The Short Answer
Generally speaking, a tow company in California cannot sell your car until 30 days after it has been towed. This is to give you time to claim your vehicle and pay any outstanding fees.
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| How Long Before A Tow Company Can Sell Your Car In California |
The Long Answer
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule:
- If you owe storage fees: If you don't pay the storage fees for your vehicle, the tow company can sell it after 21 days.
- If your car is considered abandoned: If your car is left abandoned on private property for more than 72 hours, the property owner can have it towed and sold.
- If your car is a junk vehicle: If your car is deemed a junk vehicle, the tow company can sell it immediately.
So, what can you do to protect your car from being sold?
- Pay your bills on time: This is the most obvious way to prevent your car from being towed.
- Park your car in a safe place: If you're going to be away from your car for an extended period of time, park it in a garage or other secure location.
- Keep your car in good condition: If your car is well-maintained, it is less likely to be towed.
And finally, if your car does get towed, what should you do?
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
- Contact the tow company immediately: Ask for the location of your car and the fees that you owe.
- Claim your car as soon as possible: The longer you wait, the more likely it is that your car will be sold.
- Pay any outstanding fees: If you can't afford to pay the fees upfront, you may be able to work out a payment plan with the tow company.
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Related FAQs
- How to find out if my car has been towed: You can contact the local police department or check online for a list of towing companies in your area.
- How to get my car back after it has been towed: You will need to pay the towing fees and any storage fees that are owed.
- How to file a complaint against a tow company: If you believe that a tow company has violated your rights, you can file a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission.
- How to prevent my car from being towed in the future: Pay your bills on time, park your car in a safe place, and keep your car in good condition.
- What to do if my car is sold at auction: If your car is sold at auction, you may be able to recover the proceeds of the sale if you can prove that the tow company did not follow proper procedures.
I hope this information is helpful. And remember, if you're ever in doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and claim your car as soon as possible.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
Now, go forth and enjoy your car-filled adventures!
I hope you found this post informative and entertaining. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Additional Tips
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
- If your car is towed to a private impound lot, you may have to pay a higher fee to get it back.
- You can also check online for reviews of towing companies in your area.
- If you have any questions about your rights, you can contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Please note that this information is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any legal questions, you should consult with an attorney.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
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