Consumer Bill of Rights for Nonconsensual Tows
Pursuant to Public Act No. 25-55, effective October 1, 2025
If your vehicle is towed without your consent, below are your rights and obligations under Connecticut law.
WHO CAN TOW YOUR VEHICLE WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT:
- Police or Traffic Authority
- Private Property Owner or Property Owner's Agent
- Private Property Lessee or Lessee's Agent
BEFORE A TOW (For Private Property Tows Only):
- If you arrive before your vehicle is connected to the wrecker, you may stop the tow. If you move the motor vehicle, or correct the reason for the tow, no fee may be charged.
- If your motor vehicle is connected to the wrecker, but not removed from the property, the motor vehicle must be released upon payment of a "Drop Fee."
- Wreckers are required to take at least 2 photos of the motor vehicle to demonstrate the reason for the tow and condition of the motor vehicle before its removal.
AFTER THE TOW (For All Tows):
You are entitled to:
- Inspect your vehicle.
- Obtain your personal property. The wrecker service must allow the motor vehicle owner or authorized person to retrieve the motor vehicle (or to gain access to personal property) not later than 4 hrs. after such request. The wrecker service may NOT hold your personal property for any reason.
- Retrieve your vehicle:
Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
After business hours: The wrecker service must provide a telephone number to take requests 24 hrs. from a motor vehicle owner or authorized person to retrieve the motor vehicle or gain access to retrieve personal items. - You can pay by either cash, credit or debit card and you must be provided with a receipt of payment. You will not be charged for storage for days when the wrecker service is not open.
- After full payment to the wrecker service, the motor vehicle must be released to an owner, lending institution, or authorized entity, if the following is provided:
Proof of registration, certificate of title, bill of sale, lease, or other reasonable proof of ownership. (Your current address does not have to match other documentation.) - You are entitled to receive an itemized statement of all charges, and if requested, all photos and records.
- You cannot be required to sign a general release of damages or liability unless there is justification.
- You cannot be required to use the wrecker service to perform repair services; however, if you choose to use the wrecker service that performed the tow, all arrangements to repair the vehicle must be completed after the tow and must have prior written approval.
- You are entitled to receive notice by certified mail if your motor vehicle is not claimed within 48 hrs. of the tow.
YOUR TOWED MOTOR VEHICLE CAN BE SOLD:
If you do not claim your vehicle:
- The wrecker service may begin the process of selling a motor vehicle if not claimed within 15 days if valued at $1,500.00 or less but must store the motor vehicle for at least 30 days after the tow.
- The wrecker service may begin the process of selling a motor vehicle if not claimed within 45 days if valued over $1,500.00.
- After any sale, you are entitled to the proceeds of the sale minus the cost and fees. Such proceeds shall be paid to the owner within one year from the date of the sale. After one year, unclaimed funds shall escheat to the state as unclaimed property.
To file a Customer Complaint - k35pdf.pdf
Consumer Bill of Rights for Nonconsensual Tows
Pursuant to Public Act No. 25-55, effective October 1, 2025
If your vehicle is towed without your consent, below are your rights and obligations under Connecticut law.
WHO CAN TOW YOUR VEHICLE WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT:
- Police or Traffic Authority
- Private Property Owner or Property Owner's Agent
- Private Property Lessee or Lessee's Agent
BEFORE A TOW (For Private Property Tows Only):
- If you arrive before your vehicle is connected to the wrecker, you may stop the tow. If you move the motor vehicle, or correct the reason for the tow, no fee may be charged.
- If your motor vehicle is connected to the wrecker, but not removed from the property, the motor vehicle must be released upon payment of a "Drop Fee."
- Wreckers are required to take at least 2 photos of the motor vehicle to demonstrate the reason for the tow and condition of the motor vehicle before its removal.
AFTER THE TOW (For All Tows):
You are entitled to:
- Inspect your vehicle.
