1. Towing and Storage Fees: The towing company will charge fees for towing and storing the vehicle. These fees can accumulate daily, increasing the total amount owed by the owner.
2. Notice and Communication: The towing company will typically attempt to contact the owner of the vehicle to inform them of the situation and request payment. This may involve sending written notices or making phone calls.
3. Lien Placement: If the owner fails to pay the bill within a certain period (which varies by state), the towing company may place a lien on the vehicle. This means that the towing company has a legal claim to the vehicle until the bill is paid.
4. Vehicle Sale or Auction: If the owner still does not pay the bill after the lien is placed, the towing company may be authorized to sell or auction the vehicle to recover the costs of towing and storage. The proceeds from the sale will go towards paying off the towing company's fees.
5. Surplus Funds: If there are any surplus funds remaining after the sale, they may be given to the owner of the vehicle. However, in many cases, the surplus funds are not enough to cover the towing and storage fees, and the owner may still owe a balance.
It's important for vehicle owners to promptly address towing bills and take action to retrieve their vehicles to avoid additional charges and potential loss of the vehicle. If the owner is unable to pay the bill, they may consider contacting the towing company to discuss payment options or seeking legal advice to understand their rights and options.
