If you need to know how can i get a car towed, you’re likely in a stressful situation. Having a vehicle removed by a tow truck requires knowing the proper legal channels to contact. The process varies widely depending on whether the car is yours, illegally parked, or abandoned on your property.
This guide will walk you through every common scenario. We’ll cover who to call, what to expect, and how to avoid unnecessary fees.
You’ll get clear, actionable steps to resolve your towing need quickly and legally.
How Can I Get A Car Towed
Getting a car towed is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The correct method depends entirely on the specific circumstances and your legal rights in that situation. Before you make any calls, it’s crucial to identify which of the following categories applies to you.
Taking the wrong action can lead to delays, legal issues, or financial liability. The sections below break down each scenario with precise instructions.
If The Car Is Illegally Parked On Public Property
This is the most frequent reason people seek a tow. When a vehicle is blocking your driveway, parked in a fire lane, or violating posted signs, you must contact the local authorities. You cannot hire a private tow company yourself for a car on public streets.
Follow these steps:
- Identify the Violation: Confirm the car is actually breaking a law. Common violations include blocking a driveway, parking in a handicapped spot without a permit, being in a no-parking zone, or obstructing traffic.
- Call the Non-Emergency Police Line: Do not call 911 unless the vehicle is causing an immediate, active hazard. Look up the local police department’s non-emergency number. Report the exact location, vehicle description (make, model, color, license plate), and the specific violation.
- Provide Your Information: The dispatcher will likely ask for your name and contact details. This is standard procedure for filing a report.
- Wait for Enforcement: An officer or parking enforcement official will be dispatched. They will asses the situation, confirm the violation, and authorize a tow if warranted. The city or county has contracts with specific towing companies for this purpose.
Remember, the decision to tow rests solely with the law enforcement or parking authority. Your role is to report the issue.
If An Abandoned Vehicle Is On Your Private Property
Finding an unknown car on your land, in your apartment complex lot, or in a private parking space you own is a different challenge. As the property owner or manager, you have more direct authority, but you must follow a legal process.
You cannot simply have it towed without notice in most jurisdictions. Here is the typical procedure:
- Check for Signs of Abandonment: Look for flat tires, expired registration, broken windows, or thick layers of dust. A car that hasn’t moved for weeks is likely abandoned.
- Attempt to Identify the Owner: Check for any personal items or paperwork inside (without breaking in). Ask neighbors if they know who owns the vehicle.
- Post a Legal Notice: Most areas require you to attach a clearly visible notice on the car’s windshield. This notice should state that the vehicle is considered abandoned and will be towed after a certain period (often 24-72 hours). Include the date, time, and your contact information.
- Contact Local Law Enforcement: Report the abandoned vehicle to the police. They can run the license plate to try and contact the registered owner. This step also creates a record that you followed the law.
- Hire a Licensed Towing Company: After the notice period expires and if the owner has not responded, you can call a towing company. Ensure they are licensed and insured. You will likely need to sign a release form authorizing the tow from your property.
Important: Laws regarding abandoned vehicles on private property vary by city and state. Always check your local ordinances before proceeding. Some areas require a police report before any tow can occur.
Documenting The Vehicle Condition
Before the car is towed, take timestamped photos and video. Document the vehicle’s condition, its location on your property, and the posted notice. This protects you if the owner later claims damage occured during the tow.
If You Need To Tow Your Own Car
This is the most straightforward scenario. When your own vehicle breaks down, needs repair, or must be moved, you are arranging a tow for yourself. You have several options.
Your primary resources are roadside assistance services and direct calls to towing companies.
Using Roadside Assistance Services
If you have a membership with AAA, Better World Club, or through your car insurance or automaker, start here.
- Call the number on your membership card.
- Provide your membership number, location, and vehicle details.
- Describe the problem (e.g., engine failure, flat tire, accident).
- The dispatcher will send a contracted tow truck to your location. Your membership usually covers a set number of miles for free, with fees for additional distance.
Calling A Towing Company Directly
If you don’t have roadside assistance, you’ll need to find a local towing service.
- Search for Reputable Companies: Look for companies with good online reviews and clear pricing. Avoid simply calling the first number on a random sign.
- Ask Key Questions: When you call, ask for the hook-up fee, the per-mile rate, the destination, and any potential additional fees (e.g., after-hours, heavy vehicle). Get a total estimate.
