Start with the towing company that took your car
When your car is towed, the towing company has a legal obligation to tell you where it went. Call the police non-emergency line for the jurisdiction where your car was parked — they will give you the name and phone number of the towing company that handled it. Have your license plate number ready when you call.
Once you have the towing company's contact information, call them directly. Tell them your license plate number and the location where the car was towed from. They will confirm whether they have your vehicle and tell you where it is being held. Most towing companies keep cars in a secured lot and require you to come in person to retrieve it.
If the police tell you they do not have a record of a tow from that location, ask them to check again or clarify which agency handles towing in that area. Some cities use private towing companies, while others use municipal impound lots. The police dispatcher can direct you to the right place.
Key Takeaways
- Call the police non-emergency line first — they maintain records of which towing company removed your car and where it went.
- Have your license plate number and the address where the car was parked ready before you call.
- The towing company will tell you the exact lot location, storage fees, and what documents you need to retrieve your car.
- If your car was towed for unpaid parking tickets or traffic violations, you may need to resolve those before the lot will release it.
- Storage fees accumulate daily, so retrieving your car quickly reduces the total cost.
What information you need to provide
When you contact the towing company, have these details ready: your full license plate number, the date and time your car went missing, and the exact address or intersection where it was parked. The towing company uses the plate number to pull up your vehicle in their system when ready.
If you do not remember your exact license plate number, you can find it on your vehicle registration documents, insurance card, or driver's license. If you cannot locate it before calling, give the towing company your vehicle identification number (VIN) instead — it is on your registration and insurance documents, and they can cross-reference it.
Be prepared to answer questions about why the car was towed. The towing company needs to know whether it was removed for parking violations, expired registration, unpaid tickets, or being in a no-parking zone. This information helps them locate your car faster and tells you what you may need to resolve before taking it home.
Understanding towing fees and payment requirements
Towing companies charge a base fee for the tow itself, usually between $75 and $300 depending on distance and the type of vehicle. On top of that, they charge daily storage fees — typically $15 to $50 per day — that begin accruing the moment your car arrives at the lot. These fees vary by state and by the specific towing company.
When you call to locate your car, ask the towing company for the total amount owed, including the tow fee and all storage charges to date. Ask what payment methods they accept — most accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards, though some may require payment in person at the lot.
If your car was towed because of unpaid parking tickets or traffic violations, you may need to pay those fines or provide proof of payment before the lot releases the vehicle. Ask the towing company whether they handle that or whether you need to contact the city or county separately. Some jurisdictions require you to clear the violation first; others allow the towing company to release the car once you pay their fees.
Finding your car if the police have no record
If the police non-emergency line has no record of a tow, your car may have been towed by a private property owner or management company rather than by a municipal authority. This happens when a car is parked on private land — an apartment complex, shopping center, or private lot — without permission.
Contact the property owner or management company for the location where your car was parked. They will tell you which towing company they use and provide you with that company's phone number. Private towing companies operate the same way as municipal ones: they will confirm they have your car and tell you the fees and location.
If you do not know who owns the property, look up the address online or call the city assessor's office — they maintain records of property ownership. You can also return to the location and look for posted signs that list the property management company or towing company contact information.
Retrieving your car from the impound lot
Once you have located your car and know the total fees owed, contact the lot to confirm their hours of operation and what documents you need to bring. Most impound lots require a photo ID and proof of vehicle ownership — your registration, title, or insurance card. Some lots require the original title; others accept a copy.
Bring payment in the form the lot accepts. If you are paying by card, confirm that they can process it before you arrive. Some lots are cash-only, and running out of money mid-transaction will delay your retrieval. Ask whether they charge a processing fee for card payments.
When you arrive at the lot, staff will verify your identity and ownership, confirm payment, and walk you to your vehicle. Inspect the car for damage before leaving — take photos if you notice anything. Ask the lot for a receipt showing what you paid and when. Keep this receipt in case you need to dispute any charges later.
What to do if you cannot pay the fees when ready
If you cannot pay the full amount right away, contact the towing company and ask whether they offer payment plans. Some companies will release your car if you pay the tow fee and a portion of storage, then arrange to pay the remainder over time. This is not may provide, but it is worth asking.
If the car was towed for unpaid parking tickets or traffic violations, contact the city or county that issued the citation. Some jurisdictions have hardship programs or payment plans for people who cannot pay fines in full. Resolving the underlying violation may also reduce or eliminate storage fees.
Storage fees continue to accumulate every day your car remains in the lot. The longer you wait, the more you will owe. Even if you cannot pay when ready, contact the lot and ask about their policies — some will hold a car for a limited time before selling it to cover fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a towing company have to keep my car?
This varies by state and local law. Most jurisdictions require towing companies to hold vehicles for 30 to 90 days before they can sell them to cover unpaid fees. Contact your state's attorney general office or the towing company directly to learn the timeline in your area. The sooner you retrieve your car, the fewer fees you will owe.
Can I get my belongings out of the car before I pay the towing fees?
Most towing companies will not allow you to access the vehicle until fees are paid in full. If you have essential items inside — medications, documents, or valuables — call the lot and explain the situation. Some will allow you to retrieve specific items, though this is not standard practice. Ask what their policy is before you visit.
What if I think my car was towed illegally?
If you believe the tow was improper — for example, the car was in a legal spot or the no-parking signs were not clearly posted — you can dispute the charges. Contact the towing company in writing and explain your case. If they do not respond, file a complaint with your state's attorney general or the local consumer protection agency. You may still need to pay to retrieve the car while the dispute is ongoing.
Do I need the original title to pick up my car?
Most towing companies accept a copy of your registration or insurance card as proof of ownership. Some require the original title. Call the lot before you go and ask what documents they will accept. If you do not have your title, contact your state's department of motor vehicles — they can issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming ownership.
What happens if I never retrieve my car?
After a set period — usually 30 to 90 days depending on your state — the towing company can sell your car at auction to cover the tow and storage fees. The proceeds go toward what you owe; if the sale does not cover the full amount, you may still be responsible for the difference. Retrieve your car as soon as you can to avoid this outcome.