Following heavy rainfall in Dubai and Sharjah, residents are facing inflated towing costs for vehicles abandoned on waterlogged streets. Many report price hikes of over 200%, adding financial strain.
Shahzod Karimov, a restaurant owner from Uzbekistan, found himself among the affected residents after leaving his car in Al Barsha during the downpour on April 16. “I parked my car on the roadside when I heard unusual engine noises and returned on April 18 to assess the water level and retrieve my vehicle,” explained Karimov, owner of a Lincoln MKZ.
When Karimov arranged for a towing truck, he was shocked to be quoted Dh600 to transport his vehicle to a friend’s garage in Umm Ramool, a journey that typically costs AED 250 to AED 300. This substantial increase in fees raised concerns.
Andrew, a Meydan resident, shared a similar experience, paying AED 550 to tow his BMW 530i just five kilometers to Al Quoz from the Meydan exit on Al Khail Road, a route usually costing AED 150. “For a distance of under 10km, the standard rate should be below AED 150,” said Andrew.
The sharp rise in towing charges has left many residents struggling financially as they try to retrieve their stranded vehicles. “I couldn’t leave my vehicle unattended on the road, so I paid the recovery specialist the amount he demanded,” said Andrew.
Automobile experts in Dubai and Sharjah note a surge in demand for vehicle recovery and a significant increase in towing fees following the heavy rains.
“Towing trucks are charging nearly 150% more due to the heightened demand for their services after the floods,” said an automobile expert based in Al Quoz.
Towing truck companies defend their pricing, citing the risks involved in their recovery operations. Haneef, a towing specialist, highlighted the potential damage to trucks and the substantial repair costs. “We take significant risks in extracting vehicles from the water, which can lead to damage to us and our trucks,” he said.
Bashar, another towing truck specialist, emphasized their efforts to meet the surge in demand. “We have mobilized additional resources to ensure prompt assistance to residents in need during this challenging period,” he said.