On the Hook
An ongoing series exploring how the Connecticut DMV allows tow companies to sell people’s cars.
By Dave Altimari and Ginny Monk in collaboration with ProPublica.
Gone in 15 days: How the Connecticut DMV allows tow companies to sell people’s cars
The sales have particularly affected low-income people, who have lost jobs after they were unable to get their cars back.
Connecticut DMV never set up system to enforce a century-old towing law
Towing companies can sell vehicles if owners don’t reclaim them. They’re supposed to turn over unclaimed profits, but that’s never happened.
How a Connecticut DMV employee made thousands by selling towed cars
A towing company cut DMV lines in exchange for discounts on towed cars, an internal DMV report says, showing the agency’s oversight failures.
Has your car been towed in Connecticut? Share your story and help us investigate.
The Connecticut Mirror and ProPublica need your help to investigate towing practices in CT. We’d like to hear from you if your car was towed.
podcast episode
PODCAST: CT laws favor tow companies, hurt low-income drivers
CT Mirror’s Dave Altimari discuss his story, written with Ginny Monk and Haru Coryne of ProPublica, about a decades-old towing law.
more reporting
Bill limiting when towing companies can sell cars passes CT Senate
A bill that would require towing companies to consider the age of a towed vehicle before it’s sold breezed through the CT Senate Wednesday.
Some CT towing companies are ignoring new law aimed at helping low-income residents
Residents say companies continue to patrol public housing and low-income apartment complexes and tow cars for minor violations.
Lawmakers consider ways to protect home health care workers from towing
The bill seeks solutions to the lack of parking for providers whose cars are sometimes ticketed or towed while they treat their patients.
CT DMV commissioner calls for more reforms to towing law
The recommendations would require more notifications to car owners and streamline the process for selling unclaimed vehicles in CT.