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Area fire departments and districts seeking new revenue streams (more)
The Better Government Association recently published an editorial highlighting a growing concern: some local fire departments in the Chicago area are charging non-residents for emergency services following motor vehicle accidents. This practice, often referred to as a "crash tax," has sparked debate over fairness, accountability, and the ethics of billing accident victims.
As part of our mission to identify early warning signs of systemic issues, we looked into this trend and found that at least 15 suburbs in Cook County now charge out-of-town drivers for emergency response. Whether it's a minor fender bender or a major collision, these fees can add up quickly. Some departments charge hourly rates—up to $400 per engine and $75 per firefighter—while others use flat fees ranging from $435 to $2,200.
These charges are typically billed to the driver’s insurance company, but what happens when the claim is denied? That’s where things get complicated. In one case, Daryl Jenkins Jr. of Berkeley received a $390 bill after a small fire broke out under the hood of his SUV. His brother had called 911, and the Broadview Fire Department responded within 11 minutes. But even though the incident was minor, Jenkins was still charged.
The fire department argues that non-residents don’t pay property taxes, so they shouldn’t expect free services. While this logic may seem fair on the surface, the reality is that these fees rarely cover the full cost of operations. Instead, they often serve as a way to offset budget shortfalls, which raises serious concerns.
This practice can be exploitative, especially when collection agencies are involved. It also opens the door for abuse—if departments send more resources than necessary just to increase the bill, it undermines public trust. Plus, the system is inconsistent, as whether a claim is reimbursed depends entirely on the insurance company.
We understand that communities need creative solutions to fund essential services. But when it comes to emergency responders, there should be clear safeguards in place to protect those who have already experienced a traumatic event. Charging people for help after an accident feels like adding insult to injury.
Let’s not forget that first responders are there to save lives, not to collect fees. If this practice continues, it needs to be carefully regulated to ensure it doesn’t become a tool for financial exploitation rather than a means of public service.
Thanks, Dan.