Towed car not reported to police

[Zachary s]

Jurisdiction

North Carolina

Hello, my car was towed back in October at an apartment complex in Matthews nc. The towing company never reported the car to the police as being towed and I was unable to locate the car until today. Now of course they want 2000 dollars to release the car. Since they never reported it to the police is there anything I can do to get it back for a reasonable price or possibly for free?. Thanks

 

[adjusterjack]

I found three sections that might apply but I don't know which one because you have only said where you were towed from, but not why.

The first statute applies to removal of an unauthorized vehicle from a private lot and requires notification to the vehicle owner at time of removal. But there is no requirement to notify the police. Violation is punishable by a fine of $150.

GS_20-219.2.pdf (ncleg.gov)

The statute refers to contesting the lien. 44A-4:

GS_44A-4.pdf (ncleg.gov)

Next up is Post-Towing Procedures:

Article_7A.pdf (ncleg.gov)

You'll have your work cut out for you by looking up all the statutes listed as to what types of towing are not covered by the article.

Last up is Notification of Towing:

Article_7B.pdf (ncleg.gov)

That one requires notification to the police except for towing from a private lot where signs are posted in accordance with GS 20-219.2(a). You'll have to look that one up.

Here are all of the NC statutes.

General Statute Chapters - North Carolina General Assembly (ncleg.gov)

 

[Zachary s]

It was towed as an authorized vehicle from the apartment property. Thank you for all of the information.

 

[Zachary s]

Unauthorized* sorry

 

[adjusterjack]

Were there signs properly posted in accordance with 20-219.2(a)?

no smaller than 24 inches by 24 inches prominently displayed at all entrances thereto, displaying the current name and current phone number of the towing and storage company

If the signs weren't properly posted you may have a small claims case against the apartments owner for whatever you pay to the towing company.

 

[Zachary s]

Yeah there were and still are no signs at all posted but I don't know if it would be worth all the effort.

 

[adjusterjack]

For $2000, if it was me, I'd go to small claims court in a heartbeat, win or lose.

Photograph the area to show lack of signs.

 

[Zachary s]

For context, the car is worth less than or around $2000

For $2000, if it was me, I'd go to small claims court in a heartbeat, win or lose.

Photograph the area to show lack of signs.

 

[Zachary s]

For context, the car is worth less than or around $2000

Now would this be against the apartment or the towing company? I really appreciate all of your help thank you very much.

 

[adjusterjack]

Primarily the apartments owner whose agent/manager or whoever, ordered the tow without the appropriate signage.

But since the towing company should have known better, I'd be suing both.