Transportation
Recovering Money Paid for a Towed and Impounded Car Illegally Parked
Can Someone Get Their Money Back if They Paid with Cash or Check When Their Car was Towed for Illegal Parking?
In the unfortunate scenario where your car was towed for illegally parking, recovering the money paid for towing and impound fees can be especially challenging. Typically, you won't be able to get your money back, no matter if you paid via cash, check, or even credit card. However, understanding the reasons behind this and the rare instances where refunds are issued can help you navigate the process more effectively.
Towing Companies and Payment Methods
Firstly, towing companies generally do not accept personal checks, business checks, debit cards, or credit cards. They often strictly require payments in cash. While a few might accept cashier's checks, their preference is to cash the check on the same day to counter any potential future blocking attempts by the customer.
Why Refunds Are Rare
Effectively recovering money for towing and impound charges, even if the violation was illegal, is exceedingly rare. Over my more than four decades of experience in the towing and salvage yard industry, I have encountered only a handful of cases where refunds were granted. These cases mostly involved illegal towing or towing the wrong vehicle, where the towing company was found to be at fault.
Government and Legal Recourse
While generally interested in upholding the law, government agencies often have a difficult time acknowledging or refunding moneys over tow and impound charges. If you believe that the towing was illegal, you do have the right to address the government and your grievances. However, pursuing this route is highly challenging, and seeking advice from a lawyer is strongly recommended.
Your Options and Practical Advice
Given the rarity of successful refund cases, the best course of action is to acknowledge the illegal parking and move forward. Pay the necessary fees to retrieve your vehicle, and it's best to do so as soon as possible. Prolonged storage at a tow pound can lead to additional charges. In the unlikely event that you do want to attempt a refund, consider consulting an attorney. This can provide you with the legal support and representation needed to pursue your case.
Conclusion
While the likelihood of recovering money paid for towing and impound charges is low, understanding the reasons behind this and knowing your legal rights can help you proceed more efficiently. If you believe the towing was illegal, documentation and a legal consultation might be your best bet. However, in the vast majority of cases, you will not receive a refund for these fees.