Towing fees increase as Daytona Beach residents try to get their flooded cars back

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Update:

Daytona Wrecker called back and confirmed that Charmen Harris was able to retrieve her car at no cost. It said it towed more than 100 cars during the storm and is willing to work with people who had issues.

Previous story:

One woman is just one of several car owners who said they are being hit with towing and impound fees to get their cars back after they were towed from flooded roads after Hurricane Ian.

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Each of those days has a $30 impound fee attached, which has brought the woman’s bill to nearly $600 for a car that no longer works.

Charmen Harris received a bill from Daytona Wrecker for $595 — and the cost is only rising.

Harris and her 14-year-old son tried to go to a shelter during Hurricane Ian, but her car stalled in the flooded water.

Read: SEE: Channel 9 reporter shows glimpse of Stone Island flooding from boat

She said another family picked her up, but their car stalled too. Eventually, they made it to a friend’s home to ride out the storm.

When she went to check on her car the next day, she found it had been towed by Daytona Wrecker.

The police department contracts the service to tow vehicles.

Read: Here’s when tolls will be reinstated on Central Florida roadways

“I was told they had no lights and to call on Monday,” Harris said.

But they charged her for all of those days, as the fee increases $30 each day.

Channel 9 reached out to Daytona Wrecker but has not heard back from them.

Read: Assisted living residents evacuated due to Hurricane Ian flash floods still not home

Harris said it’s unfair to penalize people who are trying to evacuate a hurricane and have already lost everything.

“I’m worried about my house right now,” she said. “I’m worried about a car that’s flooded out, I’m worried about my house and the safety of my child.”

These are worries that Harris and others in Daytona Beach neighborhoods continue to deal with.

Harris did update Channel 9 and said that she just got her vehicle back at no charge.

Daytona Beach Police said vehicles are towed during the storms because they can be hazards if left on the road.

Residents are encouraged to contact them if there are any issues.

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