What is what to do when car is towed?

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What To Do When Your Car Is Towed

Discovering your car has been towed can be frustrating. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do:

1. Confirm the Tow: First, make sure your car was actually towed and not stolen. Check the area where you parked for signs indicating why vehicles are towed and who to contact. This sign might include a phone number or website. If you can't find a sign, call your local police department's non-emergency line. They can confirm if your car was towed and by which company.

2. Identify the Towing Company: Once you confirm the tow, get the name and contact information of the towing company. The police or signs at the location should have this information.

3. Gather Necessary Documents: To retrieve your vehicle, you'll typically need:

   • Your driver's license
   • Vehicle registration
   • Proof of insurance (if applicable)
   • Payment for towing and storage fees

4. Understand the Reason for the Tow: It's important to understand why your car was towed. Common reasons include:

   • Illegal Parking: Parking in a no-parking zone, blocking a fire hydrant, or parking too close to a crosswalk.
   • Expired Registration: Driving with expired tags can lead to a tow in some areas.
   • Abandoned Vehicle: Leaving a vehicle unattended for an extended period, especially on public property.
   • Traffic Violations: In some cases, serious traffic violations can lead to immediate towing.
   • Private Property Towing: Parking on private property without authorization.

5. Contact the Towing Company: Call the towing company to confirm their location, hours of operation, accepted payment methods, and the total amount due for towing and storage fees. Ask about their policies regarding releasing the vehicle.

6. Go to the Towing Company's Location: Go to the towing company's impound lot with the required documents and payment.

7. Inspect Your Vehicle: Before you pay and take your car, thoroughly inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during the towing process. Document any damage with photos and notes.

8. Pay the Fees: Pay the towing and storage fees. Be sure to get a detailed receipt.

9. Retrieve Your Vehicle: Once you've paid, you can retrieve your vehicle.

10. Dispute the Tow (If Necessary): If you believe your car was towed unfairly or illegally, you have the right to Dispute the Tow. The process for disputing a tow varies by location, but it generally involves filing a complaint with the towing company, the local police department, or a consumer protection agency. Document everything related to the tow, including photos, receipts, and communications.

11. Know Your Rights: Be aware of your rights regarding towing in your area. These rights often include regulations about signage, notification, and maximum fees. Your local government's website should have information on towing regulations.