What to Do When Your Car Gets Towed: A Clear Guide

Navigating the aftermath of having your car towed can be daunting, but understanding your rights and the necessary steps to retrieve your vehicle can significantly ease the process.

Whether your car got towed for expired tags, improperly parked, or any other potential issues, you’ll want to retrieve your vehicle quickly to avoid additional fees!

1. The first step is to locate your towed car.
2. Check where you parked it and look for signs indicating it was towed. If you cannot find it, try calling the local police department or the non-emergency number to see if they have any information on where your car may be.
3. Once you know where it is, you can begin the process of retrieving it from the impound lot.
4. Ensure you bring all necessary documentation, including your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.

This article will provide a clear guide on what to do when your car gets towed, helping you handle the situation effectively and potentially even contest any unjustified charges!

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Key Takeaways

• Remaining calm and assessing the situation is the first step when your car gets towed.
• Locating your towed car and having the necessary documentation is crucial when dealing with the impound lot.
• Knowing the legal aspects of towing and insurance coverage can help you avoid being taken advantage of by towing companies.

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Locating Your Towed Car

If you have returned to the spot where you parked your car only to find it missing, it is possible that your car has been towed!

• The first step is to remain calm and assess the situation.
• The next step is to locate your towed car.

Here are some ways you can do that!

1. Contact the Police Department

If you are unsure whether your car has been towed or stolen, the first step is to contact the police department.

You can call the non-emergency number of your local police department and ask if they have towed your car. They will be able to tell you if your car has been towed and where it has been taken.

2. Check Online

Another way to locate your towed car is to check online. Many cities have online databases that allow you to search for your towed car by entering your license plate number or VIN number.

You can also use websites like TowPro or FindMyImpound to locate your towed car.

3. Contact the Towing Company

Once you have located the impound lot where your car has been taken, you can contact the towing company to find out how much you owe for their tow charge.

You will also need to present your proof of insurance, driver’s license, vehicle title, and vehicle registration to retrieve your car.

4. Check for Signs

If you parked in a private lot, it is possible that your car has been towed by the lot owner. Look for signs that indicate where your car has been taken.

These signs are usually posted in visible areas, such as near the entrance or exit of the parking lot.

Dealing with the Impound Lot

When a car gets towed, it is usually taken to an impound lot. Impound lots are facilities where towed vehicles are stored until the owner comes to retrieve them.

These lots are usually operated by private companies or government agencies.

One of the first things to keep in mind when dealing with an impound lot is that there are usually fees associated with retrieving your vehicle. These fees are typically referred to as “storage fees” or “release fees.”

The storage fee is the amount charged for each day that the vehicle remains in the impound lot. The release fee, also known as the “vehicle-release fee,” is the amount charged to release the vehicle from the impound lot.

These fees can add up quickly, so retrieving your vehicle as soon as possible is important to avoid additional charges.

When you arrive at the impound lot, you will need to provide proof of ownership and pay the necessary fees. It is also a good idea to bring a photo ID and any paperwork related to your vehicle’s towing.

Some impound lots may require additional documentation, so it is best to check with them beforehand to make sure you have everything you need.

Once you have paid the fees and provided the necessary documentation, you will be given a release form that you will need to present to the tow truck driver. The tow truck driver will then release your vehicle to you, and you will be free to leave the impound lot.

It is important to note that if you do not retrieve your vehicle within a certain time, the impound lot may have the right to sell your vehicle to recoup the storage and towing costs.

This time frame varies depending on state and local laws, so it is important to check with the impound lot to find out how long you have to retrieve your vehicle before it is sold.

In conclusion, dealing with an impound lot can be a stressful experience, but by keeping these tips in mind, you can make the process as smooth as possible.

Remember to bring all necessary documentation, pay the fees promptly, and retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid additional charges.

Necessary Documentation

When retrieving a towed vehicle, it is important to have the necessary documentation to prove ownership and eligibility to retrieve the vehicle.

The following are some of the documents that may be required:

1. Driver’s License

The driver’s license is the most important document to have when retrieving a towed vehicle.

It is used to verify the identity of the person retrieving the vehicle and ensure that the person is authorized to operate it. The driver’s license should be current and valid.

2. Vehicle Registration

The vehicle’s registration is another important document that is required to retrieve a towed vehicle.

It is used to verify that the vehicle is registered and that the person retrieving it is the registered owner or authorized to retrieve it. The registration should be current and valid.

3. Proof of Insurance

Proof of insurance is also required to retrieve a towed vehicle.

It is used to verify that the vehicle is insured and that the person retrieving it is authorized to operate it. The proof of insurance should be current and valid.

4. License Plate or VIN Number

The license plate or VIN number is used to identify the towed vehicle.

It is important to have this information when retrieving a towed vehicle, as it will help ensure that the correct vehicle is being retrieved.

5. Rental Agreement or Proof of Ownership

A rental agreement may be required to retrieve the vehicle if the vehicle is a rental.

If the vehicle is owned by someone other than the person retrieving the vehicle, proof of ownership may be required.

6. Cash or Credit Card

In most cases, cash or a credit card will be required to pay for the towing and storage fees associated with retrieving a towed vehicle. It is important to have enough cash or credit available to cover these fees.

