Can mechanic charge storage fees if it’s not in contract and no work has been done on car?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Can mechanic charge storage fees if it’s not in contract and no work has been done on car?

I totaled my car 10/31/10 and it was impounded. I was contacted 11/02/10 by the dealership that I got the car from and I advised them the truck has been wrecked. I told them of the financial bind I was in on making payments because I had to get the car out of impound and towed to a mechanic. The same day I talked to the dealership, I had the truck towed. The lady at the dealership failed to tell me that I had a payment protection plan on the car and that all I had to do was have the car towed directly to them. For 3 weeks I have been trying to get the car back from mechanic; he is charging me fees.

Asked on December 2, 2010 under General Practice, Arkansas

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

Yes, I believe that they can charge storage fees in general but I would double check with your state attorney general's office.  What is the reason that you can not get the car back?  Because they want you to pay the fee?  I would call and try and make a deal with them.  Or see if your protection plan can help in any way, especially if the dealership did not advise you that you should have it towed there.  Also, check with your insurance policy as well.  Maybe they have a tow coverage and coverage for storage fees.  Try anything but you may have no choice but to make a deal here. Good luck.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption