PORTLAND, Ore. — A KGW investigation into a Salem towing company has drawn the attention of state and local officials.
In most parts of the state, including Marion County, there’s no restriction on what tow companies can charge customers. The investigation showed one Salem tow company charges hundreds more than its competitors and there are no regulations to stop the practice.
Cities and counties can establish maximum rates that tow companies can charge and some, such as Portland and Gresham, do. But many others have no rules.
More than a dozen complaints have been logged against the Salem company, Discount Towing & Recovery.
Read investigation: Salem tow company accused of excessive fees
“My first reaction was, I’ve got to call Kyle,” said Sen. Chuck Riley (D-Hillsboro). “[KGW's] story is maybe just the impetus we need to get something done.”
Riley is drafting legislation for the 2017 session to crack down on predatory towing. The proposed bill would require signed authorization before a vehicle is towed. Riley is also looking at regulating pricing at the state level and requiring towers to be licensed.
The Marion County Commission scheduled a meeting on Oct. 3 to consider towing regulations.
After the investigation was published, more complaints about Discount Towing surfaced.
“I don’t think what they are doing is right,” said Leslie Kasziewicz of Aumsville, who sued Discount Towing after getting a $986 bill for a tow from Jefferson to Salem. The case was settled through mediation for an undisclosed amount.
“Who has $1,000 laying around? I’m a single mother of four children. I struggle like everybody else,” said Kasziewicz.
When Kasziewicz first protested the hefty bill, an employee at Discount Towing called Salem police and officers responded. Police reports indicate no crime occurred.
“They don’t have to justify any of their amounts that they are charging people,” said Kasziewicz.
Donald Duddles, the owner of Discount Towing & Recovery, declined to discuss complaints of excessive rates.
“Nothing worthy of comment,” said Duddles. “Have a good day.”
That frustrates Sen. Riley.
“They’re being taken advantage of. They’re being ripped off and we need to stop that,” he said.
The Oregon Attorney General’s office said it is also taking a closer look at Discount Towing & Recovery.
Consumers can file complaints on the Attorney General’s website.