- Obtain your personal property. The wrecker service must allow the motor vehicle owner or authorized person to retrieve the motor vehicle (or to gain access to personal property) not later than 4 hrs. after such request. The wrecker service may NOT hold your personal property for any reason.
- Retrieve your vehicle:
Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
After business hours: The wrecker service must provide a telephone number to take requests 24 hrs. from a motor vehicle owner or authorized person to retrieve the motor vehicle or gain access to retrieve personal items. - You can pay by either cash, credit or debit card and you must be provided with a receipt of payment. You will not be charged for storage for days when the wrecker service is not open.
- After full payment to the wrecker service, the motor vehicle must be released to an owner, lending institution, or authorized entity, if the following is provided:
Proof of registration, certificate of title, bill of sale, lease, or other reasonable proof of ownership. (Your current address does not have to match other documentation.) - You are entitled to receive an itemized statement of all charges, and if requested, all photos and records.
- You cannot be required to sign a general release of damages or liability unless there is justification.
- You cannot be required to use the wrecker service to perform repair services; however, if you choose to use the wrecker service that performed the tow, all arrangements to repair the vehicle must be completed after the tow and must have prior written approval.
- You are entitled to receive notice by certified mail if your motor vehicle is not claimed within 48 hrs. of the tow.
YOUR TOWED MOTOR VEHICLE CAN BE SOLD:
If you do not claim your vehicle:
- The wrecker service may begin the process of selling a motor vehicle if not claimed within 15 days if valued at $1,500.00 or less but must store the motor vehicle for at least 30 days after the tow.
- The wrecker service may begin the process of selling a motor vehicle if not claimed within 45 days if valued over $1,500.00.
- After any sale, you are entitled to the proceeds of the sale minus the cost and fees. Such proceeds shall be paid to the owner within one year from the date of the sale. After one year, unclaimed funds shall escheat to the state as unclaimed property.
To file a Customer Complaint - k35pdf.pdf
Mike's Auto Repair Inc.
217 Derby Ave, Orange, CT 06477 | Phone: +1 203-397-5159 | Email: info@mikesautotowing.com
Credit Card Payment & Service Authorization Disclaimer
1. Payment Authorization: By signing or authorizing payment, you ("Customer") authorize Mike's Auto Repair Inc. to charge your designated credit/debit card for all rendered services, including towing, winching, roadside assistance, mileage, and accrued storage charges[cite: 7].
2. Cancellation & Final Sales: All service charges are non-refundable once service has been dispatched or completed[cite: 7]. Cancellation after dispatch will incur a mandatory dispatch cancellation fee of $50.00[cite: 7].
3. Chargeback Waiver: Customer acknowledges that all requested towing and labor services were fully rendered[cite: 7]. Customer expressly waives the right to initiate a credit card chargeback or dispute for completed services or accrued storage fees[cite: 7]. Unjustified disputes may incur collection and legal fees[cite: 7].
4. Card Processing Surcharge: Where permitted by law, a credit card processing surcharge of 3.5% will be applied to all credit card transactions[cite: 7]. This fee does not exceed our cost of acceptance[cite: 7]. No surcharge applies to debit card or cash payments[cite: 7].
5. Storage Fees & Possessory Lien: Unclaimed vehicles held at our facility incur daily storage fees of $26/day for the first 5 days then $31/day thereafter[cite: 7]. Failure to pay in full within 30 days may result in the enforcement of a possessory towing lien against the vehicle under Connecticut state law[cite: 7].
| Service / Policy Item | Standard Fee / Rate |
|---|---|
| Dispatch Cancellation Fee | $50.00 (Applies post-dispatch) |
| Daily Storage Fee | $26/day first 5 days, $31/day thereafter |
| Credit Card Surcharge | 3.5% (Credit cards only) |
| Dispute Waiver | No chargebacks allowed after service completion |
Customer Acknowledgment: I have read, understood, and agree to the credit card authorization terms and towing disclaimers set forth above[cite: 7].
