QuestionI want to find out if I was charged excessive fees when towed from my driveway on private property, (mobile home park). It was $194, tow, dollies, $55. The California rule book for tows says it has to be from Highway Patrol guidelines and in line with prevailing rates in the area which makes it more like $65-$85 for 10 mile tow. How can I find out accurate prescribed fees for this tow? I am suing in Small Claims court for vehicle code violations they committed when they released the vehicle. I believe the charges are excessive and that is one violation I am suing for.
Answerthere is a big difference in California of rates charged for towing. Now let me explain a few things here which you bring up.
First of all, each CHP office has rates which apply for tow companies in their area. And the rates change from area to area.
Second the price of 194, 55 do sound right for what I know about a lot of private property impounds. Those also require that the tow company has an office, a fenced secure storage facility and additional insurance coverage for such.
These are also classed as a "PENALTY TOW" and as such tend to have higher price tag due to the "RIGHT NOW" need for tows.
Third the 65 to 85 tow for 10 miles, is generally for a break down tow, which can be scheduled and done as it can be more efficient to work them in with other calls, instead of "DROP EVERYTHING" and go get the impound.
You also do not need a storage yard for commercial towing, and a lot of companies who do commercial towing do not have offices as they run out of the truck all the time. Lower cost of doing business in this case.
Now small claims court, you got that right and just remember that you need lots of proof and evidence of wrong doing to you to win. You have to convince the judge you were wronged.
Good luck and hope you win your case.
