On the date of the incident, we requested a AAA tow after our vehicle became disabled in Camp Verde, Arizona, several hours from our home. The tow truck driver failed to introduce himself and ignored clear instructions that our vehicle could not be started because the serpentine belt had been removed.
Throughout the tow, the driver acted carelessly and unprofessionally. One of the straps securing our vehicle came loose during transport. He locked our keys inside the vehicle and used an inflatable wedge and long-reach tool to unlock it. While unloading the vehicle, he mishandled it, causing it to fall out of the tow sling and strike the transmission and undercarriage components. Despite being told multiple times not to start the vehicle, he repeatedly attempted to do so and revved the engine.
The vehicle sustained visible damage to the transfer case, transmission, and other undercarriage components. The driver then required my husband to assist in moving the vehicle, left it unattended in a parking lot, and argued with us when we raised concerns about the damage. He also operated the tow truck unsafely, driving at excessive speeds while using his phone and transporting customers.
Upon delivery, the driver parked the vehicle improperly, became verbally confrontational, refused to assist in positioning the vehicle, and told my husband, "Fuck you, have her do it," before leaving. Tasks that should have been performed as part of the towing service were instead left to paying customers.
After the incident, a mechanic determined the engine was knocking and the oil appeared burnt, neither of which were issues prior to the tow. The damage was consistent with the driver's repeated attempts to start and operate the vehicle despite being expressly instructed not to do so.
Tri-City ultimately agreed to purchase the vehicle for $2,200 to settle the damage claim. However, the company again sent the same driver to retrieve the vehicle. He arrived hours earlier than scheduled, allowed his dogs to defecate in our yard, took possession of the vehicle and title documents, and left without providing payment or explaining the process.
After multiple calls and emails, we learned the company paid only the lienholder's portion of the settlement, leaving us owed $70.22. Despite being told a supervisor would resolve the matter, we have received no further communication.
From the initial tow through the settlement process, Tri-City's conduct was negligent and unprofessional. The driver's actions caused significant damage to our vehicle, created safety concerns during transport, and resulted in an unacceptable claims and settlement experience. read more