Wtf!!

[pinoy227]

I just need to vent...I was in NYC today running an errand. I thought I parked at a legal spot but apparently it wasn't. It was a no parking zone from 4 to 7pm. I parked there at 3pm. When I got back they were about to tow me! So I got a ticket and a tow charge. No big deal..My fault!!

Here's where the **** really hit the fan.
:toilet:

On my way home I noticed scratches on my window and my inside door handle. It dawned on me that when I got to them as there were about to tow, They were trying to open my door with 2 shims and a lock pick!! Those bas****s scratched up the inside of my door and messed up my tint. I was on my way to a Walmart and when I got there I inspected the damage more closely. Apparently, they tried the same **** on the passengers side door!! Now I have two messed up door panels and 2 messed up tints!! Oh yeah, it get better!!...not only did they scratch the inside door handles but they scratched and dented the doors sheen they tried to put the shimmy blocks in the door!! You can't see them when the door is closed but its obvious when you open them. I will post pics later. I will pay the ticket but I am going to contest the tow charges based on the damage. I doubt I will win but I just want to go to court and prove my point.

I'm so pissed!! Anyways, I am going to have the tints redone. As for the rest, I really want new doors. I know some of you have tinted over the stock tints in the back. Can I ask what % you used? I figure if I'm going to have the front 2 redone then I might as well get the whole thing done.

 

[4everunner]

I have 5% all the way in the back and i believe 20% front. OR

 

[4RFan]

Maybe you can file a claim with your insurance company and let them go after the tow company.

When you signed the receipt, did it have a damage waiver in small print?

I would be just as PO'd as you are and would file a police report and pursue legal action.

 

[WhiteRunner11]

I agree with 4RFan. take legal action. dont let them walk on you like that.

 

[westwind77]

Had a very similar situation happen a few years back with my Durango. Locked the keys inside (had a spare set but could not wait for the turn around time to get them) Called a local tow company we know well. They used those 'air bags' that they slipped between the door and pillar, pumped up the bags enough to slip in their 'coat hanger' to trip the locks. That whole process resulted in the tint getting scratched as well from their 'tool' and the door being bent out and no longer flush with the rest of the truck! I was not happy, explained to them what they did, they took the truck and fixed everything.

Now, the reason they did this, or I was told, was because of the whole side air bag thing. He said the std 'slim jim' can trigger the airbags to go off depending on the wiring system of the vehicle. I told him mine did not have sides, just front. He would not change his plan of attack, saying it is their policy now not to do it the old way.

I have seen other tow companies use the plastic wedges and pound them into the gap, makes me cringe. Glad the people we used at least invested in a better way to do it.

 

[ant-ny]

That sucks about that damage. If you are parked illegally and they are going to ticket and or tow you, fine. But to try and unlock your car without your permission is inexcusable. I perform these types of techniques very often to get people into cars they have locked their keys in. In that case, it is their fault and they are calling me to help them. I have them sign a waiver and explain there may be some minor issues with scratches in the paint BEFORE I begin. If they don't want me to continue, that is fine. I won't and they can find another way in their car. There is almost no way to avoid minor damage with the wedge and glorified coat hanger. As for the airbag issue...it is a huge safety concern and can really seriously injure someone using s slimjim with the side airbag going off. We don't use that technique anymore even if someone says they don't have side airbags. My experience is most driver's have no clue if the have side airbags or not. To make a long post short....they should be responsible for the damage of trying to enter your car without permission. If you lock your keys, ask the tow driver/police officer FIRST if this will cause damage and what kind before allowing them to begin.

 

[nglayton]

Okay help me understand this...I'm sure I missed something?

I'm standing outside my locked vehicle and the air bag goes off inside the vehicle.
How exactly is that a danger to me?

Is this system energized 24/7? Why would the system be energized with the vehicle off, in park and locked?
Are there lots of people that sit in the vehicles turn off, locked, in park, no key turned for the radio,etc that necessitates the ARS system being energized?

Forgetting all that and back to my original question..I'm standing outside my locked vehicle and the air bag goes off inside the vehicle.
How exactly is that a danger to me?

 

[alaskaman]

allow me.

This is a major reason why I detest cities. I always live where they cannot steal my car either legally or illegally.

Every business is supervised by some agency in a city or state. You can complain to them. good luck.

This is why people in Alaska are armed.

 

[pinoy227]

thanks for allowing me to vent..I definitely will pursue some type of action.

Alaskaman- I hear ya. I moved from Maine to NJ last year and I miss the peacefullness..and most importantly...parking everywhere or anywhere!

 

[Titanpat57]

Sorry...besides a towtruck it would be smart for them if also called an ambulance...because one of them wouldv'e needed it...bast turds:AK47:

 

[gwcpa]

Okay help me understand this...I'm sure I missed something?

I'm standing outside my locked vehicle and the air bag goes off inside the vehicle.
How exactly is that a danger to me?

Is this system energized 24/7? Why would the system be energized with the vehicle off, in park and locked?
Are there lots of people that sit in the vehicles turn off, locked, in park, no key turned for the radio,etc that necessitates the ARS system being energized?

Forgetting all that and back to my original question..I'm standing outside my locked vehicle and the air bag goes off inside the vehicle.
How exactly is that a danger to me?

It is very old BS. snopes.com: Slim Jim Deaths


There are no wires or sensors in the door that will activate an airbag, much less an airbag. Side airbags are in the seats, the curtains are in the headliner.