RACV tows wrong car from Chadstone car park

Bobman · 10-09-2010, 07:57 PM

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/vic...-1225916716879

Quote:

FINDING a shopping centre car space is hard enough but one young driver has found that keeping one can be even more challenging.

Ashleigh Tomas's car was wrongly towed from Chadstone Shopping Centre late last month after the RACV failed to check who owned it.

An elderly man mistakenly identified the vehicle as his, calling the RACV when the keys didn't work.

Ms Tomas, who returned from work to find a different car where she had parked, spent half an hour desperately scouring the carpark, fearing her car had been stolen.

It was only after contacting centre security the 21-year-old found out the car had been towed.

The RACV has apologised and offered an insurance upgrade worth about $100 but Ms Tomas said it wasn't good enough for the time lost and stress endured.

A window seal damaged when the car was broken into still requires repair.

"I thought it was a bit of a slap in the face," Ms Tomas said.

"I do not think it reflected the magnitude of their negligence.

"Most people hold the RACV on a pedestal and they seem to be infallible.

"But something like this just proves otherwise."

A workshop mechanic realised the 81-year-old man had mistaken Ms Tomas's Holden Astra for his recently bought car.

The car was strewn with Ms Tomas's clothing and had a university parking window sticker.

RACV automotive services general manager Guy Hummerston said the car was returned immediately once the error was realised and placed under the care of Chadstone security.

Police were also notified.

"This is the first time a vehicle has been mistakenly towed and RACV regrets that the owner of the vehicle was in any way disadvantaged," Mr Hummerston said.

"However, RACV acted in good faith to assist a member who was adamant the vehicle was his."

Ms Tomas, of Mulgrave, said she spoke out about the bungle in the hope it wouldn't happen again.

"I think it is gross incompetence," she said.

"What company has the right to exercise that power with people's private property?

"They obviously did not feel the need to ask any questions or do any more registration or identity checks."

The girl is a friend of my girlfriend's and I have to say this is a bloody disgrace.

How could the RACV guy not even bother to check the number plate? Car keys don't stop working for no reason and as the complainant was elderly, surely some common sense should have come into play?

What a joke and poor girl! How would you guys react if your Falcon was towed? I'd be fairly peeved.

Bobman · 10-09-2010, 08:07 PM

It's on the 7pm project tonight (channel 10).

XR6Runner · 10-09-2010, 08:21 PM

It was a mistake partaken by the insurance company. But, as been said before, we are not computers, people make mistakes. She seemed to be taken care of in a professional manner.

I think she's just trying to get some $$$ out of it. An honest mistake, which was rectified with compensation. In the end it all turned out ok.

Bobman · 10-09-2010, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6Runner

It was a mistake partaken by the insurance company. But, as been said before, we are not computers, people make mistakes. She seemed to be taken care of in a professional manner.

There is no mistake about not checking a registration number. There was nothing professional about it at all. Just bureaucrats at RACV trying to water it down.

If someone mistakenly towed your XR6 away, would you be saying the same thing? I don't think so!

JC · 10-09-2010, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6Runner

It was a mistake partaken by the insurance company. But, as been said before, we are not computers, people make mistakes. She seemed to be taken care of in a professional manner.

I think she's just trying to get some $$$ out of it. An honest mistake, which was rectified with compensation. In the end it all turned out ok.

You're joking, right? Fair compensation would be in the $000's based on the mental anguish sustained.

The towie should be replaced as well.

GS608 · 10-09-2010, 08:34 PM

Honestly don't see the big deal about it, the car was returned and they apologised as well as offering compensation. Some bloke took the old fellas word as the truth (come on an honest mistake, don't be so harsh) and towed it.

Like always people want blood for the most trivial things.

JC · 10-09-2010, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6Runner

It was a mistake partaken by the insurance company. But, as been said before, we are not computers, people make mistakes. She seemed to be taken care of in a professional manner.

I think she's just trying to get some $$$ out of it. An honest mistake, which was rectified with compensation. In the end it all turned out ok.

You're joking, right? Fair compensation would be in the $000's based on the mental anguish sustained.

The towie should be replaced as well.

In fact, I'm not sure the old bloke shouldn't be charged with conspiracy to steal.

Bucknaked · 10-09-2010, 08:36 PM

I think it really depends on if theres damage to the vehicle. If not, then of course I'd be cranky, but whats done is done and theres no point chest beating when it won't achieve anything. The tow operator will be dealt with and while he's made an innocent mistake, if he's genuinely sorry, and you get repairs and an apology, then that should be end of story. I'd hate to see him lose his job over a genuine mistake. Who knows his personal circumstances and who this will affect his livelyhood.

Auslandau · 10-09-2010, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bucknaked

I think it really depends on if theres damage to the vehicle. If not, then of course I'd be cranky, but whats done is done and theres no point chest beating when it won't achieve anything. The tow operator will be dealt with and while he's made an innocent mistake, if he's genuinely sorry, and you get repairs and an apology, then that should be end of story. I'd hate to see him lose his job over a genuine mistake. Who knows his personal circumstances and who this will affect his livelyhood.

Too easy these days it seems to shoot now, ask questions later. Mistakes are made, some are stupid and in hindsight, well thats a wonderful thing. Of course I would be peed off but in the end I would have a chuckle ...... but then I know I am not perfect unlike so many others these days who obviously wouldn't make a silly mistake in their life.

FgNewbie · 10-09-2010, 09:22 PM

Before shooting the towie, I would ask...

Was an RACV patrolman involved in which car the towing contractor was instructed to tow?

Next I question if the towie was given the correct rego of the wrong car or if they were solely responsible for the screw up.

Gaz · 10-09-2010, 10:52 PM

an insurance 'upgrade' worth $100.. how did they upgrade her insurance..?

I'd be asking for free insurance for a few years

pottery beige · 10-09-2010, 11:09 PM

i stuff up at work everyday.... lucky some of you bozos dont hear about it..... la la....

Barry_v · 11-09-2010, 12:02 AM

i laughed at the 81 year old buying a new car. optimisim is alive and well.

music189 · 11-09-2010, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FgNewbie

Before shooting the towie, I would ask...

Was an RACV patrolman involved in which car the towing contractor was instructed to tow?

Next I question if the towie was given the correct rego of the wrong car or if they were solely responsible for the screw up.

Let me quess "the Old bloke involved insisited it was his car, as he just bought it and was sure it was his" probably didnt even think it wasnt his same colour same model must be "mine"

Bobman · 11-09-2010, 12:34 AM

I had one RACV bloke tow my Mum's car once and he dragged it in 'park' before I rushed over to tell him that you have to put your foot on the brake to engage 'neutral' on the transmission.

Yeah, everyone makes mistakes. However, to "steal" someone else's car like this and still call it a mistake is a bit far fetched. That's like stealing a police car because your BA GT has blue stripes...

FgNewbie · 11-09-2010, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by music189

Let me quess "the Old bloke involved insisited it was his car, as he just bought it and was sure it was his" probably didnt even think it wasnt his same colour same model must be "mine"

music189 your reply went over my head.

I think the incident was disgusting and the upgrade offer offensive.

Like anyone else, some towies deserve what they get, some are good blokes, some I avoid. Before others suggest what to do with the tow operator, I still question the circumstances.

The old bloke insisted to who? RACV on the phone, an RACV patrolman that possibly assessed the situation, the towing contractor that was dispatched by RACV with what instructions?

Bobman · 11-09-2010, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FgNewbie

The old bloke insisted to who? RACV on the phone, an RACV patrolman that possibly assessed the situation, the towing contractor that was dispatched by RACV with what instructions?

Just on all three. A patrolman attends to assess and then orders a tow truck. Everyone involved failed to use their brains as a simple registration plate check would have solved every problem. That's kind of what they're meant to check for on the phone. Car keys don't stop working for no reason either and the towing contractor could have used some sense to ask if the registration matched.

FgNewbie · 11-09-2010, 01:18 AM

Thanks Bobman. I used to work for an NRMA contractor in Sydney many years ago. It wasn't uncommon to get a job and be told the plate didn't match the membership.

Back then, normally if the plate didn't match the membership, the member had to pay for the tow on the spot so everyone checked the details hoping for a cashie. I don't know anyone that towed the wrong plate with the wrong keys... that is beyond a screw up.

XR Martin · 11-09-2010, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry_v

i laughed at the 81 year old buying a new car. optimisim is alive and well.

My neighbour turned 90 earlier in the year and bought a new car a few years ago. (and still drives it of course)

**Dave R** · 11-09-2010, 03:26 AM

Well basically the RACV stole the vehicle.. it wasn't theirs, it wasn't the member's and they towed it + broke into it. This is not excusable as a simple error, it was gross negligence and they should face the appropriate consequences. If any of us towed a vehicle from a carpark then broke into it, even by mistake, we'd be charged with theft. Heads should roll and the young lady should be appropriately compensated for having her car stolen.

onfire · 11-09-2010, 03:49 AM

I did a similar thing yesterday. Walked up to my car in the parking lot. Pressed the key. No response. Looked around, thinking it didn't work. Noticed a heap of white-ish mud covering the wheels and all along the sides of the car.. started getting confused... pressed the key again.. somethings wrong " whose moved my car? My bloody girlfriend!! " .. looked up theres my car, two bays across.

Had another situation when I first moved into my new place. The previous owner, had organised a final reading on the meter, thinking he wouldn't have sold the place by this certain date.

Came home, no power. A nice little letter had been left in the power box, regarding the cancellation of service. This on a Friday afternoon. When contacted, the power-company at the time tells me all this and " oh! So and so doesn't live there and hasn't for a month and half... oh well, sorry.. na we cant put the power back on till Monday. "

Get this, that power bill I forward to his new address a week earlier had been paid. Idiot.

chevypower · 11-09-2010, 06:08 AM

Wow I just hope from now on I make no mistakes also. I would hate to owe thousands of dollars because of a simple slip up. And being demanded to change careers each time I make a mistake too. It's worth some compensation, but not thousands of dollars! Get over it and move on!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

If any of us towed a vehicle from a carpark then broke into it, even by mistake, we'd be charged with theft. Heads should roll and the young lady should be appropriately compensated for having her car stolen.

So there is no difference between a towing company making a mistake and somebody deliberately stealing a car? Come on, seriously???? That was a joke, right?

I just hope that one day I can achieve the same level of perfection that some of you obviously have.

302 XC · 11-09-2010, 09:16 AM

Just on this RACV thing, not sure if its the same down there as in QLD
But when the minister bought a car from her brother he still used his RACQ membership to get it fixed
The mates mother has the best RACQ coverage actually covers her in ANY car,we used that when me mates car broke down,but mummy was with him
That included an on site repair (to no avail)and a FREE tow to the holding yard
They usually check some sort of ID and other checks before commensing work
Yes some towies are a bit on the dodgy side (not all)
But so one operator beleives an 81 year old and gets roasted !!!
Well guys i hope when you all get to 81 that all your senses are 100%

edit:
A lot of towies i no WONT pik up cars from a phone conversation for this very reason

blownvn · 11-09-2010, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onfire

I did a similar thing yesterday. Walked up to my car in the parking lot. Pressed the key. No response. Looked around, thinking it didn't work. Noticed a heap of white-ish mud covering the wheels and all along the sides of the car.. started getting confused... pressed the key again.. somethings wrong " whose moved my car? My bloody girlfriend!! " .. looked up theres my car, two bays across.

I rmember jumping in my car at the drags when the staging lanes started moving and thinking, "WTF? The seat must have collapsed because it feels like I'm sitting on the floor."

I look up and there's the owner, make that "Very large owner" standing at the door looking at me like, "WTF!"
We had identical coloured VN Commodores and mine was a further three or four cars up the line. We both had a laugh about it afterwards.

LTDHO · 11-09-2010, 10:15 AM

Ms Thomas needs to stop and take a look at herself. She is sad and pathetic.
A massive business has made a simple error and then fixed error and provided her with compensation. Is she saying in her limited time on earth she has never made a mistake?
Gross negligence? Get real! one minor error has come to her not having a car for a while.

It began with someone (who shouldn't even have a car or a licence) telling a motoring organisation that his keys don't work in (what he thought) his car. So he got it towed.

3vXT · 11-09-2010, 11:34 AM

This is a bloody outrage! I'm going to write a letter to someone immediately (its going to be an old school letter with pen and paper so they know i'm serious).

The towie, his wife and children should all be dragged out onto the road at 3am and shot.

Also, if i were a RACV shareholder, i'd want to see some pics of the girls mental anguish before i hand over $100 worth of insurance discount (or whatever). Perhaps a Ralph shoot is in order?

EDIT: I also think the government should dock the 81yo's pension by 53% until the young lass' uni fees are paid for. Its only fair, she thought someone had stolen her Astra FFS.

Jim Goose · 11-09-2010, 12:00 PM

Mountain.... molehill

MAGPIE · 11-09-2010, 12:02 PM

Gee there are some knobs in this thread, you Aussies are getting more like the Yanks everyday with your "sue them" & "I want compensation" mentality.

Poor old codger makes a mistake, then large organisation makes a mistake and all hell breaks loose, get over it.

Sad & pathetic about sums it up.

JamesR · 11-09-2010, 12:56 PM

i have RACV Total Care. they will assist any car i am in, even as a passenger.
so if the old bloke had the same, the rego details dont mean anything.
i had my mums old EA wagon towed home one night cos the motor died.
the towie asked about the problem, i said its dead, he put it on the truck, no further questions..

so basically, the old bloke made an honest mistake, and a tow truck driver did his job.
so long as RACV repair any damage, and offer a decent apology, that should be it.

Jack91 · 11-09-2010, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevypower

I just hope that one day I can achieve the same level of perfection that some of you obviously have.

Just hang in there and keep trying. It wont happen overnight, but it WILL happen.