Special Reports

2 Investigation Leads To New Tow Truck Regulations

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Thanks to the 2 Investigators, drivers can look for more protection from dishonest towing companies. Illinois will begin enforcing a new law Tuesday that was passed as a result of CBS 2 reports exposing widespread abuses by so-called accident chasers who until now were not regulated.

But as 2 Investigator Pam Zekman reports, that's all about to change. Towing companies that hustle business at accident scenes will now have to get registered with the state and follow a laundry list of new regulations.

"If these tow operators pull some of these crazy tricks that you've looked at in the past, starting tomorrow, they won't get away with it," said Brian Sterling of the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Edward Nance was a victim of such practices. His parked car was damaged by a hit-and-run driver last year.

He says a tow truck driver from Citywide Auto Recovery duped him saying his insurance company would cover everything

"And I wouldn't have to pay anything for the tow," Nance said.

But then Citywide socked them with a $2,000 bill filled with inflated and fraudulent fees his insurance company refused to pay. Nance had to borrow money to get his car back.

"I was outraged," he said. "I didn't know what to do."

From now on, what you should do is ask for a written list of possible fees. Under the new law to be enforced by the Illinois Commerce Commission, the towing company must provide it.

If they don't follow the fees they disclose at the accident scene, Sterling said drivers are not responsible for paying the fees, a "huge change" from prior regulations.

But to make an informed decision about which towing company to hire, you need to know that a typical tow and cleanup should run about $150. Then there's about that $50 for administrative fees and $50 a day for storage fees.

The new law also requires that towing companies disclose where your car will be towed, and be open during normal business hours. And companies cannot demand cash payment only, as some have in the past, but also accept major credit cards.

"Hopefully this will change the perception that the streets of Chicago are like the Wild West when it comes to tow truck companies," Sterling said.

The ICC has met with local law enforcement agencies to start implementing the new law in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will and Winnebago counties. In September it also goes into effect in Mchenry County.

In future, if you think you've been scammed, you can turn to the ICC for help. Car owners or towing companies with questions about the new law may contact the Illinois Commerce Commission police at 847-294-4326.

Information about the new law and copies of towing forms and complaint forms approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission are also available on the ICC website at www.icc.illinois.gov.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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