Towing Issues: Vehicle storage charges., california dmv, dmv web

Question
QUESTION: I just opened a towing service, and I recently got a call to tow a vehicle from the registered owner. I towed and fixed the car but the person has not picked up the car in 90 days I have no registration in the car and don't know what the next step is besides sending a lien sale. Will someone need to pay me for the 90 days of storage on the car??

ANSWER: Well good luck on the towing service, its a tough time to be starting a business.

Now as to what to do and how to get paid. That is the Billion dollar question here, as each state has different rules, regulations and laws which govern the lien process, and add in the fact that it appears from your question that you also "preformed mechanical services" which in many states is a different lien process than a towing and storage lien.

Yes someone is responsible but getting them to "PONY UP THE MONEY" will be rough as it looks like they have no interest in the vehicle since it has been over 90 days.

Check out your state laws, and that will be a great starting point. Also check out your state towing association (web search will help there) and you might get some answers.

And then there are several "towing forums" online where you can get information and also network with fellow towers about issues which all of us face daily.


The towing forums are linked below.

www.tow411.net

www.priceperpound.info

www.towtalk.net

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

QUESTION: Okay, I'm out of california. They told me I had to send out a lein sale on or the 10th day, however does that still apply when the registered owner ordered the service??

My understanding was that the lien sale only needed to be sent out on rotation calls.

Answer
You need to go to the California DMV web site and check out the "LIEN" section...

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vc_index_l.htm

Link below, and see what sections apply to your operation on stored vehicles, or abandoned vehicles.   Worse case is that you need to contact DMV and see what sections would apply and if you can collect the full storage or you lose it all since there was no notices done.

Wish I could help, but not being a California company I am lost in most of the special rules.

California Tow Truck Association is also has a lot of information and if you call them they might be able to help you also....

http://www.ctta.com