real accountability. A tow shouldn't wreck your livelihood, but if it does, legal recourse is an option, and fighting back can work. This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Nolensville police issue ‘predatory towing alert'
NOLENSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Officials notified Nolensville community members Saturday about incidents of 'predatory towing' that were reported this month. The Nolensville Police Department said visitors to the Nolensville Farmers Market over the past few weekends have reported being charged $375 drop fees — which is well above the $100 maximum allowed by Tennessee law — after parking in the nearby retail lot. 'We do comply with the law': Nashville mayor responds to investigation into his office Authorities said they've spoken with the wrecker driver and notified the District Attorney's office due to the potential violation of state law. If you were affected by this 'predatory towing,' you're asked to contact the Nolensville Police Department at 615-776-3640. You'll need to bring in any receipts, photos, or videos, as well as be prepared to give a brief statement. ⏩ 'We respect a property owner's right to remove vehicles from their property. But not to violate the law,' officials posted on Facebook on Saturday, May 31. 'We value our residents and visitors.' No additional details have been released about this situation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
