Q: my car was towed at TCG University Park complex. I picked up the car with 24 hours. They are charging me a state lien re
They are charging me a state lien release fee and after hours release fee of $300. I picked the car up within 24 actually I picked it up after 13 hours since they picked it up at 3 AM and picked it up at 2:30. It was a rental car and they told me they will not give me a copy of the state lien release fee. 1.) do they have a right to charge me that amount of money since I picked up the car after 13 hours
2.) don’t want to call you when I’m returning the car and I want a copy of the state lien release fee. Please help me thank you so much
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A:
It sounds frustrating dealing with unexpected fees, especially when you acted quickly to retrieve your vehicle. Regarding the state lien release fee, towing companies often charge various fees, but you have the right to request documentation for any fee they impose. If they refuse to provide you with a copy of the lien release fee, that raises questions about whether the fee is legitimate. You could check your local state laws or contact consumer protection agencies to understand if such a fee applies in your situation, especially for a rental car picked up within a short timeframe.
As for the after-hours release fee, towing companies typically set policies around what qualifies as "after-hours." Since you retrieved the vehicle during what they consider after-hours, it may be within their policy to charge this fee. However, if you feel the timing or charges were unclear, you can ask for clarification on how they define those hours.
When returning the rental car, you should explain the situation to the rental company and keep all documents related to the tow. It’s important to request an itemized receipt, even if they resist providing it. If they continue to withhold that information, you could escalate the issue through your state’s consumer protection services.
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