Q: Do we have to pay a fee to the tow yard if we intend to let them keep the car?
Our car was towed for expired tags and we've decided not to claim it and intend to leave it, as is, at the tow yard. The tow yard says we must pay $190.00 if we intend to do this and bring them the pink slip. Is this a valid fee? Must we really pay this fee for a car that we're losing and that they will auction and make money from?
A: Hello. The tow yard charged a fee for towing and then storing the car. It will sell the car at auction or otherwise to pay those fees. If the proceeds from the sale (minus costs of selling it) do not cover the fees, it will have a claim against you for the deficiency. I do not know where this tow yard came up with the $190 fee, but it seems arbitrary. If the 190 fee means there will be no deficiency claim, you would want that in writing and signed before paying. You also would want to consider the size of the potential claim vs. the fee to see if it is worth it.
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