Michigan: Boo Hoo Tow Customer complain that Eagle Towing overcharged them
WHITE CLOUD, Mich. (WZZM) -- Some West Michigan towing companies are being accused of adding excessive fees to their bills. It’s an issue the WZZM 13 Watchdog team has been investigating for several months.
Jason Cummins is just one of several frustrated customers who asked for help. He says it all started when someone hit his suburban in Muskegon County.
"I specifically told the dispatcher that I would need a flatbed," Cummins said.
Cummins did not specify a company and says Eagle Towing showed up with a conventional wrecker.
"He tried several times to secure my vehicle with that truck, and couldn't do it, so he called a flatbed in," Cummins said.
Cummins' suburban was taken to Eagle Towing. The next day, he was given a bill for $905.
The invoice included two tow trucks at $295 each. There were also fees; lots of them. They included two fuel surcharges, mileage, inclement weather, medical care reform act, and reclamation and gate fees.
Cummins also had to get it towed to the body shop a few days later.
"They brought me a secondary bill with an additional $70 storage and towing bill for $147, which brought my total bill to $1,123," Cummins said.
Jason's was furious. He says he filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and called the WZZM 13 Watchdog team.
Since starting our investigation, several customers, insurance companies, and tow truck companies have contacted WZZM with complaints. Most involve companies in Muskegon and Newaygo counties.
Andrew Schmiedecknecht's had a similar experience with Jerry's Towing. His car over-heated and caught on fire. He was charged $325 each, for two trucks. Plus, all the added fees. His bill was $775.
"I don't care if I get any recovery, as long as this guy doesn't get any more business," Schmiedecknecht said.
"You know, we're not gouging people," said Keith Baker, who owns Jerry's, Dave’s, and Newaygo Towing. He says he increased his rates and started adding fees a few years ago after attending a class in Massachusetts. The company posts ads in towing magazines.
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Jason Cummins is just one of several frustrated customers who asked for help. He says it all started when someone hit his suburban in Muskegon County.
"I specifically told the dispatcher that I would need a flatbed," Cummins said.
Cummins did not specify a company and says Eagle Towing showed up with a conventional wrecker.
"He tried several times to secure my vehicle with that truck, and couldn't do it, so he called a flatbed in," Cummins said.
Cummins' suburban was taken to Eagle Towing. The next day, he was given a bill for $905.
The invoice included two tow trucks at $295 each. There were also fees; lots of them. They included two fuel surcharges, mileage, inclement weather, medical care reform act, and reclamation and gate fees.
Cummins also had to get it towed to the body shop a few days later.
"They brought me a secondary bill with an additional $70 storage and towing bill for $147, which brought my total bill to $1,123," Cummins said.
Jason's was furious. He says he filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and called the WZZM 13 Watchdog team.
Since starting our investigation, several customers, insurance companies, and tow truck companies have contacted WZZM with complaints. Most involve companies in Muskegon and Newaygo counties.
Andrew Schmiedecknecht's had a similar experience with Jerry's Towing. His car over-heated and caught on fire. He was charged $325 each, for two trucks. Plus, all the added fees. His bill was $775.
"I don't care if I get any recovery, as long as this guy doesn't get any more business," Schmiedecknecht said.
"You know, we're not gouging people," said Keith Baker, who owns Jerry's, Dave’s, and Newaygo Towing. He says he increased his rates and started adding fees a few years ago after attending a class in Massachusetts. The company posts ads in towing magazines.
CLICK FOR MORE
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