Towing Fees for a Stolen Vehicle

[member08]

My question involves towing in the state of: California

My car was stolen and recovered a month later about 2 hours away. CHP notified me the next day (Phew! Not like other stories I read on here). Called towing place to see how much everything cost. Lady who answered said $350 for towing, $45 each day for storing fee. I initially wanted to hand the title over to the tow place but debating about it now because of the mass numbers of stories saying that they got billed hundreds of dollars even after doing so. The next day (Saturday), I was told by the guy who towed my car that the lady yesterday mistakenly read the amount because towing is $450. I asked why the amount was so high and he replied that it was because it took him over 2 hours to get my car back (40 miles roundtrip); plus time that was spent to do all the paper and wait for the person who wanted to meet up at the shop to perform an investigation. TOTAL= $450 plus $45/day for storage fee. I then requested a Towing Fee and Access Notice from the company and was denied it. I'd like to quote the lady on the phone: "You know what? Why don't you just come and see the car for yourself then? I'm so tired of having to deal with you and this car. I don't see the purpose of your dispute."

I apologized to her for wanting a bit of information before I made a 2-hour trip. I don't mind paying to get my car back but I feel $450 for towing is kind of excessive. What do you think? Any ideas or advice?

[cdwjava]

I initially wanted to hand the title over to the tow place but debating about it now because of the mass numbers of stories saying that they got billed hundreds of dollars even after doing so.

That is because if the vehicle does not net them at least their costs at auction, you would still be on the hook for the balance owed.

I apologized to her for wanting a bit of information before I made a 2-hour trip. I don't mind paying to get my car back but I feel $450 for towing is kind of excessive. What do you think? Any ideas or advice?

Yes, it is high, but they also incur expenses and have to pay their bills. If your insurance company does not cover these costs, then you really have two choices: sign it over to them, or pay and get it out. Every day it stays will cost you more money.

You can ask for an itemized bill and the Towing Access and Fee Notice, and take them to Small Claims Court if the rates are excessive. You can compare it to the local CHP tow contract (should be public record) and see if the rates you were quoted are the same.

[member08]

Do you think a job that takes over an hour is documented properly for legitimacy?

[cdwjava]

Do you think a job that takes over an hour is documented properly for legitimacy?

Often times the hook up is a flat rate, and the distance is another rate. It could be that the hook was $350, and there was another $100 for distance traveled, or for the time expended. I don't know. A copy of the impound and tow contract they have with the local CHP office (where this occurred) should spell out all their fees they are expected to charge you.

Where I am the hook up is typically $195 plus an additional $50 for the first day's storage once it gets to the yard. If they have to use special equipment, there's an additional cost. If it takes more than an hour, more. I'm in a moderately depressed part of the state so our rates on everything tend to fall less than in the metropolitan areas where an initial tow costing nearly $300 would not be out of the question.

[member08]

Yes. I asked only because the tow person said they charge $200/hr and it took him over 2 hours, therefore $450. It's complicated and a lot of money spent on a car that isn't even worth the price I'm going to have to pay for it. I will call CHP first thing Monday morning for this information. I will most likely pick up my car as well (hopefully it'll work with a new battery for it was the only thing missing). I certainly don't want anymore fees adding up.

[cdwjava]

Have you spoken to your insurance company? You may be covered for towing from the tow yard home if that is necessary. Heck, they may even cover the original impound.

But, if the car is so poor, then I suspect all you have is liability. If so, then you may well eat this.

- - - Updated - - -

Here is information on the CHP's TSA for tow companies. It contains some general information on rates, duties, and responsibilities. Section 12 covers information on rates (nopt specifics, but what guidelines the local contracts must follow):

http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/pdf/12_13TSA.pdf

[member08]

That's correct! If everything is confirmed and charged accordingly as it is stated on paper, I'm not going to fight it. I just needed references for assurance.

Thanks a lot!