Towing Issues: Towing Company Problem, california highway patrol, storage charge

Question
My husband parked our car in a visitor parking space at an apartment complex not knowing that we needed a permit for visitor parking.  It was towed that day. When we called the towing company, they gave us the price.  They said it would cost 190.00 for the tow and 45.00 for storage.  I looked up the laws on charging for towing.  According to CA civil code 22658 the towing company is not allowed to charge more than they would charge the CHP for towing/storing a vehicle and they must "make available for inspection and copying his or her rate approved by the California Highway Patrol."  They must also obtain written authorization from the property owner and "the towing company prior to payment of a towing or storage charge shall provide a photocopy of the written authorization to the vehicle owner."  When my husband went to pick up the car, they refused to provide either of these.  I called the CHP and they told me to contact the apartment manager.  I went to the apartment manager, and she told me that she did not have a copy of the letter.  It is a form that she just signs.  I called the towing company once again.  They refused to show me either of the things that I am allowed to see by law.  I just want to make sure that I was charged the correct amount.  The lady at the towing company was very rude and sarcastically thanked me for informing her about the law.  What can I do?

Answer
well I am going to address the part about the dispatcher first, I know that when I am told how to do my job it makes me mad... Heck it is human nature when that happens... But it does not have to happen...


Now as it seems you have done the research (and yes 22658 is great) it also tells the penalties which can be levied... It sounds as if the tow company is trying to follow the law but does not do it all the way.... That will be the key here, as how far they did follow the laws and how accessible things were.
Rates are set like you say by the CHP, but there is "NO ONE RATE" for every place in the state... Different areas have different rates for services... So I can not comment on those, but they sound about right of what I hear in other questions here.

Now as to who to complain to, I would image that you an talk to DMV and see who and where they suggest to go... After all they enforce the laws along with the police...

And finally there is always the small claims court route if you can not get any help elsewhere..