Getting your car towed is stressful. You walk to where you parked, only to find an empty spot. Then you see the towing company’s sticker or a note, and the frustration kicks in.
On top of that, towing charges can be shockingly high. But don’t worry. You can dispute those charges if you think they’re unfair or unlawful.
Why Do Cars Get Towed?
Before we dive into disputing charges, let’s understand why towing happens. Cars are usually towed for a few common reasons:
- Parking Violations: You parked in a no-parking zone, a handicapped spot without a permit, or blocked a driveway.
- Expired Registration: Some areas tow vehicles with expired tags.
- Abandoned Vehicles: If your car looks abandoned (flat tires, broken windows), it might get towed.
- Private Property Rules: Apartment complexes or businesses often tow cars that don’t follow their parking rules.
- City Regulations: During street cleaning, snow emergencies, or events, cities may tow cars to clear roads.
Knowing why your car was towed is the first step to building your case. If the tow seems unjustified, you’re already on the right track to dispute it.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Gather Information
Your car is gone, and you’re upset. That’s normal. But staying calm is key. Panicking won’t help you dispute the charges. Start by gathering information about the tow.
- Find the Towing Company: Look for a sign or sticker where your car was parked. It usually lists the towing company’s name and contact number. If you can’t find it, call the local police or parking authority to track down your car.
- Get the Details: Ask the towing company or police why your car was towed, where it’s being held, and how much the fees are.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the parking area, signs, and any notices. Note the date, time, and location of the tow. This evidence can strengthen your case.
| Item to Document | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Parking Signs | Shows if rules were unclear or missing |
| Tow Notice | Confirms the towing company’s details |
| Photos of Spot | Proves the parking situation |
Step 2: Understand Your Rights
Towing laws vary by state and city, so you need to know your local regulations. Some common rights include:
- Clear Signage: Parking rules must be clearly posted. If signs are missing, faded, or confusing, the tow might be illegal.
- Reasonable Fees: Towing companies can’t charge outrageous amounts. Many areas cap towing and storage fees.
- Prompt Notification: Some places require towing companies to notify you quickly after towing your car.
- Access to Your Car: You should be able to retrieve personal items from your car, even if you can’t pay the fees right away.
Check your city’s website or call the local parking authority to learn the specific rules. For example, in California, towing companies must follow strict guidelines under the California Vehicle Code. If the tow violates these rules, you have a strong case.
Step 3: Review the Charges
Towing fees can add up fast. They often include:
- Towing Fee: The cost of hooking up and moving your car.
- Storage Fee: A daily charge for keeping your car at the tow yard.
- Administrative Fees: Extra costs for paperwork or processing.
Here’s a sample breakdown of towing charges:
| Fee Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Towing Fee | $100-$300 | Depends on distance and vehicle type |
| Storage Fee | $20-$50/day | Increases the longer your car stays |
| Admin Fee | $50-$100 | Often non-negotiable |
If the charges seem excessive or don’t match local regulations, flag them. For instance, if a company charges $500 for a short tow when the city cap is $200, that’s a red flag.
Step 4: Contact the Towing Company
Your first attempt to dispute the charges should be with the towing company. Be polite but firm. Here’s how to approach it:
- Call or Visit: Explain why you think the tow was unfair. Mention any evidence, like missing signs or incorrect fees.
- Ask for a Breakdown: Request a detailed invoice of the charges.
- Negotiate: Some companies may lower fees to avoid a formal dispute. For example, they might waive the storage fee if you pay quickly.
If the towing company refuses to budge, don’t give up. You have other options.
Step 5: File a Formal Complaint
If the towing company won’t cooperate, escalate the issue. Depending on your situation, you can:
- Contact the Local Parking Authority: Many cities have a department that oversees towing. File a complaint if the tow violated local laws.
- Report to the Better Business Bureau (BBB): If the company’s practices seem shady, a BBB complaint can pressure them to respond.
- File a Small Claims Lawsuit: If the fees are high and the tow was illegal, consider suing the towing company in small claims court. This is often affordable and doesn’t require a lawyer.
When filing a complaint, include:
- Your evidence (photos, notices, etc.).
- A clear explanation of why the tow was unfair.
- Copies of any communication with the towing company.
Step 6: Seek a Hearing or Appeal
Some cities offer a formal hearing process for towing disputes. For example:
- Parking Ticket Hearings: If your car was towed due to a ticket, you can contest the ticket. If the ticket is dismissed, the towing fees may be refunded.
- Towing Appeals: Certain areas allow you to appeal a tow directly with the city. Check your local government’s website for details.
Act quickly, as there’s often a deadline (like 7-30 days) to request a hearing. Bring all your evidence and be prepared to explain your case clearly.
Step 7: Prevent Future Tows
Once you’ve dealt with the current tow, take steps to avoid this headache in the future:
- Read Signs Carefully: Double-check parking rules, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- Park in Designated Spots: Avoid private lots or questionable spaces unless you’re sure it’s allowed.
- Keep Registration Current: Renew your tags on time to avoid towing for expired registration.
- Know Your Area’s Rules: If you live in a complex or gated community, follow their parking policies.
Tips for Success
Disputing towing charges takes patience, but these tips can boost your chances:
- Be Organized: Keep all documents, photos, and communications in one place.
- Stay Polite: Being respectful, even when frustrated, makes people more likely to help you.
- Act Fast: Delays can weaken your case or lead to higher storage fees.
- Know When to Get Help: If the fees are high or the case is complex, consult a consumer lawyer or legal aid service.
FAQs: How to Dispute Towing Charges
Q. Can I dispute a tow if I didn’t see the parking signs?
A. Yes. If signs were missing, hidden, or unclear, you can argue the tow was illegal. Take photos to prove your point.
Q. How long do I have to dispute towing charges?
A. It depends on your city. Most places give you 7-30 days to file a complaint or request a hearing. Check local rules.
Q. Can I get my car back without paying the fees upfront?
A. In some areas, you can retrieve personal items but may need to pay to release the car. Ask about payment plans if you can’t afford the fees.
Q. What if the towing company refuses to negotiate?
A. File a complaint with the local parking authority or consider small claims court. Don’t let them bully you into paying unfair fees.
Wrapping Up
Disputing towing charges isn’t fun, but it’s doable. By staying calm, gathering evidence, and following the steps above, you can fight unfair fees and maybe even get your money back.
Start by understanding why your car was towed, check local laws, and don’t hesitate to escalate if the towing company won’t budge.
With a little persistence, you can turn a stressful situation into a win. Got more questions? Your local parking authority or city website is a great place to dig deeper.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Towing laws vary by location, so consult your local regulations or a legal professional for specific guidance. We are not responsible for any outcomes from following the steps outlined here.
