It only happens once. You run into US Thai or Griffin Coffee to pick up something quick and the next thing you know, your car is gone. It’s not Annabelle but someone at the Doll Hospital has spotted you parking in one of their spots and had your car towed.
The Doll Hospital owns the land on the south side of the parking lot at 25th and Sheridan. Recently, they changed their signage on their reserved spots to let their non-customers know that their cars will be towed from 9 am to 6 pm on Mondays through Saturdays.
Because tow companies have been known for their predatory tactics, here’s some reminders from Parker Towing on Colorado towing laws:
Nonconsensual Towing
Colorado has laws governing what a towing company can charge for a non-consensual tow, which is the type of tow that happens when you leave your car in a no parking zone. The maximum they can charge is $160 not including fuel and mileage surcharges or storage fees. Those fees are capped as well at $2.60 for fuel and $3.80 per mile (with a 12 mile maximum) and $30 a day for storage – all of which are for a vehicle under 10,000 pounds. So, you’re looking at about $240 max if you retrieve your car on day one.
Credit Cards
This is a newer law, but it is in effect. Previously, towing companies did not have to accept credit cards and didn’t like doing it because of the possibility that a disgruntled car owner might attempt to reverse charges through their credit card company. However, Colorado law now requires that they accept credit cards as payment. If you get the cash only speech, don’t fall for it.
Drop Fees
This is imperative to know. If you arrive and discover that your car is about to be towed away, you might try to reason with the driver to not follow through on the tow now that you’re present. Some deceitful drivers will tell you that it’s too late and you’ll have to pick your car up from the tow yard later.
Colorado law, however, requires the company to give you the option of simply paying a drop fee (that has a maximum of $70). Many people don’t know that they can insist on this and end up with a whole lot more out of pocket expenses than just $70 – cash or credit card.
(From Parker Towing: https://www.parkertowingservice.com/understanding-colorado-towing-laws/)
So unless you are looking to purchase a doll, or have one repaired, don’t park in the Doll Hospital parking spots until after 6 pm.
Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.
Leave a comment