What happens to your vehicle when it gets towed, and can they keep my car? These are really great questions, and we will dive right into them.
In British Columbia, the answer is often “yes,” but there are specific rules that tow companies have to follow. With Royal City Towing, we want you to know your rights so you can get back on the road as fast as possible. Read onwards to learn more:
When a Towing Company Is Allowed to Keep Your Vehicle in British Columbia
Under BC law, towing or tow yard companies generally have a possessory lien on your vehicle. This means if they have legally towed your car, they have the right to keep it until the towing and storage bills are paid in full. They aren’t just being difficult; they are protected by provincial laws like the Warehouse Lien Act.
Common Reasons Vehicles Are Held After a Tow
There are a few standard scenarios where a tow yard will keep your keys behind the counter:
Unpaid towing fees
This is the most common reason. The company has done the work of moving your car, and they won’t release it until the service fee is covered.
Storage charges are accumulating daily
Every day your car sits in the lot, a storage fee is added. These fees are regulated, but they add up quickly. The longer the car stays, the more you owe before it can be released.
Police-authorized impound situations
If the police ordered the tow (for things like excessive speeding, impaired driving, or an expired license), the tow company must keep the car for a set period (usually 3, 7, or 30 days). In this case, the tow yard couldn’t give you the car even if they wanted to until the impound period ends by law.
Private property towing disputes
If you were parked on private property (like a mall or apartment lot) and the owner called for a tow, the yard will hold the vehicle until the private towing invoice is settled.
How Long a Tow Company Can Legally Hold Your Car in BC
As long as there is an unpaid balance or a police-ordered impound period in effect, a tow company can legally hold your vehicle. However, they cannot keep it forever without taking further action. If a vehicle is left for a long time (usually 30+ days without contact), the company may start a legal process to sell the vehicle to cover the unpaid costs.
What Happens If You Cannot Pay Towing or Storage Fees Right Away
If you can’t pay immediately, the fees will continue to grow daily. It is always best to communicate with the tow yard. Some yards may offer a payment plan (though they aren’t required to), but the vehicle will almost always stay in their possession until the balance hits zero.
Steps You Can Take to Get Your Vehicle Back Quickly
Don’t panic. Follow these steps to speed up the process:
- Requesting an itemized invoice: Ask for a breakdown of the costs. You should see the hook-up fee, the distance rate, and the daily storage rate. This will help you understand what is being charged and to make sure you aren’t being overcharged.
- Verifying tow authorization: Ask who authorized the tow. Was it the City, the Police, or a private landlord? This helps you determine if the tow was legal or not.
- Contacting local enforcement agencies: If you aren’t sure where your car went, call the local non-emergency police line or the city’s bylaws department. They can confirm which yard has your vehicle.
What to Do If You Believe Your Vehicle Was Wrongfully Held
If you think your car was towed illegally, you should still pay the fees “under protest” to prevent storage costs from increasing. Once you have your car, you can take the company to the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) or Small Claims Court to get your money back. We always recommend paying the costs as soon as possible to prevent fees from accumulating over time.
Your Rights When Dealing With Tow Yards in Metro Vancouver
In Metro Vancouver, you have the right to access your vehicle to grab personal belongings (like medicine, house keys, or insurance papers)
How Storage Fees Add Up After a Tow in Vancouver
In a busy city like Vancouver or New Westminster, real estate is expensive. Tow yards charge daily rates that can range from $40 to over $100 per day, depending on the type of vehicle they tow. If you leave your car for a week, you could easily face a bill of several hundred dollars. If possible, we always recommend getting your vehicle back as soon as you can.
How Emergency Roadside Assistance Can Prevent Vehicle Impound Situations
The best way to avoid a forced tow is to avoid parking in private areas or leaving your car unattended for an extended period. Whether on the side of the road, in a parking lot, or on a rural street, it is best to avoid abandoning your car altogether. Someone might see your vehicle parked or unattended and call a local towing company, like Royal City Towing, to remove it. If you’re having car troubles, rather than leaving your vehicle behind, call emergency roadside assistance instead. Using a reliable Emergency Roadside Assistance service means you choose where your car goes. Instead of a bylaw officer calling a random truck to take your car to an expensive impound lot, you can have it towed straight to your home or your trusted mechanic.
When to Call a Local Towing Service Instead of Risking Enforcement Towing
If your car breaks down or you’ve had a minor accident, don’t leave it on the side of the road or in a private lot. Call a local towing company like us immediately. By taking initiative, you avoid city fines and the extra impound administrative fees that come with enforcement tows.
Final Steps to Protect Yourself During Any Towing Situation in BC
- Act Fast: The sooner you pick up your car, the cheaper it will be.
- Get Paperwork: Keep every receipt and authorization form.
- Inspect Your Car: Check for any new damage before leaving the lot.
- Be Professional: Tow yard staff are just doing their jobs; being calm and polite usually helps the process go smoother.
Need a hand or have questions about a tow? Reach out to our team at Royal City Towing; we’re here to help the Metro Vancouver community get back on the road safely.
Call us for roadside assistance or towing in Burnaby, or just ask a question – we’re here to help!