My car got towed and now the fine and storage is more than the value of the car. Can I negotiate with the towing company to lower the storage charge?
There are two different components here that you need to separate, the fine and the tow company fees. Being a tough guy/gal is not going to help you with this situation.Worst scenario - DO NOTHING. You don’t pay the storage fees or the fines, then the tow company can file a mechanics lien and sell your vehicle to cover your bill. You will still be on the hook to pay the fine and any excess fees. So the tow company now owns your car, you still owe them money (which hits your credit rating), and the government still wants their money so has a bench warrant out for your arrest.Best scenario - TALK WITH EVERYONE. Go to the tow company with the cash you have and plead for mercy. Crying, bringing along babies, etc, will all help your cause. Tow companies tend to be small businesses and though they have a tough job and have to be tough guys, they can be swayed. They would rather take the money they can get over selling your car and all the hassle that goes with that anyways. Once you get your car back, same thing with the fines. Go to court, talk with the DA, beg for some help.The trick with negotiating from a position of weakness is to allow yourself to be vulnerable and ask for help. Good luck![The landlord for my garage owns a towing company, and we have to file liens on vehicles that are abandoned by customers who don’t want to / can’t afford to pay for repairs]