Client’s Question: Yesterday, our truck got stuck on a road in Germany and couldn’t get out on its own. The police arrived, called a tow truck without discussing the scope of services or the cost with us. The truck was empty, and it was simply pulled backward, with the work taking just over an hour. However, we received a bill for 5,000 euros. Initially, the police mentioned a cost of around 1,000 euros, then about 2,000, but the final amount turned out to be much higher. Previously, similar services cost between 1,000 and 2,000 euros with no additional conditions. Is it possible to dispute such bills if the price was determined unilaterally and not discussed with us?

Expert Response: Your situation is not unique. In Germany, there are indeed cases where a tow truck is called without consulting the vehicle owner. Let’s examine your question in detail.

1. Mandatory Towing by Police

When the police encounter a vehicle that is obstructing traffic or poses a potential hazard on the road, they have the right to call a tow truck without the owner’s consent. In such situations, the cost details are typically not discussed, and the owner is billed based on the work performed.

2. Legitimacy of the Charges

The question of whether the high price is justified is indeed important. Usually, these service charges are regulated at the regional level, and the price should reflect the volume and complexity of the work done. Your bill appears to be somewhat inflated and warrants a thorough review.

3. Can the Bill Be Disputed?

Yes, it is possible to dispute such a bill, especially if the final cost was not discussed with you. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Request a Detailed Breakdown. First, contact the company that provided the service and ask them to provide a full breakdown of the work performed and a justification for the charges. This often helps clarify the situation.
• Take the Matter to Court. If the breakdown does not provide a reasonable basis for such a high amount, you can dispute the bill in court. In Germany, there is a precedent for disputing such charges, and this could be a viable step.
• Engage an Expert. To support your case, you may need to bring in an expert to assess whether the cost accurately reflects the work performed.

4. Risks and Potential Expenses

If the case goes to court, there will be associated costs: for legal representation, court fees, and expert services. However, if the court rules in your favor, these expenses may be reimbursed. It is also important to bear in mind that legal proceedings in Germany can be lengthy, potentially taking several months or even years.

Conclusion: While the police do have the authority to call for mandatory towing, the cost of such services should be reasonable and transparent. If you feel the bill is unjustifiably high, there are avenues to dispute it.