Can a towing company withhold your personal items if you can’t get your car out?
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Can a towing company withhold your personal items if you can’t get your car out?
Asked on June 19, 2015 under Accident Law, Illinois
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
In such a case, you have a right to get your personal belongings back. In most states,�a towing company�cannot charge you a fee for storing or returning your personal property, however, they do have a right to charge you storage fees the car.
Personal items would be loose items such as�clothing, CDs, tools, jewelry, cell phones and detachable media players and navigation systems. Usually, however, thetow company does not have to return any "fixtures" such as�stereos, sounds systems, tire rims or GPS devices that were permanently�installed on the car.
If the tow company refuses to cooperate in returning�your property, or if the property is missing or damaged, you may have a claim against them. Since the specific details can vary from state-to-state, you�may want to�contact your state attorney general's office or consumer protection agency, or consult directly with a local attorney.
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