A nonprofit group whose mission is to fight insurance fraud is advocating for legislation to combat what it calls predatory towing practices, when towers charge stranded motorist exorbitant fees.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau said unscrupulous towers have charged as much as $10,000 to tow a car just a few miles.

The group is supporting Florida state legislature bills that would require towers, local governments and the state motor vehicle department to publish certain towing rates.

The nonprofit said the practice is also happening in other states and is urging action to protect consumers nationwide.

“Predatory towing places significant financial burdens on unsuspecting vehicle owners because hidden towing fees and charges can escalate quickly, leaving individuals with an unexpected and hefty expense,” said its senior director of strategy, policy and government affairs, Eric De Campos in a press release.

“In some situations, unscrupulous towers will delay notifying owners that their vehicle has been towed and will hold the car hostage until all towing fees are paid, while racking up significant storage fees.”

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