# Missouri couple loses car ownership after signing title to tow-truck driver

> A Missouri couple signed their wrecked Lexus title to an unidentified tow-truck driver in 2018, but an appeals court ruled they no longer owned the car despite a $6,450 towing bill.
- Title: Missouri couple loses car ownership after signing title to…
- Summary: A Missouri couple signed their wrecked Lexus title to an unidentified tow-truck driver in 2018, but an appeals court ruled they no longer owned the car…
- Keywords: missouri, lexus, tow-truck driver, 2018, appeals court, towing bill, title transfer, legal ownership, india, Indiatimes
- Source: Indiatimes — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/a-missouri-couple-gave-their-wrecked-lexus-and-signed-title-to-an-unidentified-tow-truck-driver-in-2018-years-later-it-resurfaced-with-a-6450-towing-bill-but-an-appeals-court-ruled-they-no-longer-owned-the-car/articleshow/135774432.cms
- Author: TOI World Desk
- Published: 2026-11-13T20:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: missouri, lexus, tow-truck driver, 2018, appeals court, towing bill, title transfer, legal ownership, india, news
## What happened
A Missouri couple gave their wrecked Lexus and signed title to an unidentified tow-truck driver in 2018.
## The towing bill
The car resurfaced years later with a $6,450 towing bill.
## The court ruling
An appeals court ruled they no longer owned the car.
## The legal principle
The case turned on estoppel and title transfer consequences.
## The dispute
The Keeners argued they still owned the vehicle and should not be responsible for charges.
## The towing company's position
Somerset Apartment Management said the Keeners legally owned the car at the time charges were assessed.
## Why the Keeners lost
The court found the title transfer was sufficient to show ownership abandonment.
## The towing bill amount
The $6,450 towing bill was found legitimate for services rendered.
## What it means for car owners
Vehicle owners should be cautious of working with tow-truck drivers or third parties.
## The legal lesson
The case shows courts can use estoppel to stop parties from backing out of transactions.
## The consequence
The Keeners are left with a $6,450 tow bill.
## Key takeaway

A Missouri couple signed their wrecked Lexus title to an unidentified tow-truck driver in 2.018, but an appeals court ruled they no longer owned the car despite a $6,450 towing bill.