Dont want towed car

ironliver

Well-known member
My stepson rolled his car over on a highway off ramp in Sacramento. He got banged up but all in all is ok.

The car was not worth much and only had liability insurance. We got the notice of store vehicle form today (22852 CVC). My question is, if we do not want the car back, does the car lot just junk it? Do we need to get it out of there? I dont even know what to do with it, as the car would not be drivable.
 

bojangle

FN # 40
Staff member
They will put a lien on it, obtain legal possession, and either sell it or scrap it to recoup some of the fees if the owner doesn't pay to get it out.

You (or the owner) could do nothing, however, they might possibly still be able to come after the owner civilly for fees owed, if they felt it was worth their time and effort. This is a civil matter, so legal advice from at attorney could help. LEO advice isn't "legal advice", and we're not experts in civil matters.

Tow companies tend to be on the shady/scammy side. They will try to get money however they can, IMO.
 

Shaggy

Zoinks!!!!
+1

I’d call the tow company and tell them your intentions. Worst they can do is threaten you with fees, but you might be able to just bring them the title and avoid any hassle. It might be worth it for them to wash any fees in exchange for title since the lien process takes time and probable some money on their part.
 

motomania2007

TC/MSF/CMSP/ Instructor
Check to see if you have any towing coverage on your car insurance or AAA so that the tow company can get paid by the insurance for the tow.
Surrender the title to the tow company ASAP to minimize storage fees.
 

ironliver

Well-known member
Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll have my stepson reach out to the car lot where it is stored at.
 

TheRiddler

Riddle me this.
+1

I’d call the tow company and tell them your intentions. Worst they can do is threaten you with fees, but you might be able to just bring them the title and avoid any hassle. It might be worth it for them to wash any fees in exchange for title since the lien process takes time and probable some money on their part.

Check to see if you have any towing coverage on your car insurance or AAA so that the tow company can get paid by the insurance for the tow.
Surrender the title to the tow company ASAP to minimize storage fees.

Yep. I've seen people sign their totaled cars over to the tow company on the side of the road before.
 

auditude

Wut, bodda you?
I’ve seen tow companies pursue the registered owner (I’m assuming the vehicle is owned outright, free of any lien interest from a bank etc.) for any storage fees they did not recuperate from a lien sale.

Example: towing and storage fees: $1500 for 30 days.
Lien sale of “junked/stored” vehicle: $500 at their “auction sale”
Balance to be collected from you/son: $1000

Not saying THIS WILL happen; just that I’ve seen it happen to peoples’ vehicles I’ve impounded/towed for various reasons.
 

gixxerjeff

Dogs best friend
They will put a lien on it, obtain legal possession, and either sell it or scrap it to recoup some of the fees if the owner doesn't pay to get it out.

You (or the owner) could do nothing, however, they might possibly still be able to come after the owner civilly for fees owed, if they felt it was worth their time and effort. This is a civil matter, so legal advice from at attorney could help. LEO advice isn't "legal advice", and we're not experts in civil matters.

Tow companies tend to be on the shady/scammy side. They will try to get money however they can, IMO.

I’ve seen tow companies pursue the registered owner

^^
This
So much this.
Tow companies are the bottom feeders of the automotive industry and many are proud of that distinction.
 

ThumperX

Well-known member
He at the very least owes for the tow. Time and labor went into retreiving the vehicle.
Like everyone says, have him see if he can sign the car over. Depending on how badly the car was damaged they may want to recoup the tow.
 
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