Towing Issues: Vehicle was safelisted and then towed, small claims court, 7 digits

Question
QUESTION: On the evening of February 23rd, 2010, I safelisted my vehicle, a 2007 Chevy Truck. My confirmation number was PD138B2397 with my vin number registered, # 1145831. When I called to let them know that my vehicle was unrightfully towed, the very rude person on the phone, Liz, said that it was not safe listed properly because the Vin was used and not the License Plate #. I told her that when registering my vehicle at their website (http://www.patrolmasters.com/Patrol/Workspace/Safelist.aspx) It asks for License/Vin. She replied that if you have a license plate, you must use a license plate #. I read her back the notes from the safelist page that reads "NOTE: •If you do not receive a confirmation number, your vehicle is not safelisted•If you do not have a license PLATE, you must use the LAST SEVEN (7) DIGITS OF YOUR VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Using anything else WILL invalidate your safe list and you will be subject to a citation or possible tow. It does not say anything about "if you have a license plate, you must use your license plate #" and I received a confirmation number. How can I get my vehicle back without having to pay for the tow?

ANSWER: I am not aware of this system, and I did look at the website.

Not sure what this site really does, and it looks good on paper but I am skeptical to say the least.

Now, in the interest of discussion you can always pay the towing and storage fee and then take it to small claims court.

I really see no way to get it back from the tow company for free, as they did do a service to the property management who called for it to be towed for some reason.  Now someone authorized it to be towed.
And if the tow company was patrolling the lot looking for violations then it cuts out one of the people who authorize tows. But there has to be a blanket authorization which in some cases in California is not legal.

I do not really see why the vehicle was towed for in the question, and depending on the reason for tow, you might have a battle over the towing registered or not.

Talk to the tow company more, not just the dispatcher but try for a manager or the owner. They are the ones who have the authority to change prices or release cars with out charges.
Also talk to the property management and make sure they know what happened.

Remember keep notes and papers involved. You are trying to build a case in your favor and that is what is needed.




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The patroling company (patrol masters) is trying to get me on a technicality. On their website there is a spot to enter a License/Vin #. No where on their website does it say you can't use a vin # to safelist your vehicle if you have a license plate #. There is a line in the notes that reads "If you do not have a license PLATE, you must use the LAST SEVEN (7) DIGITS OF YOUR VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Using anything else WILL invalidate your safe list and you will be subject to a citation or possible tow." They are saying that because of this line, I improperly safelisted my vehicle and that I should have used my License plate #. They are refusing to reimburse the charges. Not sure what to do.

Answer
Well then I guess that you have redeemed the vehicle by paying the fees. After all the storage will continue each day and the price will get higher.

Now you can go the small claims court route and hope to get a judge to agree on the "improper wording" as you call it.

But I bet that they have had a lawyer draw up or review the wording on the form.
You might have a huge battle at this point. But you do have a chance, as if you can get all the evidence and paperwork that will convince the judge to agree or have a reasonable doubt.


Good luck