CHICAGO — Did you get your car towed unfairly? Was your car damaged during a tow?
There are all kinds of things you can complain about — did the towing company not provide you with a photo of how you parked incorrectly, or were you mistreated? Those are all things you can get a towing company in trouble for, said Ald. Ameya Pawar, who is drafting a "towing bill of rights."
The bill of rights will make it more clear what rights Chicagoans have when dealing with towing companies, Pawar said, and he's also considering pushing to require dashcams in tow trucks and clearer signs that tell people how to complain about towing companies.
Pawar (47th), is lead sponsor of a resolution calling on the notorious Lincoln Towing to "testify on their towing practices and policies" as the company faces state investigation and risks losing its business license.
Reporter Kelly Bauer shares tips on getting towing complaints heard.
But while you're waiting on the bill of rights to help you out, here's how to complain (the right way) about towing companies:
1. Contact the Illinois Commerce Commission, which regulates towing companies.
2. You must first file an informal complaint. You can file a complaint online (make sure to check "relocation towing"), call 800-524-0795 or mail 527 E. Capitol Ave., Springfield, IL 62701.
3. If the problem isn't fixed through an informal complaint, file a formal complaint. You can get a form to do that through the Chief Clerk's Office. More information on that process is available through the Illinois Commerce Commission.
4. You can also contact the city's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Pawar said. You can file a consumer complaint online or by calling 311.
Related:
Lincoln Towing Driver Knocks Man Off 16-Foot Ladder To Take Truck: Charges
Lincoln Towing Driver Gets Hit Over Head With Pipe by Man Who Had Car Towed
Notorious Lincoln Towing Strikes Again, Takes Car From Owner's Spot: Family
Lincoln Towing Gives Back Car Involved In Dispute, Says 'Driver Is New'
Petition to Suspend Lincoln Towing's License Gets Hundreds of Signatures
After Fight At Lincoln Towing, Alderman Wants 'Outrageous' Company Gone
Lincoln Towing In Hot Water for Unauthorized Towing
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