Vehicles: towing and storage.
The bill seeks to ensure that the language used in the law aligns with the intended implementation of towing and storage charge provisions. It retains the necessity for fees to be reasonable and ensures that insurers are accountable for payments to towing service providers or to claimants. The overall intent is to maintain fairness in the charges imposed for towing and storage services while ensuring that consumers are protected and that fees remain within reasonable limits as defined by existing law.
Assembly Bill 2419, introduced by Assembly Member Santiago on February 18, 2020, aims to amend Section 22524.5 of the California Vehicle Code, which pertains to the responsibilities of insurers regarding towing and storage fees. The existing law stipulates that insurers are liable for reasonable towing and storage charges when a vehicle is towed due to an accident or theft recovery. AB 2419 proposes technical, nonsubstantive changes to clarify these responsibilities without altering the fundamental legal obligations of insurers.
While AB 2419 does not introduce new regulations or substantial changes, its examination reflects ongoing concerns regarding the costs associated with towing and storage. Critics might argue that even technical amendments can lead to ambiguities that affect how these fees are interpreted and enforced, potentially leaving consumers vulnerable to unreasonable costs. The bill's proponents, however, might assert that the clarity it provides will reduce disputes involving towing fees and streamline processes for both insurers and consumers.