QuestionQUESTION: I live in Tulare county Ca. My rig and trailer were towed out of a private
parking the tow truck company has changed the amount of the fee 3 diferent
times making it more and more on the second day it was towed I went to try
to recover it only to find out he had added another 1400.00 more than what
he previously had stated. I don't know what to do or were to get help the
police department won't get involved becouse it was parked in a private
property. Is three a limit on what he should charge?
ANSWER: I am not sure if there is a set rate for impounds on vehicles larger than normal cars... Yes the rates that are allowed to be charged are supposed to be equal to either or the local CHP or law enforcement rates for that area...
But if they are changing the rates that much then something is fishy sounding to me...
I would check with the local CHP office and see if the rates are regulated as they are under VC 22658...
I do know that storage fees are high in California but that seems a bit much if that is what is changing the prices...
Best thing is to find a lawyer and see if they think they violated the laws... DMV will also help you in determining if they are breaking any rules or regulations.
But get it out as quick as possible and then file either a small claims court case (not sure if the limits will allow it) or go full court..
Sorry for not having specific information on that one. That is an area I have been studying for a while to get more information.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: thanks for the info. Is it leagal for them to request cash only?
AnswerWell I believe now that California does allow for credit or debit cards to be used, I have seen conflicting information on that one..
But with Checks, credit cards, debit cards and such they can be disputed or stop payments can be placed on the funds....
Cash is the one thing that can not be cancelled at all and as such is the payment of choice on impounds... Plus its kind of easy to hide if someone is not totally honest
