What To Do If Your Car Gets Towed

Finding an empty parking spot where you left your car means it was likely towed, starting with a call to local parking enforcement. Knowing what to do if your car gets towed is crucial to getting it back quickly and without unnecessary extra costs. The process can feel overwhelming, but a clear, step-by-step approach will help you navigate the situation calmly and efficiently.

This guide provides a complete action plan. We will cover how to confirm your car was towed, who to call, what information you need, and the steps to reclaim your vehicle. We’ll also explain how to handle the costs and what to do if you believe the tow was wrongful.

Your first reaction might be panic, but staying calm is your most important tool. Follow these steps in order to resolve the situation as smoothly as possible.

Step 1: Confirm Your Car Was Towed

Before you assume the worst, double-check a few things. It’s possible you forgot where you parked, or in rare cases, the vehicle could have been stolen.

Look for posted signage. Check for any parking restriction signs near the spot. Signs about street cleaning, no parking zones, or permit requirements are common reasons for tows.
Walk the immediate area. Sometimes you might have misremembered the exact spot by a block or two.
Ask nearby businesses or residents. They may have seen the tow truck or know the parking rules for the area.

Step 2: Contact The Right Authorities

If you’re confident the car was towed, you need to find out which agency authorized it. Calling the wrong place will waste valuable time.

Call Local Police Non-Emergency Line: This is almost always the best first call. Provide your location and license plate number. They can tell you if it was towed by police order and direct you to the correct impound lot.
Call City Parking Enforcement: If the tow was for a parking violation (like street cleaning or expired meter), the city’s parking authority will have the record.
Check For Private Property Tows: If you were parked on private property like a shopping mall, apartment complex, or private lot, the property owner may have called a private tow company. Look for a sign with the tow company’s name and number.

Information To Have Ready When You Call

Your vehicle’s license plate number.
The make, model, and color of your car.
The exact street address or location where you parked.
The approximate time you parked and when you returned.

Step 3: Locate Your Vehicle

The agency you call will provide you with the name and address of the impound lot, also known as a tow yard or vehicle storage facility. Write this down carefully.

Get the exact address and operating hours. Many impound lots have limited hours, especially on weekends and holidays.
Ask for a case number or tow reference number. This will speed up the process when you arrive.
Inquire about any specific documentation you will need to bring with you.

Step 4: Gather Required Documentation And Payment

Do not go to the impound lot unprepared. You will need specific items to prove ownership and pay the required fees. Missing one document can mean an extra trip.

Essential Documents To Bring

A Valid Driver’s License: This is non-negotiable. The name on the license must match the vehicle registration.
Current Vehicle Registration: Proof that the car is registered in your name. If the registration is in the car, explain this to the lot attendant; they may have a procedure for verifying it.
Proof of Insurance: A valid insurance card for the vehicle.
If You Are Not The Registered Owner: You will need a notarized letter from the owner authorizing you to retrieve the vehicle, plus a copy of the owner’s driver’s license and registration.

Understanding The Costs And Payment Methods

Towing and impound fees can add up quickly. They typically include a tow fee, a daily storage fee, and any outstanding fines.

Tow Fee: The charge for hooking up and transporting your vehicle.
Daily Storage Fee: A charge for each day (or partial day) your car is in the lot. This is why acting fast is critical.
Fines: Any parking tickets or citations that led to the tow. These are often paid to the city, not the tow lot.
Payment Methods: Most impounds lots accept cash, credit, or debit cards. Some may not accept personal checks. Always call ahead to confirm acceptable payment methods to avoid another delay.

Step 5: Reclaim Your Vehicle From The Impound Lot

When you go to the lot, be prepared for a potentially lengthy process. Go during their business hours and bring patience.

Check in at the office. Provide your documentation, case number, and identification.
Pay all fees. Get an itemized receipt that details the tow, storage, and any other charges.
An attendant will direct you to your vehicle. Before you drive away, do a quick inspection.

Inspecting Your Vehicle Before You Leave

Check for any new damage that may have occured during the towing process. Look for scratches, dents, or mechanical issues.

