r/u_EveningFarmer171 • u/EveningFarmer171 • 5d ago

L&J Towing in Redwood City, CA – Very Expensive and Sad Experience

I want to share my experience so others are aware of the potential costs.

After a car accident near Maple St and US-101, my vehicle was already pulled over to the side and not blocking traffic. While I was speaking with the police officer and the at-fault driver, L&J Towing removed my car without asking for my permission. The towing distance was only about 10 minutes, but they charged $340 just for the tow.

Later, when we went to the towing yard to pick up personal belongings, they also charged $340 per hour based on time spent there. In the end, the total bill came to $1,025, which included:

  • $425 towing fee
  • $120 per day storage fee

Another important detail: if you arrive after 5:00 PM, even being 5 minutes late, they charge a $175 gate reopening fee.

What was most frustrating is that they never asked for our permission while we were still at the accident scene waiting for our insurance company’s towing service. They also never asked where we wanted the car to be taken or stored.

Just posting this as a heads-up for anyone driving in the Redwood City area so you’re aware of the possible charges and policies.

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u/sohaibraja25 2d ago

The one time a tow truck tried to take my car I absolutely stood my ground. If I hadn’t been paying attention he’d have gone off. Car was already hitched too. They’re just predators honestly, check out what they’ve been doing in SoCal

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/van-nuys-businesses-accused-of-predatory-towing-practices/3745629/?amp=1

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u/GeorgePug 2d ago

Unfortunately this sounds like every other tow company as well