California Towing Disputes

Demand Letters for Illegal Tows & Excessive Fees

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Tow Type
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Your Info
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Vehicle
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Violations
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Generate

What Type of Tow Was This?

California Towing Laws

  • Vehicle Code § 22658: Strict requirements for private property tows
  • Max Storage: Cannot charge more than one day's storage if retrieved within 24 hours
  • Signage Required: Private lots must have proper warning signs
  • Release on Demand: Must release vehicle to owner who arrives during tow

Your Information

Towing Company Information

Vehicle Information

Fees Charged

Maximum Legal Fees (2024): California law limits towing fees. Private property tows are often capped around $250-350 for the tow, with storage fees capped at approximately $50-65/day (varies by region). Check your local rates at the CHP or city website.

What Violations Occurred?

Select all violations that apply to your situation:

No Proper Signage

No signs or inadequate signs warning of towing at the location

No Authorization

Tow was not properly authorized by property owner or police

Excessive Fees

Charged more than legally allowed for tow and/or storage

Refused to Release

Wouldn't release vehicle when you arrived during/before tow

Wrong Vehicle Towed

Your vehicle was legally parked or you had permission to park

Vehicle Damaged

Tow company damaged your vehicle during towing or storage

Property Missing/Stolen

Personal property missing from vehicle after tow

Towed Too Quickly

Vehicle towed before reasonable time had passed

No/Late Notice to Owner

Tow company failed to notify you or provide required notices

Predatory Towing

Tow company is known for aggressive/predatory practices in area

Generate Your Documents

Select the documents you want to generate:

Demand Letter to Tow Company

Formal demand citing law violations and requesting refund

CHP Complaint

Complaint to California Highway Patrol tow program

City/Local Authority Complaint

Complaint to local licensing authority

Small Claims Court Guide

Information and checklist for filing in small claims court

Potential Recovery

  • Illegal Tow (VC § 22658): Up to 4x the towing and storage charges
  • Excessive Fees: Refund of overcharges
  • Vehicle Damage: Cost of repairs
  • Stolen Property: Value of missing items
  • Small Claims: Up to $12,500 in damages
Deadline: You generally have 2 years from the date of the tow to file a lawsuit. However, act quickly - evidence and witness memories fade, and tow companies may not retain records indefinitely.

Your Generated Documents

Next Steps

  • Send demand letter via certified mail with return receipt
  • Keep copies of all documents and receipts
  • Take photos of any signage (or lack thereof) at the tow location
  • File complaints with CHP and local authorities
  • If no response in 30 days, consider small claims court

More California Legal Tools

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Find a Lawyer in Your California City

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Find a Lawyer in Your California City

Riverside San Bernardino Bakersfield Fresno Sacramento Stockton Modesto Long Beach Oakland Fontana

Free legal assessments, demand letter generators, and courthouse info for your city.