Note any damage on your receipt or with the lot manager before you leave. Take timestamped photos with your phone.
If the car won’t start, it may have a steering wheel lock or a disconnected battery. Ask the attendant for assistance; they see this often.
Ensure you have all your personal belongings from the car.

Common Reasons Your Car Gets Towed

Understanding why cars are towed can help you avoid it in the future. Here are the most frequent causes.

Parking Violations On Public Streets

Street Cleaning: Parking during posted street cleaning hours is a prime cause.
Expired Meters: Overstaying your time at a meter, especially in busy areas.
No-Parking Zones: Blocking fire hydrants, bus stops, crosswalks, or driveways.
Snow Emergencies: Parking on designated snow emergency routes during a storm.
Parking Without A Permit: In residential areas that require a neighborhood permit.

Towing From Private Property

Property owners have the right to remove unauthorized vehicles. Always look for signage.

Parking in a lot for customers only (like a retail store) and then leaving the premises.
Parking in a reserved spot in an apartment complex without a tag.
Blocking another vehicle or a loading zone in a private lot.

Other Legal And Safety Reasons

Abandoned Vehicles: If a car is left in one spot for an extended period, it may be considered abandoned.
Registration or Inspection Lapses: Some jurisdictions can tow vehicles with excessively expired tags or inspection stickers.
Being Part of a Police Investigation: The vehicle itself may be impounded as evidence.

How To Handle A Wrongful Tow

If you believe your car was towed illegally or by mistake, you have options. Do not refuse to pay the fees at the lot; this will only lead to more storage charges. Instead, retrieve your vehicle first to stop the clock on fees, then dispute it.

Gather Evidence Immediately

Take clear photos of where you were parked, focusing on any missing, obscured, or confusing signage.
Get witness statements or contact information from anyone who saw the tow.
Keep all your paperwork: the itemized receipt from the tow lot and any citation you recieved.

File A Formal Dispute

The process varies depending on who authorized the tow.

For City Tows: Contact the parking violations bureau or clerk of courts to request a hearing. Present your evidence. If you win, you may be reimbursed for the tow and storage fees.
For Private Property Tows: File a complaint with your state’s consumer protection agency or public utilities commission, which often regulates tow companies. You can also sue the tow company or property owner in small claims court for the costs.

Preventative Measures To Avoid Future Tows

A little awareness goes a long way in preventing the stress and expense of a tow.

Always Be Aware Of Posted Signs

Make it a habit to scan for signs every time you park, even in familiar areas. Rules can change for construction or special events.

Understand Local Parking Laws

Familiarize yourself with your city’s specific rules regarding street cleaning schedules, snow emergencies, and permit parking areas.

Keep Your Documentation Current

Ensure your vehicle registration and inspection are always up-to-date. An expired tag is an easy target for enforcement.

Use Parking Apps And Alarms

Set reminders on your phone for meter expiration or street cleaning days. Many city parking apps will send you alerts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Towed Car Back?

Costs vary widely by city and tow company. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the tow distance, daily storage fees, and any attached fines. Storage fees often increase for each day the car is held.

What Happens If I Cannot Afford To Get My Car Out Of Impound?

Contact the impound lot immediately. Some may offer a payment plan, but this is rare. If you leave the car, storage fees will accumulate until the lot places a lien on the vehicle and eventually sells it at auction to cover the debt. It’s best to retreive it as soon as possible.

Can A Towing Company Damage My Car?

They can, though reputable companies take care. This is why inspecting your vehicle before leaving the lot is critical. If damage occurs due to negligence, you may file a claim with the tow company’s insurance. Your photos and notes will be vital evidence.

How Long Do I Have To Get My Car Before It Is Sold?

State laws differ, but typically, an impound lot must hold a vehicle for a minimum period (often 30 days) before they can apply for a title and sell it. They will send notices to the registered owner’s address on file. Never ignore these notices.

What Should I Do If My Car Was Towed From My Own Property?

This is usually a case of mistaken address or an error by the tow company. Call the police non-emergency line to report it as potentially stolen, then follow the steps to locate it through the tow authorization system. If it was a private company’s error, they are responsible for returning your vehicle and covering all fees.