I want to share a serious warning based on my experience with this business. What happened to me may be common practice here, and consumers deserve to know:
I arrived after an accident, and rather than offering transparency or a fair estimate, this place effectively held my vehicle hostage while tallying up enormous charges with no clear upfront disclosure of costs. At no point was I told what the final bill would look like -- only a demand that I pay storage fees and other charges without explanation.
When I arrived, my battery was completely dead -- despite the fact that my battery was in excellent condition before the accident and the impact did not affect the electrical system. I left the car turned off, so there's no explanation other than improper handling on their lot. Because the battery was dead, I could not drive the car off their property.
I had arranged for a tow truck operator with valid, documented insurance to come pick up the vehicle and purchase it from me, but this facility refused entry to my tow provider over an insurance issue -- even after proof was shown to their attendant. As a result, I was forced to pay three more days of storage charges that should have been avoidable.
I don't make legal accusations -- but these actions appear designed to delay release of the vehicle and increase fees, which raises serious questions about whether their practices comply with Washington State consumer protection laws.
I attempted to resolve this directly and even showed up prepared to pay over $600 for two days' storage -- and that still wasn't enough for them. Based on how this unfolded, I found their conduct unethical and, in my opinion, possibly unlawful.
If you want to avoid this experience, do not trust this place with your car after an accident. If they try this with you, document everything and report it.
If you believe their behavior violates the law, contact the State of Washington Consumer Protection authorities here:
Washington State Office of the Attorney General -- Consumer Protection Division
* Phone (Washington only): 1-800-551-4636
* Phone (out of state/local): 206-464-6684
* Email: consumer@atg.wa.gov
* Online complaint form: https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection (click File a Consumer Complaint)
The AG's Consumer Protection Division enforces the Washington Consumer Protection Act and investigates unfair, deceptive, or unconscionable business practices.
Secondary agency:
Washington State Department of Financial Institutions -- Division of Consumer Services
* Phone: 1-877-746-4334
* Email: dcs@dfi.wa.gov
This office handles consumer complaints relating to financial and business practices read more