Having the necessary documentation when retrieving a towed vehicle is crucial. It is important to ensure that all required documents are current and valid to avoid delays or complications.

Insurance and Towing

When a car is towed, one of the first things to consider is whether insurance covers the cost of towing.

According to Progressive, if a driver has roadside assistance coverage, they can use it for a tow service for their vehicle within a 15-mile radius or to the closest qualified repair shop beyond 15 miles.

Jump-start services for a dead battery and winching services in case the vehicle gets stuck in the mud, snow, water, or sand (within 100 feet of a road or highway) are also covered.

However, in most cases, towing comes at the vehicle owner’s expense, and many impound lots do not accept credit cards. The driver will need to grab their driver’s license, insurance card, vehicle registration information, and cash or a cashier’s check for the tow charge.

It’s essential to have insurance information on hand when a car is towed. If the driver purchased collision coverage, their towing costs are typically covered after an accident, regardless of fault, according to TorkLaw.

A driver looking for cheap car insurance should consider factors such as their driving record, type of car, and location. Many insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving, multiple cars, and bundling policies.

It’s essential to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best deal.

In summary, insurance coverage for towing costs varies depending on the policy and situation. If a driver has roadside assistance coverage, they may be able to use it for a tow service. If a driver purchased collision coverage, towing costs are typically covered after an accident.

It’s crucial to have insurance information on hand and consider factors such as driving record, type of car, and location when looking for cheap car insurance.

Payment and Fees

When a car gets towed, there are fees that must be paid to retrieve the vehicle from the impound lot. The fees can vary depending on the reason for the tow, the location of the impound lot, and the length of time the car has been in the lot.

To get a car back from an impound lot, payment is usually required in the form of cash, a credit card, or a cashier’s check. Personal checks are generally not accepted.

Some impound lots may accept debit cards, Visa, or Mastercard, but it’s best to check with the impound lot ahead of time to confirm which payment methods are accepted.

It’s important to note that the fees to retrieve a towed car can add up quickly. In addition to the towing charge, there may be additional fees for a flatbed fee (for disabled vehicles) or a boot-removal fee (if the car was immobilized before being towed).

These fees can vary by city, so it’s important to check with the impound lot to understand the specific fees that will be required to retrieve the vehicle.

If someone is unable to pay the fees to retrieve a towed car, there may be options to have the fees waived or reduced. For example, if the car was towed due to a parking violation, some cities may offer a program that allows individuals to perform community service in lieu of paying the fees.

Legal Aspects of Towing

When a car is towed, it is important to understand the legal aspects of the situation.

This section will cover some of the legal implications of towing, including hearings, judgment debts, parking tickets, and evidence.

1. Hearings

If a car is towed, the owner may have the right to a hearing to contest the tow. The specific rules regarding hearings vary by state and locality, but generally, the owner must request a hearing within a certain amount of time after the tow.

For more info on contesting charges, make sure to take a look at my full article on can you dispute a towing charge for expired tags.

The owner can present evidence at the hearing and argue why the tow was improper. If the owner is successful, the tow may be deemed improper, and the owner may be entitled to compensation.

2. Judgment Debts

If a car is towed and the owner owes a judgment debt, the towing company may be entitled to keep the car until the debt is paid.

However, the towing company must follow certain rules regarding the notice and storage of the car, and the owner may have the right to contest the debt.

3. Parking Tickets

If a car is towed due to a parking violation, the owner may still be responsible for paying the parking ticket.

In some cases, the owner may be able to contest the ticket, but this will depend on the specific circumstances of the violation.

4. Evidence

If a car is towed, the owner should gather as much evidence as possible to support their case. This may include photographs of the parking spot, the tow truck, and any signs or markings indicating parking restrictions.

The owner should also keep any paperwork related to the tow, including receipts and notices.

Overall, it is important to understand the legal aspects of towing in order to protect your rights as a car owner.

By understanding the rules and regulations surrounding towing, you can be better prepared to contest an improper tow and seek compensation if necessary.

Dealing with Towing Companies

When dealing with towing companies, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities. Towing companies are required to exercise ordinary care that a reasonable person would use in a similar situation.

This means that they must take reasonable steps to protect your vehicle from damage or theft while it is in their possession.

If your car has been towed, it is important to act quickly to avoid additional fees!

Towing companies are allowed to charge a fee for the initial tow and additional fees for storage and other services. These fees can add up quickly, so paying them as soon as possible is important to avoid further charges.

When dealing with towing companies, it is important to be polite and professional. Remember that the person on the other end of the phone is just doing their job, and they may be able to help you if you treat them with respect.

If you feel that you are being treated unfairly, you can ask to speak to a supervisor or file a complaint with the appropriate regulatory agency.

It is also important to understand the different types of tow trucks that may be used to transport your vehicle. Flatbed tow trucks are often used for long-distance tows, as they are more secure and less likely to cause damage to your vehicle.

However, they are also more expensive than traditional tow trucks, so you may want to consider this when choosing a towing company.

Overall, dealing with towing companies can be a frustrating experience, but it is important to remain calm and professional.

By understanding your rights and responsibilities and by working with the towing company to find a solution, you can minimize the impact of a tow on your wallet and your peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions