The Better Government Association recently published an editorial highlighting a controversial practice by several local fire departments in the Chicago area: charging non-residents for emergency services during motor vehicle accidents. This issue, which has been quietly gaining traction, raises serious concerns about fairness and accountability.
As part of our mission to identify potential problems before they escalate, we uncovered a growing trend that isn’t about actual emergencies — but rather about budget shortfalls. Many fire departments are turning to what some call a “crash tax,†where accident victims are billed for the cost of emergency response, even if they’re not at fault or the incident is minor.
According to our investigation, at least 15 suburbs in Cook County now charge non-residents for fire department services following car crashes. These charges can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the number of units and personnel involved. Some departments charge by the hour, while others use flat fees — and in many cases, the costs are passed along to the drivers, not their insurance companies.
This practice is problematic for several reasons. First, it targets individuals who are already in a vulnerable position — those who’ve just been in an accident. Second, it creates a system where the ability to pay determines whether someone gets relief from a collection agency. And third, it introduces a level of unpredictability, as insurance companies may deny claims, leaving drivers with unexpected debt.
Take Daryl Jenkins Jr., for example. He received a $390 bill after his brother’s SUV caught fire. The Broadview Fire Department responded quickly, but the fee was still charged. The department argues that non-residents don’t contribute to local property taxes, so they shouldn’t expect free services. But this logic doesn’t always hold up when the fees are far below the actual cost of operations.
While we understand the financial pressures on local governments, we believe there needs to be more transparency and protection for residents. Charging for emergency services should never come at the expense of those who are already dealing with the aftermath of an accident.
If this practice continues, safeguards must be put in place to ensure fairness, prevent abuse, and protect people from being hit with surprise bills. After all, public safety should never be a luxury.
Thanks, Dan.
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