Start with the towing company that serves your area
The fastest way to learn about your car was towed is to call the towing company contracted by your city or county. Most municipalities have one primary contractor — sometimes two — and they handle the vast majority of tows in that jurisdiction. You can find the number on your city or county website, usually under "parking enforcement" or "public works," or by calling the non-emergency police line and asking which company handles impounds.
When you call, have your license plate number ready. The dispatcher can tell you in seconds whether your vehicle is in their lot. If it is, they will tell you the tow date, the reason (parking violation, abandoned vehicle, accident scene, etc.), the current storage fee, and what you need to bring to retrieve it. Most towing companies operate during business hours only, though some have after-hours retrieval for an additional fee.
Key Takeaways
- Your city or county contracts with one or two towing companies; call the non-emergency police line if you cannot find the number on your municipality's website.
- Have your license plate number ready when you call, and ask about the tow reason, storage fees, and what documents you need to retrieve your car.
- If the contracted company does not have your vehicle, check with private towing companies that operate in your area — apartment complexes, shopping centers, and parking lots often use their own towers.
- Storage fees accumulate daily, so the longer you wait, the more you owe; some jurisdictions cap daily fees, but others do not.
- If you believe the tow was illegal or wrongful, you have the right to dispute it, but you usually must pay the tow and storage fees first, then file a claim to recover them.
Check private towing companies if the city contractor does not have it
If the municipal towing company does not have your car, it may have been towed by a private operator. Apartment complexes, shopping centers, parking lots, and private parking enforcement companies all use their own towing services. Call the property manager or business where your car was parked and ask which towing company they contract with.
Private tows are often harder to track because there is no central registry. If you parked on private property, start with the property owner or manager. If you parked on the street and the city contractor does not have it, ask the police department whether any private tows were reported in that area — some jurisdictions keep records of private tows, though they are not required to.
Understand what documents you need to retrieve your vehicle
To pick up a towed car, you will need to bring proof of ownership and a valid photo ID. Proof of ownership is usually your vehicle registration or title. Some towing companies also accept insurance cards or loan documents that show your name and the vehicle identification number (VIN).
If someone other than the registered owner is retrieving the car, that person will need a signed letter from the owner authorizing the retrieval, plus their own photo ID. Some companies require the authorization letter to be notarized. Call the towing company before you go to confirm exactly what they accept, because policies vary and a wasted trip costs time.
Know what fees you will owe
Towing fees and storage fees are set by state law or local ordinance, but the amounts vary widely by location. A typical tow costs between $100 and $300, and storage fees usually run $15 to $50 per day, though some jurisdictions cap the daily rate and others do not. The longer your car sits, the more you owe — storage fees compound quickly.
Some municipalities require the towing company to provide an itemized receipt showing the tow fee, storage charges, and any administrative fees. Ask for this receipt when you pay. If you dispute the amount, you will need documentation of what you were charged. A few states allow you to recover towing and storage fees if you win a dispute, but you typically must pay the full amount first and then file a claim.
What to do if you believe the tow was wrongful
If you think your car was towed illegally — for example, you had a valid permit, the sign was obscured, or the tow happened without proper notice — you have the right to dispute it. However, most jurisdictions require you to pay the tow and storage fees before you can file a formal dispute. This is a significant barrier, but it is the standard process.
To dispute a tow, contact your city or county's parking enforcement office or the municipal court that handles parking cases. Ask for the tow report and the citation or reason for the tow. You will need to file a written dispute within a set time frame — usually 30 to 60 days from the tow date. If you win, you can recover the fees you paid. Keep all receipts and documentation from the towing company.
Check if your car was involved in an accident or crime
If your car was towed from an accident scene or as part of a police investigation, the process is different. Call the police department's non-emergency line and provide your license plate number. They can tell you which precinct or unit has the vehicle and what you need to do to retrieve it. You may need to wait until the investigation is complete before the car is released.
Accident-related tows and police holds can take days or weeks to clear. Ask the police department for a case number and the name of the officer or detective handling the case. This information will help you track the status of your vehicle and understand when it will be available for pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a towing company hold my car?
State law and local ordinance set the maximum hold period, which typically ranges from 30 to 90 days. After that, the towing company may be allowed to sell the vehicle or scrap it to cover unpaid fees. Contact your towing company or city to learn the specific hold period in your area.
Can I get my belongings out of my car before I pay the tow fee?
Most towing companies will let you retrieve personal items from your vehicle without paying the full tow fee, though some charge a small retrieval fee. Call ahead and ask their policy. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to show proof that the car is yours.
What if I cannot afford the tow and storage fees?
Some cities offer fee waivers or payment plans for low-income residents, though these programs are not common. Contact your city's parking enforcement office and ask whether a hardship waiver is available. If not, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan with the towing company directly.
How do I know if my car was towed or stolen?
Call the non-emergency police line and report your car missing. They can check whether it was towed or if a theft report has been filed. If it was towed, they will direct you to the towing company. If it was stolen, they will give you a case number for your insurance claim.
Can I dispute a tow if I had a valid parking permit?
Yes. If you had a valid permit displayed and your car was still towed, you have grounds to dispute the tow. Gather your permit, photos of where you parked, and any other evidence. File a dispute with your city's parking office within the time frame allowed by law, usually 30 to 60 days.