Car Towing Company Service - Rip Off - Advice Appreciated

[CdwJava]

Found this website: http://www.startow.com/towed.htm
It does seems that they overcharged me when you compare to the prices listed.

However, the key is what the San Diego PD contract tow charges say. You might consider giving them a call and seeing what the current rate is. It might take some time to find someone who can tell you, however. You might also call around to some of the bigger tow companies in SD that likely do business with the SDPD and ask them what the contract rate is.

If you were to give me a few days I just might be able to dig that info up myself as I used to work down there. but its not stuff that the common grunt knows ... ya gotta dig it up.

- Carl

 

[jstevens291]

I have a call in with the San Diego Police liason office regarding towing companies. I didn't even know we had one, but I guess this is a big issue, as there must be enough people calling to complain to rate a liason officer.

Thanks Carl for looking into this. If you were able to find out what the rates are, that would be great.

 

[CdwJava]

Thanks Carl for looking into this. If you were able to find out what the rates are, that would be great.

I will see what I can find out.

- Carl

 

[jstevens291]

Here is an update.
I called the San Diego permitting department at 619-531-2250.
They gave me their contract prices with Angelo's Auto Towing.
They are:
Towing and Hookup: $150
Dollies: $40
After Hours Release: $40
Labor at the scene: $15 per 15 minutes
Storage: $32
$5/mile

Compare to my charges
Tow & Hook Up: $160
Dollies: $50
Labor $50
Storage $35

 

[EvilWizard]

Nice work! I really enjoy seeing ppl sticking it to sleazy towing companies. I have seen some really sketchy things occur in the past with some of these folks and I like it when you can catch them on it.

 

[CdwJava]

Good job!

Now, take all those wonderful code sections that seem to be in your favor and approach the restaurant owner and show him how much THEY will be liable for if THEY don't make this right. And you might consider doing the same with the tow people as well ... but bring a friend or two as witnesses just so they don't claim you got out of line or made threats. Be polite, matter-of-fact, and explain the law to them.

- Carl

 

[jstevens291]

The San Diego District Attorney's office has set up a complaint line regarding towing companies. The phone number is 619-515-8608.
If you call, you will get a recording. Leave your name and address and they will mail you a complaint form. Only call this number if you were towed in San Diego County, and you feel your car was towed illegally, or there are other issues, such as overcharging, not accepting credit cards,etc.