Questionmy 1994 voyager was stolen in irvington nj on saturday 10/14/07, i received a call monday evening stating that the van had been recovered. my issue is the tow company is charging me $387 plus $35 each additional day that the van stays on the lot. how is it that my van was stolen and i have to pay to get it back, not only that i'm not even allowed to see it before i pay the fee. how can i make a decision on whether or not to keep it or dispose of it with out seeing the damage to access whether it's worth getting back? is this legal?
AnswerWell sorry to hear about the theft, but it's great that you can get it back...
Now the issue about the payment of towing and storage fees, I really want to know who you think should pay them. Insurance for theft and other issues are a choice that you as the vehicle owner make. So if there is not full coverage then you the vehicle owner are liable for the costs..
Or you think that tow companies are tax payer supported like police and fire departments... Tow companies are private businesses and as such charge for the service they provide to recover, preserve - safeguard the vehicle from further damage.
Now as to letting you see the vehicle without paying, I honestly have to say that what are the chances that you do not want the vehicle and will leave it at the tow company?
It is amazing that people think vehicles are worth huge amounts of money after they are wrecked... In truth most tow companies do lose money trying to dispose of vehicles..
Now as to preventing you from viewing the vehicle, I notice you are in New Jersey.. Unfortunately for me, New Jersey just changed laws on towing, and as such I have not got the current updated ones for my reference... But I would check with the agency who recovered the vehicle and had it towed. Towing services have contracts with the Police and as such have laws they have to obey..
Yes storage fees are legal also for each day the vehicle is on the lot taking up space...
Hope this helps a bit
