Connecticut DMV Approves Increase in Towing Fees

Under pressure from towing companies to raise towing rates, the DMV of Connecticut approved a slight increase in basic towing fees. allowing the basic hook-and-tow charge to increase to $125 and the per-mile rate to climb to $5.65 after the first 2 miles. The new rate will take effect on May 1. However the DMV denied the proposed 60% increase that tow companies sought, nor did they approve their request for an increase in storage fees. Citing rising costs to run their businesses, Michael Festa and other tow company owners had asked for higher fees for removing and storing vehicles that are taken away from crashes or violating private parking rules. They wanted the current basic towing charge of $105 plus $4.75 per mile be raised to more than $167 and $7.58 per mile.  The request to increase storage rates for vehicles under 20 feet from the current $30 to $47.87 was denied, as was a request to raise the rate of $37 for more than five days to $59.04.   Brian C. Carey, the DMV hearing officer, said that tow companies were not able to prove that their proposal represented “a modest increase.”  He said the company "failed to give a compelling picture of its costs or profits per tow," and it "failed to compare its increase to benchmarks set at automobile clubs, standard service manuals, rates set by other jurisdictions or single service contracts.”  In response, Festa said that his attorney is analyzing the DMV's order for a possible appeal.

Source: ctinsider.com