In August, Tacoma Police had a family member's vehicle that was involved in a tragic, devastating car versus motorcycle fatality accident towed by Bill's towing and to their tow yard. We were told it would be there as "evidence" , until prosecutors office could review for potential charges- none were ever filed. Detective on the case said to call Bill's Towing biweekly to inquire if hold was lifted since they don't usually call you when it's lifted but you get a letter in the mail (which could take days, while vehicle incurs storage charges.) This was much to Bill's Towing staff's chagrin, a self-described " family-owned business with sound principles." When we would call for status updates and provide info, we'd be met with loud sighs, put on long holds or just major attitude, so exceptionally unprofessional. They are a storage yard; they should expect status update calls! In late October, Detective called back and said the case was "now on the prosecutor's radar and they were aware of it" meaning that someone had clearly dropped the ball in reviewing case. He recommended also calling Bill's Towing still to check in. Fast forward to early January, almost 5 months after car accident and Detective called at 10:00 am to say the hold was lifted on vehicle and could be picked up. He said there was no charges as driver was not being charged with a crime and TPD would cover the fees, aka the taxpayers would be covering the exorbitant fees.
I called Bill's towing and was told that it might not be able to be picked up that day because they were "busy with an auction" and I said I was picking it up anyway because I don't want to have to pay ridiculous storage fees, so she said to "call back in 3 hours." Called back in 3 hours and spoke to a very, very rude man. I asked if vehicle started or had flat tires since it had been sitting for almost 5 months and so I could prep for pickup. His answer was "it's on all 4 wheels, that's all I'm required to tell you". He then said I had to be there at least 30 minutes prior to closing to do paperwork and that I had to pay the impound fee. I told him I would be there at least 30 minutes prior to closing if they wanted to get vehicle ready. I arrived at 4:10 (they close at 5) and they buzzed me into lobby. Lady started pulling up the info then decided to answer the phone and have a chit chat with caller for several minutes while my daughter and I stood there. Super classy. After paying the $261.41 impound fee, she told my young daughter and me to wait outside in the front and they'd bring out car. It was freezing, dark and pouring rain with no cover and the guys working in the yard were standing around.
Finally, 10 + minutes later a forklift comes out and pays musical cars, ripping the bumper off one of them and hitting another, seemingly not a care in the world and disrespectful to people's property. At about 20 minutes our vehicle was brought out on forklift and parked, more like wedged, between two huge trucks in a carport front end butted up against a building. Vehicle was dead and had 2 flat tires. Not one person, who witnessed my young daughter and me trying to figure out how to get jumper cables to reach car, offered to help with jumping it or putting air in tires or relocating it so cables would reach or anything. They had several tow trucks there that I presume had jump boxes and tools to air up tires? We were treated like garbage, it was appalling. Since the jumper cables were not long enough to reach the battery due to how they parked our vehicle, we had to wait for an employee's truck to leave about 45 minutes later to then maneuver my vehicle to get it close enough to jump. Was then able to also air up tires.
I have never been treated so poorly by a company- with their attitudes on the phone, in person and just overall hostile environment. They must get enough business from Tacoma Police Department to not have to care how they treat their customers or want repeat business. I was polite every time I called, I showed up with ample time, paid the fees and stood there patiently and this is the "customer service" I received. I am also sharing my experience with Tacoma Police in hopes they maybe look for a different company that treats people kindly and not like we're a thorn in their side. After all isn't it really the taxpayers footing the bill when vehicles of innocent people are held? We should not be supporting a business like this one. read more