Customer Name (Printed):
Customer Signature:
Date:
In Connecticut, the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulates storage rates strictly for non-consensual tows (police-ordered tows and private property trespass tows)[cite: 7].
- Consensual Tows: For voluntary/customer-requested tows, rates are unregulated by the state DMV and determined directly by the towing company[cite: 7].
- Non-Consensual Tows: Maximum allowable storage rates are capped by DMV regulations based on vehicle length, indoor vs. outdoor storage, and duration[cite: 7].
CT DMV Maximum Non-Consensual Daily Storage Rates
| Vehicle Length / Type | Storage Location | Days 1–5 | Day 6+ (After 5 Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Vehicles (Under 20 ft) | Outdoor Yard | $26 / day | $31 / day |
| Standard Vehicles (Under 20 ft) | Indoor Facility | $30 / day | $37 / day |
| Overlength / Commercial (20 ft+) | Outdoor Yard | ~$35–$50+ / day | Rates step up after Day 5 |
Mike's Auto Repair Inc.
217 Derby Ave, Orange, CT 06477 | Phone: +1 203-397-5159 | Email: info@mikesautotowing.com
Credit Card Payment & Service Authorization Disclaimer
1. Payment Authorization: By signing or authorizing payment, you ("Customer") authorize Mike's Auto Repair Inc. to charge your designated credit/debit card for all rendered services, including towing, winching, roadside assistance, mileage, and accrued storage charges[cite: 7].
2. Cancellation & Final Sales: All service charges are non-refundable once service has been dispatched or completed[cite: 7]. Cancellation after dispatch will incur a mandatory dispatch cancellation fee of $50.00[cite: 7].
3. Chargeback Waiver: Customer acknowledges that all requested towing and labor services were fully rendered[cite: 7]. Customer expressly waives the right to initiate a credit card chargeback or dispute for completed services or accrued storage fees[cite: 7]. Unjustified disputes may incur collection and legal fees[cite: 7].
4. Card Processing Surcharge: Where permitted by law, a credit card processing surcharge of 3.5% will be applied to all credit card transactions[cite: 7]. This fee does not exceed our cost of acceptance[cite: 7]. No surcharge applies to debit card or cash payments[cite: 7].
5. Storage Fees & Possessory Lien: Unclaimed vehicles held at our facility incur daily storage fees of $26/day for the first 5 days then $31/day thereafter[cite: 7]. Failure to pay in full within 30 days may result in the enforcement of a possessory towing lien against the vehicle under Connecticut state law[cite: 7].
| Service / Policy Item | Standard Fee / Rate |
|---|---|
| Dispatch Cancellation Fee | $50.00 (Applies post-dispatch) |
| Daily Storage Fee | $26/day first 5 days, $31/day thereafter |
| Credit Card Surcharge | 3.5% (Credit cards only) |
| Dispute Waiver | No chargebacks allowed after service completion |
Customer Acknowledgment: I have read, understood, and agree to the credit card authorization terms and towing disclaimers set forth above[cite: 7].
Customer Name (Printed):
Customer Signature:
Date:
In Connecticut, the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulates storage rates strictly for non-consensual tows (police-ordered tows and private property trespass tows)[cite: 7].
- Consensual Tows: For voluntary/customer-requested tows, rates are unregulated by the state DMV and determined directly by the towing company[cite: 7].
- Non-Consensual Tows: Maximum allowable storage rates are capped by DMV regulations based on vehicle length, indoor vs. outdoor storage, and duration[cite: 7].
CT DMV Maximum Non-Consensual Daily Storage Rates
| Vehicle Length / Type | Storage Location | Days 1–5 | Day 6+ (After 5 Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Vehicles (Under 20 ft) | Outdoor Yard | $26 / day | $31 / day |
| Standard Vehicles (Under 20 ft) | Indoor Facility | $30 / day | $37 / day |
| Overlength / Commercial (20 ft+) | Outdoor Yard | ~$35–$50+ / day | Rates step up after Day 5 |