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
A CT DMV task force was asked to develop towing reforms. As deadline looms, members struggle to agree.
The group was part of a legislative overhaul prompted by a CT Mirror/ProPublica investigation that found the state’s laws favored towing companies.
Connecticut DMV fires employee who made thousands selling towed cars
Investigators found the longtime employee traded favors with a towing company to purchase vehicles at a steep discount, according to a termination letter.
DMV commissioner proposes simplifying sale process of towed cars
Tony Guerrera called his proposal a compromise between tow companies and advocates, but they say it wouldn’t protect vehicle owners enough.
CT towing companies frequently value cars low, allowing them to sell vehicles quickly
Some Connecticut tow companies have made a pattern of valuing cars low and then selling them, a CT Mirror and ProPublica analysis found.