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username23
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« on: May 30, 2010, 11:14:13 AM » |
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I had my bike towed last month when I broke down about 7 miles from home. I called TowBusters and they called the company on their list for the area. Unfortunately that meant two guys who'd apparently never towed a bike before. They got my bike home, but they also dented the front fender in 3 spots. The tow company owner at first seemed willing to accept responsibility. I took the bike to a guy who does dent repairs for him, but when that guy said one of the dents was too big for him to fix, I got an estimate from another shop. Now the owner of the tow company is telling me that he'll only pay half the estimate, because the fender had scratches on it prior to the tow. He doesn't think I should get a "like new" fender on his dime, since it wasn't "like new" before his guys dented it.
By my logic, his employees damaged my vehicle, so his company is responsible for the full cost of the repairs. Yes, fixing the dents will mean repainting the entire fender, but I don't see how I should pay for half of it.
Has anyone here dealt with a situation like this? Any suggestions? I do plan on talking to TowBusters about it and see if they'll take the guy off their list. Also considering contacting a local news channel that has a consumer complaints team. Maybe they'll do a spot on the news about my story and the guy will be pressured into coughing up the full price... (yeah, I know. Not likely.)
Thanks guys. I hope if any of you have to be towed nothing like this happens to you!
David
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bigvalkriefan
Member
Posts: 407
On the green monster
South Florida
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« Reply #1 on: May 30, 2010, 11:21:51 AM » |
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Scratches have nothing to do with it. He is responsible for repairing the fender even if it means repainting the whole fender. Tell him if he doesn't fix it you'll call the BBB, news station, Tow busters etc. Tow busters should put some pressure on him too. Do you have any friends that are police, they may use his services some too. Also remind him that word of mouth advertising is one of the most effective ways of letting people know what kind of business he is running
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.....say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."
Isaiah 35:4
I know who wins in the end.
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Garland
Member
Posts: 451
#618
Hendersonville NC
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« Reply #2 on: May 30, 2010, 01:31:49 PM » |
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The tow companies I know would manage to get it fixed at no cost to you and little cost to them. Tow companies, body shops, and mechanics are always needing favors from one another. Something like this would just get taken care of on the side in my world.
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Jabba
Member
Posts: 3563
VRCCDS0197
Greenwood Indiana
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« Reply #3 on: May 30, 2010, 02:02:00 PM » |
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Tell him to go ahead and fix the damage his guys did, and leave the damage that was already there.  Jabba |
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daytona
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« Reply #4 on: May 30, 2010, 04:10:23 PM » |
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+1 Tell him to go ahead and fix the damage his guys did, and leave the damage that was already there. Jabba +1 There! You didn't mind the scratches but the paint gota match! |
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Just started!  |
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Earl in Pensacola
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« Reply #5 on: May 30, 2010, 04:42:27 PM » |
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I have never seen what I'D call a an even satisfactory vehicle damage repair done by a tow company or a shop the tow company authorized. I'm sure you have some "before' pictures, take some "after" pix's, get estimates from a authorized bike shop, call Tow busters and last call your insurance co. . Your insurance company may even have some influence, if he is on their "tow" list. Even if you sue and get a judgement, YOU still have to enforce the judgement and that is rarely easy, especially with a tow company. Try all the above and all the ideas in the previous post and maybe you'll come out whole. GOOD LUCK
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R J
Member
Posts: 13380
DS-0009 ...... # 173
Des Moines, IA
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« Reply #6 on: May 30, 2010, 06:57:14 PM » |
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There is also the Consumers Protection Division in the state Attorney's office to handle these type of claims.
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44 Harley ServiCar   |
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sugerbear
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« Reply #7 on: May 30, 2010, 07:30:31 PM » |
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where do you live? maybe someone lives close that can help somehow.
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username23
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« Reply #8 on: May 30, 2010, 09:27:50 PM » |
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Thanks guys, for your suggestions. Tomorrow I'll call Tow Busters and see what they might be able to do to help me. I'll also try to contact the news station that does the consumer advocating, and the BBB.
I'm in San Jose, California. The company is called "Courtesy Tow" but I'm thinking they might want to change their name.
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