Piggyback scam?

[Starfox]

I rented a car a while ago, and cracked the front bumper, in an accident that I was totally responsible for. Returned the car, filled the paperwork, and got the bill.

Like I said, I *WAS* responsible for the accident, and I don't mind paying the body shop bill, or the administrative fees for ERAC, etc. But the accident was less-than-minor, didn't affect me driving the car for a whole week afterwards, and HALF the amount on my bill is "Towing charges".

Ridiculous. Any recommendations as to how should I fight back?

[ExGp2399]

Originally Posted by Starfox

I rented a car a while ago, and cracked the front bumper, in an accident that I was totally responsible for. Returned the car, filled the paperwork, and got the bill.

Like I said, I *WAS* responsible for the accident, and I don't mind paying the body shop bill, or the administrative fees for ERAC, etc. But the accident was less-than-minor, didn't affect me driving the car for a whole week afterwards, and HALF the amount on my bill is "Towing charges".

Ridiculous. Any recommendations as to how should I fight back?

Ask for a copy of the tow bill. It may be an error.

[Starfox]

"can't seem to find it". Should I just go asking Bay Area towing companies on my own?!..

[BubbaGUmp]

Originally Posted by Starfox

"can't seem to find it". Should I just go asking Bay Area towing companies on my own?!..

Sure, go ahead...if you've got nothing else better to do. Towing is expensive...get over it. Pay it and be done with it.

[TerryTate1]

Originally Posted by Starfox

I rented a car a while ago, and cracked the front bumper, in an accident that I was totally responsible for. Returned the car, filled the paperwork, and got the bill.

Like I said, I *WAS* responsible for the accident, and I don't mind paying the body shop bill, or the administrative fees for ERAC, etc. But the accident was less-than-minor, didn't affect me driving the car for a whole week afterwards, and HALF the amount on my bill is "Towing charges".

Ridiculous. Any recommendations as to how should I fight back?

StarFox,

I used to work in Loss Control for many years, and can tell you that you are probably stuck paying the tow bill. I am sure it is roughly between $50-$100. The reason that the car is towed is because often times ERAC does not want random shop employees driving their cars if it must be transferred to the shop or another location. Unfortunatley this is a common occurance in damages as minor as yours.

This is a legit cost, as ERAC does pay for all of their damage repairs up front and then looks to subrogate or collect for the repairs. What you might be able to fight are the additional costs they tack on to your repair bill, which includes the administrative cost and loss of use, etc. ERAC is not required to collect those, but believes that they are entitled to receive them. Therefore, you might be able to have them waived should you choose to discuss with the rep handling your claim.

Hope this helps.

[ExGp2399]

Originally Posted by Starfox

"can't seem to find it". Should I just go asking Bay Area towing companies on my own?!..

"Can't seem to find it" is not an answer you should accept. Go ahead and let them know you'll give Channel 7 and Michael Finney a call. They'll tell you they are looking further into it. They'll call you back and tell you it is waived.

[jaded1234]

Originally Posted by Starfox

"can't seem to find it". Should I just go asking Bay Area towing companies on my own?!..

Tell them you "can't seem to find" your wallett.

The invoice is probably made up. When I challenged ERAC for damages, they said they would get right back to me. It's been 1+ year and no reply or request for payment.

[Cynical]

Originally Posted by Starfox

"can't seem to find it". Should I just go asking Bay Area towing companies on my own?!..

Tell them you won't pay for towing charges, and if they want their money have them take you to court. It's going to be hard to tell a judge "yes sir, we had the car towed, but we don't know which company and we don't have a copy of any of the paperwork, but you should take our word for it because we're Enterprise." None of that constitutes a legal argument.