Towing Issues: cost of tow?, police tows, squeeky wheel

Question
My car was stolen in Nov 03. I was contacted last thurs. it had been recovered. My question is about the tow bill. I would like to know if it is correct. They picked up my vehicle near my home. They say it was a personal property call from a homeowners association where it was abanoned. Then they towed it to two cities away from my home and stored it for 3 days.I'm not worried about the three days. I'm concerned about the charge of towing the 2 cities over. I feel they should have checked who owned the car prior to towing! I paid the bill of $414.00 to get my car but is there something I can do now?

Answer
I wish I could give you detailed information on your question, however, towing policies are different from State to State, and city to city. Most police departments contract tow companies to do their police tows.  If the police found your car, and were unable to reach you at the phone number you put on the police report, then they would store it.  

Where I work, as well as other companies, mileage is charged after a specified distance.  My mileage starts at the city limits.  

Unfortunately, you are at the mercy of whomever the police contract to tow your vehicle.  Many aspects control what company a PD will hire--location, respectablity, integrity, reputation, honest pricing, and professionalism to name a few.  The tow yard may have been two cities away, however, you must look at the totality of the situation.  Did the company returned your car to you using all the aforementioned attributes?  If they did, it was not too high of price to pay.

Other than trying to make you feel good about a bad situation, I can only suggest you contact your City Hall and find out what municipal codes pertain in your location. Ask: How are tow contracts awarded?  Are there set fees? Could they have used a closer tow company? Contact the PD's records division and find out when your car was found, and if anybody attempted to call you.  Be assertive.  Remember, the squeeky wheel gets the grease.  If somebody made an error, you may have grounds for civil action.

Hopefully, I have given you some ideas that can help.  

Good luck,

Vern Geiger