BAR targets big changes to vehicle storage fees

The proposal has raised several concerns, including how storage fees will be calculated and whether BAR’s oversight could limit the rates

Rancho Cordova, Calif.—The BAR is proposing regulations that will significantly impact how automotive repair dealers charge for vehicle storage fees.

Under the proposed regulations, repair dealers performing repairs resulting from accidents or theft recoveries would be required to report their daily storage rates to the BAR annually. The BAR would then conduct a survey to determine the average daily storage rate.

The proposal has raised several concerns, including how storage fees will be calculated and whether BAR’s oversight could limit the rates that repair dealers may charge. The California Autobody Association (CAA) plans to provide written comments to the BAR. CAA asks that shops review and provide any feedback so the CAA may incorporate it into its comments.

Shops may also submit comments directly to the BAR. BAR will accept written comments from the public and all stakeholders on the proposal from Nov. 14-Dec. 31. View the proposal materials at www.bar.ca.gov/regulatory-actions.

The proposed storage regulations would:

• Establish that fees charged for the storage of a motor vehicle shall be reasonable.

• Determine when storage fees may be charged and where a vehicle may be stored.

• Require that an automotive repair dealer provide an itemized estimate and invoice for storage fees when charged.

• Require that an automotive repair dealer that provides storage services post their current daily storage fee rate in an area frequented by customers and provide BAR with their daily storage rate annually when renewing their registration.

• Create a search tool on BAR’s website showing average and median daily storage rates for a given locale based on the maximum daily storage rates reported by automotive repair dealers.

• Define a “locale” as one of four geographic radiuses around each reporting automotive repair dealer that is sufficient to identify the average and median storage rates.

• Require that an automotive repair dealer that maintains a motor carrier permit to display the Towing and Storage Fees Access Notice in an area of the business that is in plain view of the public. They must also have copies of the notice available to the public.