My husband wrecked his car and he didn't have insureance. He took it to a repair shop and the man told him he could leave it there for however longwe need, while we get money to pay for it. Well the man is now saying if we don't pay $1000 by noon tomorrow he is going auction off our car,plus $3,000 for storage. And the car isn't even fully paid for. PLEASE HELP!!! SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY PLZ!!!
2006-08-29 09:09:31 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
My husband wrecked his carand he didn't have insureance. He took it to a repair shop and the man told him he could leave it there for however longwe need, while we get money to pay for it. Well the man is now saying if we don't pay $1000 by noon tomorrow he is going auction off our car,plus $3,000 for storage. And the car isn't even fully paid for.In Texas PLEASE HELP!!! SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY!!!!!!
2006-08-29 09:14:08 · update #1
He hasn't touched/worked on the car
2006-08-29 09:24:45 · update #2
I agree with most of the posters, but I wanted to add that your state may(?) have an abandonment statute that the repair shop is trying to go by. If you have nothing in writing, it's your word against theirs.
And, like some of the others, depending on how long the vehicle has been with them, $3000 is an extreme price for storage. I would suggest to not stop at just filing a complaint with the BBB, file a complaint with your states attorney general also.
2006-08-29 11:57:27 · answer #1 · answered by echo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long has your car been there?
He can't just take your car. He would have to get a lawyer and put a lien on the car for money he is owed, and if there is no paperwork or posted sign in the shop saying that you would be charged for storage, he shouldn't charge you for that either. He can't sell the car without the title, which your lender should still have.
If you owe him money for work he has already done, he would probably be allowed to charge intrest or a late fee after a certain amount of time (also would be on paperwork).
If you owe for work, bring him a check for at least some of the amount, this may help calm him down. If he hasn't done any work, call him up and ask for his lawyer's name and number, because I doubt there is a way he can really do what he is threatening to do if there is no paper trail. He is probabaly just using a scare tactic to get you to pay (however, you have probably been taking advantage of his original offer for him to be this ticked off at you).
And then get some insurance before going out on the road again.
2006-08-29 09:31:20 · answer #2 · answered by Ro-bot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In California, I would contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair. In your state the agency probably is called something else. They will know the rules under which an auto shop can charge for vehicle storage based on state law. There may be a notice required on the work estimate or there might not be, like I said, depending on state law.
The man's verbal statement won't hold up in most courts, especially if he has paperwork to the contrary.
Anecdotally, around here I have noticed signs in shops showing how much storage is and when it kicks in, usually after something like 3 days.
The details indicate to me, without knowing more, that the guy is being deliberately dishonest. I say that because the storage fee should be whatever it is. It should not be one if you pay it and another if he auctions off the car unless he is required to hold it for x number of days and the $2000 difference amounts to the storage for that number of days which I doubt.
2006-08-29 09:21:08 · answer #3 · answered by JoeFunSmith 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That probably depends on where you live and the laws in your area. How long did you leave it there? The amount of $3,000 sounds exhorbitent for storage. It somewhat sounds like a scam. You may want to contact a local lawyer for advice. A storage garage only charges about $50 a month, so for a year that would be about $600.
2006-08-29 09:20:18 · answer #4 · answered by devilishblueyes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some states a verbal agreement is just as good as a written one and can hold up in a court of law. Was there any impartial witnesses around that could testify to the agreement? Can he sell the vehicle without the Title? Whomever holds the title is the owner and if there is a lien on the title there is a third party involved.
2006-08-29 09:55:45 · answer #5 · answered by Dottie J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This sounds like a mechanic's lien. He can likely do exactly what he is doing. An oral contract is hard to prove in court. To charge $3k for storage is B.S. He is ripping you off. Feel free to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
If you are ready to inform others of his shady business practices, then check out the ripoff report. You can take action.
2006-08-29 09:39:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would doubt he can just take your car, but ya never know...
why dont you go get it towed to your house and put it in your lawn like regular rednecks do? then you can take off the wheels and sell them, etc.
next time have insurance.
2006-08-29 09:17:06 · answer #7 · answered by kvuo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the above is true, then no. This guy is just a jerk who is messing with you ... Move your car elsewhere.
2006-08-29 09:22:37 · answer #8 · answered by btownridgerunner 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope
2006-08-29 09:15:30 · answer #9 · answered by Phantom Pyro 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