Towing Issues: Impound Fee, tow company, vehicle owner


Question
My company had reported a car stolen on 11-28-08 in Ohio and we were just informed that the car was impounded in Ohio on 11-12-08 and we were never notified of the impounded car.  We we became aware of the impound when an employee was picking up another car an noticed our stolen car at the impound lot.  The car was impounded by the police and we were never notified by the police or tow company. The tow company is askin that we pay $7,300 for tow and storage.  Is there any laws in ohio that require that the police or tow company notify the owner of the car that it was impounded?  

Answer
If I understand correctly the vehicle was impounded before it was reported stolen. It also depends on what city you are in. Some municipalities add to state codes. Ohio state code does however have the following:

303.08 IMPOUNDING OF VEHICLES; REDEMPTION.
(a) Police officers are authorized to provide for the removal of a vehicle under the following circumstances:
(3) When any vehicle has been stolen or operated without the consent of the owner and is located upon either public or private property.

(b) Any vehicle removed under authority of Subsection (a)(2) hereof shall be ordered into storage and/or disposed of as provided under Ohio R.C. 4513.60 et seq. Any other vehicle removed under authority of this Section shall be ordered into storage and the Municipal police shall forthwith notify the registered vehicle
owner of the fact of such removal and impounding, reasons therefor and the place of storage.

Let me know if you need more info or can provide more details