Towing Issues: Jetta Woflsburg Towing - Engine Damage, jetta wolfsburg edition, road debris

Question
Hello,

My 2001 Jetta Wolfsburg edition was recently towed to a dealership (16.1 miles) by a local company. The car had stopped running correctly due to a factory recall on ignition coils (and replaced free of charge). There were no other problems with the car at that time.

After arrival at the dealership (but not noticed for 3 days due to a weekend), oil had almost completely drained from the motor. The tow truck used was the type that clamps the front wheels and uses a hydraulic lift of some sort to suspend the front of the car while towing. This is a very common tow method, I believe.

This edition of the car is very low, offering only a few inches of clearance in the front (less than 5). Damage caused includes a hole in the oilpan, and damage to both engine skirts (the ones that protect the engine from road debris).

My questions are: Should the tow company know how to tow every vehicle? Should I (as the owner) be expected (or even allowed!) to inspect the tow setup to ensure damage wouldn't be caused? Finally, Should I pursue the company for the damage caused to my vehicle? The repair (just the oilpan replacement) cost me $531.82. That's a lot for messing up a tow.

I've asked them for payment, but haven't had any response yet.

If all else fails, I'd like this to be a warning to other owners of very low cars of any make/model. Towing like this can be damaging.

Thanks,
Scott

Answer
If it was a self loading wheel lift then this could be the problem. Often drivers do not get out to hook up the vehicles. A standard wheel lift should not have caused damage unless the operator had the lift too high when extending it under the vehicle. Was there any paint on the oil pan or skirts or could they claim it bottomed out on the roadway? These are things you need to consider. The towing company is responsible for damage and it may be that the vehicle should have required a rollback (flat bed). I cannot access my AAA manual right now to see if it is recommended for your vehicle. Write back and I will check further.