PHOENIX — Most people who've had their cars towed never think it's going to happen, and they're unprepared when the towing company demands things like paying extra to get your belongings.
That was the case for Jana, who let me know she was charged an extra fee.
She says her car was repossessed and to get her belongings back, the towing company wanted her to pay $50.
That could mean a lot of money for a towing company, but as of this year it's illegal in Arizona.
A new law says towing companies cannot "require payment for the removal of personal property that is inside the vehicle."
That law and existing towing regulations, mean if you are towed:
- Tow companies can no longer demand to be paid in cash
- Companies must release the car on the day requested if proof is met
- Companies must provide a detailed billing statement that day
- Towing companies have to be open or available during normal business hours, 9am to 5pm, and cannot charge storage fees for any day when closed
- After an accident, companies must tow your vehicle to the closest storage lot--with a few exceptions
- Violations come with penalties.
We are looking into Jana's situation and hope to have more on that soon.
