Knox to discuss wrecker service fees

Knox County leaders are looking into whether to create a board that monitors local wrecker services, a move that comes months after a resident says he was charged more than $500 to have his damaged van towed a little under 15 miles.

“Some wrecker providers are great citizens – great companies – (but) some are shysters, and if you don’t know what you’re doing it could cost you your vehicle,” said Commissioner Ed Brantley, who is pushing for the discussion with officials.

“If you are a citizen of Knox County and you need a wrecker, there are three questions you need to ask,” he added. “No. 1: How much is it going to cost me to tow my vehicle? No. 2: What’s the gate fee, and No. 3 – what’s the daily rental charge because it’s not all the same?”

The Knox County Commission during its monthly work session on Monday is expected to talk more about the matter.

As it stands, if someone is involved in an accident or their vehicle breaks down in the county, the E-911 Center or the Sheriff’s Office can call a tow truck for them. The Sheriff’s Office maintains a list that officials say probably hasn’t been updated in 25 years. The county does not regulate how much the companies can charge.

The city, however, has a number of measures in place.

“It would be nice of people to be aware of what’s going on,” Brantley said. There are great wrecker services in Knox County, but some of them are out to get what they can get.”

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