A Broward couple faced a nightmare trying to find their vehicle after it was towed away during historic flooding in Dania Beach.
Bianca Chávez says that “she was driving the vehicle, and it stopped”. The couple said their insurance roadside assistance dispatched a tow truck to return the vehicle to their home, which is just two miles from where it was trapped by the flood.
However, after the car was towed away, they were unable to locate it for days. Raoul Hernández recounts that “4 to 6 hours passed, we don’t know where the car was. It was too stressful. They didn’t give any information. We just felt very bad.”
Ted Hollander, attorney for The Ticket Clinic, explained that when calling for a tow, the person should be told which company is towing their vehicle, where they are located, and what fees they will have to pay. The cost is based on the county ordinance and these charges must be visible to the public at the towing location.
Attorney Hollander also noted that the towing site must be open during business hours and the company must be available to answer the phone 24/7. Also, if you want to pick up the vehicle, the company must deliver it within the hour.
After making two police reports, the couple managed to find their vehicle, which was in Miami, 27 km from Dania Beach.
“I wouldn’t wish that on anyone,” said Bianca Chavez.
The Broward Consumer Protection Agency regulates towing companies and requires that they be licensed to operate in the county. If you have a complaint, you can visit Broward.org/Consumer or call 311.