Document Tow Invoice & Charges

Proper documentation of all charges, fees, and invoices is essential for any tow dispute. Organize every receipt, invoice, and payment record systematically.

What to Document

Initial Tow Invoice

Get an itemized invoice showing every charge:

• ✓ Initial tow fee
• ✓ Storage fees (per day rate × number of days)
• ✓ Administrative or processing fees
• ✓ Gate fees or release fees
• ✓ After-hours fees
• ✓ Any other charges or surcharges
• ✓ Tax (if applicable)
• ✓ TOTAL AMOUNT

Payment Receipt

• ✓ Date and time of payment
• ✓ Payment method (cash, card, check)
• ✓ Amount paid
• ✓ Receipt number or transaction ID
• ✓ Who you paid (name if available)
• ✓ Any "paid under protest" notation you added

Posted Rate Information

Document the tow company's posted rates:

• ✓ Photo of rate sheet posted at facility
• ✓ Screenshot of rates from company website
• ✓ Copy of rate schedule if provided
• ✓ Any promotional materials or brochures with pricing

Fee Comparison Checklist

Compare what you were charged against posted rates:

Red Flags in Invoices

Watch for these common issues:

Charges Exceed Posted Rates

• • Document the exact difference
• • Photo evidence of posted rate vs. invoice
• • Note if they claimed "special circumstances" or exceptions

Undisclosed Fees

• • Fees not mentioned on posted rate sheet
• • Administrative charges added without disclosure
• • "Processing fees" or "service charges" not posted

Storage Fee Issues

• • Charging for partial days as full days
• • Charging storage for day of tow (may not be allowed in your state)
• • Charging storage for days facility was closed
• • Weekend or holiday rate increases not posted

After-Hours or Gate Fees

• • Charged after-hours fee during normal business hours
• • Gate fee not disclosed in advance
• • Multiple release fees when you only retrieved once

Timeline Documentation

Create a clear timeline of all payment-related events:

Request Itemized Invoice

If the initial receipt isn't detailed enough:

• • Request formal itemized invoice in writing
• • Ask for breakdown of each fee
• • Request explanation of any non-standard charges
• • Follow up in writing if not provided
• • Document if they refuse to provide itemization

Supporting Financial Documentation

• ✓ Credit card statement showing charge
• ✓ Bank statement if paid by debit card or check
• ✓ Copy of check (front and back if cleared)
• ✓ Cash receipt if paid in cash
• ✓ Any correspondence about payment or charges

Organize Everything Together

Keep all financial documentation in one place:

• • Original invoice/receipt
• • Photos of posted rates
• • Fee comparison worksheet
• • Payment timeline
• • Bank/card statements
• • All correspondence about charges
• • Any dispute or protest documentation