A blocked private parking space, a tow truck on the horizon, and your own vehicle suddenly gone – a situation that causes stress and annoyance. But what exactly is a towing service for private parking lots and what should you do if your vehicle has been towed?
Why Are Vehicles Towed from Private Parking Lots?
The owner of a private parking lot has the right to have illegally parked vehicles removed. This applies in particular if the parking lot is clearly marked as private property by a sign or ground markings.
“Parking lot owners have the right to protect their property,” explains Dr. Markus Schmidt, a specialist lawyer for traffic law. “Illegally parking in a private parking lot constitutes a trespass, which the owner does not have to tolerate.”
How to Recognize a Legitimate Towing Service?
Not every towing service is legitimate. Pay attention to the following points:
- Commissioning: A towing company may only operate if it has been commissioned by the owner of the private parking lot.
- Identification: The tow truck must be clearly identifiable as such.
- Documentation: The towing process must be properly documented, including photos and a report.
“Pay attention to a transparent procedure of the towing service,” advises master mechanic Lisa Bauer. “If in doubt, you should have the commissioning and legitimacy of the company shown to you.”
How Much Does Private Parking Lot Towing Cost?
The costs for a towing service from a private parking lot are not uniformly regulated and can vary greatly depending on the region and company. In general, the costs are composed of the following points:
- Basic fee for arrival and the towing process
- Costs for the storage of the vehicle
- Possibly additional fees for Sundays or public holidays
It is therefore advisable to inquire about the costs incurred in advance.
Breakdown of Private Parking Towing Costs: Call-out, Storage, Extra Fees
What To Do If Your Vehicle Has Been Towed?
If your vehicle has been towed, stay calm and proceed as follows:
- Determine who commissioned the towing service. This is usually the owner of the private parking lot.
- Contact the towing service. Ask for the exact location of your vehicle and the amount of the towing costs.
- Pay the towing costs. You will only get your vehicle back after payment of the fees.
- Check the legality of the towing process. If you have doubts about the legality, you can take legal action.
How Can I Avoid Being Towed from a Private Parking Lot?
To avoid trouble and costs, you should always make sure to park your vehicle only in designated parking spaces. Pay attention to clear signs indicating the parking lot’s designation.
“Caution is better than hindsight,” advises car expert Thomas Berger. “A quick look at the signs can save you a lot of trouble.”
Further Questions About Private Parking Lot Towing?
Do you have further questions about towing services on private parking lots? Do you need support in finding a reliable towing company? Please contact us via our website autorepairaid.com. Our experts for automotive technology are available around the clock.