- Confirm Payment Methods: Ask if they accept credit cards or if it’s cash only. Do not agree to a tow without understanding the total cost.
- Provide Clear Instructions: Give the exact address, cross streets, and a description of your car. Mention any access issues, like narrow streets or low-hanging trees.
If A Car Is Blocking Your Driveway
This specific private property violation can be particularly frustrating. The steps are similar to those for public property, but often faster because it’s a clear obstruction.
- Assess the Situation: Is the car fully blocking your ability to enter or exit? Even a partial block is usually grounds for a tow.
- Check for the Owner: If it’s safe and reasonable, check if the driver is nearby (e.g., in a neighbor’s house). Sometimes a quick honk or asking around can resolve it.
- Call Local Parking Enforcement or Police: If the owner cannot be found quickly, call the non-emergency line. A vehicle blocking a private driveway is a high-priority violation in most communities. They will typically respond and authorize a tow promptly.
In some cities, if the vehicle is on a public street blocking your driveway, you may not need to wait for police. You can call a city-contracted tow company directly. Check your local rules to be sure.
Understanding Towing Costs And Fees
Towing is rarely free unless covered by insurance or roadside assistance. Costs can vary dramatically.
- Hook-up Fee: A base fee to connect your vehicle to the tow truck, typically ranging from $50 to $125.
- Per-Mile Charge: This can range from $3 to $10 per mile after the first few included miles.
- Daily Storage Fees: Once at the impound lot, the vehicle accrues daily storage fees, often $30 to $100 per day.
- After-Hours Fees: Tows during nights, weekends, or holidays incur higher rates.
- Special Equipment Fees: For heavy vehicles, all-wheel-drive cars needing a flatbed, or complex recoveries.
Always ask for a itemized estimate and get the company’s USDOT number for verification. Never sign a blank authorization form.
Legal Considerations And Avoiding Liability
Wrongful towing can lead to lawsuits. You must have a legal right to authorize the tow.
Key principles to remember:
- Proper Authorization: On public property, only law enforcement can authorize a tow. On private property, you must be the owner, manager, or an authorized agent.
- Posted Signs: For private lots like apartments or retail stores, legally enforceable towing usually requires clearly posted signs stating the parking rules and the towing company’s contact information.
- No Vigilante Towing: You cannot damage the vehicle or use your own equipment to move it. This is illegal and dangerous.
If you are unsure about your rights, a quick call to your local police non-emergency line for guidance can prevent a major legal headache.
What To Do After The Car Is Towed
If you authorized a tow from your property, your job is mostly done. If your own car was towed, you need to retrive it.
- Find the Impound Lot: If the police authorized the tow, they can tell you which company took it and where it is. You can also call local tow companies or check the city’s online towed vehicle database.
- Gather Required Documents: To claim your vehicle, you will typically need: a valid driver’s license, current vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and sometimes proof of ownership.
- Pay All Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees in full, usually by cash or credit card. Fees must be paid before you can see or claim your car.
- Inspect Your Vehicle: Before driving away, do a quick walk-around. Note any new damage on the release form provided by the lot attendant. Take pictures if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Car Towed?
The cost varies widely. A simple tow for a breakdown might cost $75 to $150. Having an illegally parked car towed by authorities involves police fees, hook-up fees, and daily storage, easily totaling $200 to $500 for the owner to retrieve it. Always get an estimate.
Who Do I Call To Tow A Car That Is Not Mine?
If it’s on public property, call your local police or parking enforcement non-emergency line. If it’s on your private property, you must generally follow the abandoned vehicle process, which involves posting notice and then calling a licensed tow company after the waiting period.
Can I Have A Car Towed From In Front Of My House?
Generally, no. Public street parking in front of your house is available to anyone, unless there is a specific violation like expired registration or it has been parked unmoved for an extended period defined by local ordinance (often 72 hours). You cannot have it towed simply for being there.
What Information Do I Need To Provide When Reporting A Car For Towing?
Have this ready: the exact street address or location, the car’s make, model, color, and license plate number, a description of the specific violation (e.g., “blocking my driveway completely”), and the duration it has been there if relevant.
How Long Does It Take For A Tow Truck To Arrive?
Response times vary. For private breakdowns, it can be 30 minutes to an hour. For police-authorized tows for violations, it depends on officer availability and tow company queue, which could be a few hours. Immediate hazards are prioritized.