Owensboro, KY asked in Civil Litigation for Kentucky

Q: Can a towing company keep my title of my car after it was towed for being out of gas?

I ran out of gas and I left my flashers on and walked to get gas. An hour and a half later when I returned my vehicle was gone. my title was in the car because I just bought it. A person I know was at the towing company for a different reason and the guy told her all of my business and information. He also showed her my title and said he was keeping it.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In Kentucky, a towing company does not have the right to keep the title of your car, regardless of the reason for towing. The title is a legal document proving ownership and should remain with the owner. If your car was towed, the towing company can charge fees for towing and storage, but holding onto the title as leverage or for any other reason is not permissible.

Regarding the towing company sharing your personal information and showing your title to someone else, this raises concerns about privacy violations. Towing companies should maintain confidentiality regarding personal and vehicle-related information.

You should contact the towing company immediately to request the return of your title. If they refuse or if there are any complications, consider seeking legal assistance. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and take appropriate action to recover your property.

In situations like this, it's also advisable to report the incident to local consumer protection agencies or the police, especially if you believe your privacy rights have been violated or if there's any unlawful withholding of your property.

Remember, it's important to take prompt action to resolve such issues, as delays might complicate the situation further.

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