Chicago Drivers Struggle with Damage Claims

When Craig Myers parked in a snow tow zone in February 2025, he accepted the mistake and the towing fee. What he didn’t expect was the severe damage to his Hyundai Santa Fe. “When I put it in park, the car kept going,” he said. Mechanics told him the parking pin was broken and his transmission needed replacing—likely due to improper towing.

Surveillance video confirmed his SUV, an all-wheel drive vehicle, was towed with rear wheels on the ground—not on a flatbed as experts recommend. Myers filed a claim with United Road Towing (URT), the city’s towing contractor. It was denied.

CBS News Chicago found only 23% of towing damage claims were approved between 2016 and 2024. URT trucks were often linked to unresolved or denied claims.

Myers ultimately received $3,500 from URT after media inquiries. Another driver, Esther Liu, is still waiting over a year after her legal tow caused irreparable damage.

City officials say oversight exists, but drivers and video evidence suggest otherwise.  Source: https://www.cbsnews.com