Towing Issues: question about towing!!, tow truck driver, new insurance

Question
dear, expert mr/mrs:
I would like to ask a question regarding towing a vehicle.yesterday, my brother 's car was towed by a police officer in LA County,CA due to the expired insurence. However, he'd cancelled his last insurance that he had with intention of changing to a better insurance. He appiled for the new one and he was told that he should be getting it within 5 to 7 business days. meanwhile yesterday afternoon, he was pulled over by the officer and was told that his car must be towed. he was asked to sign some paper works provided for him.moreover, he has court cominp this upcomin Jan. (P.S. he has received some receipt from the new insurance company that he's switching into but he did not have it at the time of accident.I was wondering what he could do and what the costs for tow parkings are.he has been told to get the car back within 30 days)i truly appreciate your assistant
      sincerely,
           -cyrus-

Answer
Ok will I am not a lawyer but just a tow truck driver, I think I have the answer for you here.

First of all, insurance is required in most every state in order to get a license and registration for the vehicle (you can thank the insurance companies for this and the associated high premiums to comply with the laws)

When you get insurance you are usually issued receipts and a binder which says you have insurance,and yes it does take a while for the insurance company to actually get you the correct papers for coverage. Agents just issue temporary certificates.

Now if your brother did not have the paper in the vehicle which shows proof of coverage then yes the police had a right to tow the vehicle because it was an illegal vehicle then. Failure to have proof of insurance coverage is why that happens.

Now if he has had an accident during the time that the agent issued the temp papers and the arrival of the real papers he should still be covered.

Now as to the court, usually if you go to court and show proof that you did have the coverage at that time but not in your possession you are USUALLY GOOD..

How ever, in LA California there are also some different City requirements which will have to be paid and met in order to get the correct paperwork to get the vehicle out of impound, such as release fees and papers from the police.
Now as to towing charges, I have no idea of the actual charges for towing in Los Angeles (I am in Alabama)  but those fees will include the hook up, mileage, any additional labor, A DAILY STORAGE FEE(or ground rental fee if you want to call it that ), administrative fees for complying with the laws of notifying the last legal and registered owners for the vehicle, and possibly fees for redeeming the vehicle after normal business hours Mon- Friday  8 am to 5 PM.

And YES he only has so long to get the vehicle back before it becomes to expensive to redeem or is sold at auction..

I hope this gives you some insight as to what you will encounter.