Asher Wrecker Service masters of the towing racket Little Rock Arkansas
On September 22, 2004 (Wednesday) I was invlolved in a two vehicle collision on Stagecoach Road in Little Rock Arkansas. My car was deemed inoperable by the Little Rock Police Department officers investigating the accident. They asked did I have a tow company preference. I said no because I commute to work from a town 60 miles away and I didn't know any company in Little Rock. They called the wrecker service they are under contract to, Asher Wrecker Service, whose offices and storage yard are located 5 miles from the accident scene.
When they arrived and loaded the car I asked them to transport it to my house 60 miles away. They said that would cost a "pretty penny" and I said I was willing to pay it. They called their office and then told me their boss said it was too late in the day to go that far out of town. Since I had just been kicked in the face and upper body with an air bag, I didn't argue.
Let me add that I have full coverage insurance with State Farm. After I got word from State Farm on September 24 (Friday) that the car was declared a total loss, my husband and I decided we would purchase the car, a 2000 Ford Focus ZX3, from State Farm at salvage value and fix it ourselves.
That next day, two business days after the accident (Saturday), I recieved a certified letter from Asher Wrecker Service announcing they were executing a posessory lien on my car and I should pick it up within 45 days and pay the requisite storage and towing fees or lose the car.
Since I wanted to salvage the car myself, I called the company on September 27 (Monday) to find out how much I owed. They said $611.00. Of course I was surprised at the high amount. I enquired about the breakdown of the charges and asked if they took credit cards. They said yes.
I made arrangements to pick up the car on September 28 (Tuesday). I arrived at their offices with my credit card (actually my debit card) in hand and they informed me they only take cash on "impounds". Apparently, my car is an impound since it was authorized to be removed from the accident scene by the police. Luckily, I was able to go the the ATM after speaking with my bank and having them raise the daily withdrawal limit on my ATM card. My own authorized tow man picked up my car to take it home after I paid $611.00 in cash.
This business is completey licensed by the state of Arkansas and authorized by the Little Rock Police Department to bend you over and have their way with you. They have broken no (written) law. My lesson is: call your own tow truck company even if you have to dial information on your cell phone from the ambulance stretcher. Thankfully, I am in a different socio-economic class than the people these bottom feeders generally prey on and I was able to take care of my situation. I know many others have not and will not be so lucky.
Kate
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
U.S.A.
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Cory
San Antonio,Texas,
U.S.A.
Huge Scam charge by the mile and got more in storage fees
#5Consumer Comment
Tue, September 28, 2004
They have the same scam here in San Antonio. Remember, the local city council sets the rates for whatever fees they wish to charge. Last week some other ripoff tow truck co towed something like 130 cars of parents attenting an away game.
Yes, they weren't suppose to park in that lot and signs were up. Some tow co here in town pay people a"commission" to drive around and spot for them. They even set up in some building across from lots during events and wait for people to park, leave their cars, walk around the corner and presto.
Here comes the tow truck. I'd hate to see what they would have charged you for the 60 mi tow. Whoever said a pretty penny, probably felt a bit of guilt and that was his way of warning you.
That or they didn't feel like driving 60 mi, or they could have made more money on the truck, towing more cars in that period of time, or less money if they were limited in what they could charge by the mile and got more in storage fees.
Cory
San Antonio,Texas,
U.S.A.
Huge Scam charge by the mile and got more in storage fees
#5Consumer Comment
Tue, September 28, 2004
They have the same scam here in San Antonio. Remember, the local city council sets the rates for whatever fees they wish to charge. Last week some other ripoff tow truck co towed something like 130 cars of parents attenting an away game.
Yes, they weren't suppose to park in that lot and signs were up. Some tow co here in town pay people a"commission" to drive around and spot for them. They even set up in some building across from lots during events and wait for people to park, leave their cars, walk around the corner and presto.
Here comes the tow truck. I'd hate to see what they would have charged you for the 60 mi tow. Whoever said a pretty penny, probably felt a bit of guilt and that was his way of warning you.
That or they didn't feel like driving 60 mi, or they could have made more money on the truck, towing more cars in that period of time, or less money if they were limited in what they could charge by the mile and got more in storage fees.
Cory
San Antonio,Texas,
U.S.A.
Huge Scam charge by the mile and got more in storage fees
#5Consumer Comment
Tue, September 28, 2004
They have the same scam here in San Antonio. Remember, the local city council sets the rates for whatever fees they wish to charge. Last week some other ripoff tow truck co towed something like 130 cars of parents attenting an away game.
Yes, they weren't suppose to park in that lot and signs were up. Some tow co here in town pay people a"commission" to drive around and spot for them. They even set up in some building across from lots during events and wait for people to park, leave their cars, walk around the corner and presto.
Here comes the tow truck. I'd hate to see what they would have charged you for the 60 mi tow. Whoever said a pretty penny, probably felt a bit of guilt and that was his way of warning you.
That or they didn't feel like driving 60 mi, or they could have made more money on the truck, towing more cars in that period of time, or less money if they were limited in what they could charge by the mile and got more in storage fees.
Cory
San Antonio,Texas,
U.S.A.
Huge Scam charge by the mile and got more in storage fees
#5Consumer Comment
Tue, September 28, 2004
They have the same scam here in San Antonio. Remember, the local city council sets the rates for whatever fees they wish to charge. Last week some other ripoff tow truck co towed something like 130 cars of parents attenting an away game.
Yes, they weren't suppose to park in that lot and signs were up. Some tow co here in town pay people a"commission" to drive around and spot for them. They even set up in some building across from lots during events and wait for people to park, leave their cars, walk around the corner and presto.
Here comes the tow truck. I'd hate to see what they would have charged you for the 60 mi tow. Whoever said a pretty penny, probably felt a bit of guilt and that was his way of warning you.
That or they didn't feel like driving 60 mi, or they could have made more money on the truck, towing more cars in that period of time, or less money if they were limited in what they could charge by the mile and got more in storage fees.