Start with the police non-emergency line or your city's towing hotline
The fastest way to find who towed your car is to call your local police department's non-emergency number and ask which towing company removed it. Many cities and counties run a centralized towing hotline — search "[your city] towed vehicle" or "[your county] towing hotline" to find the direct number. These lines can tell you the company name, the lot location, and what you owe within minutes.
If you don't know which jurisdiction towed the car, start with the police department that covers the area where it was parked. They keep records of all tows in their district and can confirm whether the vehicle was impounded or taken to a private lot. Have your license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN) ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- Your city or county police non-emergency line can tell you which towing company has your car and where it is located.
- Many cities operate a centralized towing hotline that answers calls about impounded vehicles and provides lot locations and fees.
- Private property tows (from parking lots or driveways) are often handled by the property owner or manager, not the police.
- Towing companies are required to provide written notice of the tow location and your right to reclaim the vehicle, though the timing and method vary by state.
- If you cannot locate the tow company through official channels, contact your city's parking enforcement or code enforcement office.
Check if it was a police impound or a private tow
Police impounds and private tows are handled differently. A police impound happens when your car is towed for unpaid parking tickets, expired registration, suspended license, or as evidence in a crime. A private tow happens when a property owner (apartment complex, parking lot, private driveway) hires a towing company to remove your car.
If the tow was police-ordered, the police department or city impound lot will have the records. If it was private, the property owner or their management company arranged it, and you may need to contact them first to find out which company they used. Ask the property manager or owner directly — they are required to provide the towing company's name and lot location.
Search your city's parking enforcement or code enforcement office
Most cities maintain a searchable database or phone line for towed vehicles. Contact your city's parking enforcement division, parking authority, or code enforcement office — the name varies by location. They can search by license plate, VIN, or vehicle description and tell you whether your car is in the city impound lot or was released to a private towing company.
Some cities offer online portals where you can enter your plate number and see tow records when ready. Others require a phone call. The parking enforcement office can also tell you the reason for the tow, the lot address, current storage fees, and what documents you need to reclaim the vehicle.
Contact the towing company directly once you have the name
Once you know which company towed your car, call them to confirm the vehicle is in their lot and get the exact address, hours of operation, and total amount owed. Towing companies are required by state law to answer questions about towed vehicles and provide this information over the phone.
Ask about payment methods — most accept cash, card, or check. Some lots require payment before you can view the vehicle or remove personal items from it. Confirm whether they charge a daily storage fee and how long you have before additional charges accrue. If the tow was recent, storage fees may still be minimal, but they increase daily.
Review the tow notice or citation left on your vehicle
If you were present when your car was towed, the driver should have left a notice on the windshield or under the wiper blade. This notice contains the towing company's name, phone number, lot address, and the reason for the tow. If you were not present, check your mailbox — towing companies are required to send written notice to the vehicle owner's address within a set timeframe (usually 24 to 72 hours, depending on your state).
The notice also includes your legal rights, such as the right to reclaim the vehicle, the right to dispute the tow, and information about storage fees. Keep this notice — you may need it to prove you own the vehicle or to challenge the tow if it was done illegally.
Use your state's attorney general or consumer protection office if you cannot locate the tow
If the police department and parking enforcement cannot find your car, contact your state's attorney general office or consumer protection division. They maintain lists of licensed towing companies and can help you track down which company may have your vehicle. Some states require towing companies to register with the state, making it easier to search by location.
You can also file a complaint with your state's transportation department or motor vehicle division if you believe the tow was illegal or the company is not providing required information. These agencies can investigate and may be able to locate your vehicle faster than you can on your own.
Understand what you need to reclaim your car
To pick up your car, bring your driver's license, proof of vehicle ownership (title, registration, or loan documents), and payment for all towing and storage fees. Some lots require a signed release form before releasing the vehicle. If someone else is picking up the car on your behalf, bring a signed power of attorney or letter of authorization along with their ID.
If you dispute the tow — for example, if you believe it was done illegally or without proper notice — you may be able to file a claim with the towing company or the property owner before paying. Some states allow you to post a bond and reclaim the vehicle while the dispute is being resolved. Ask the towing company about your state's dispute process before paying the full amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a towing company hold my car?
Most states allow towing companies to hold a vehicle for 30 to 90 days before they can sell it to cover unpaid fees. However, storage charges accrue daily, so the longer you wait, the more you owe. Contact the towing company when ready to find out your state's specific timeline and current storage costs.
Can I get my belongings out of the car before I pay the towing fee?
Some towing companies allow you to retrieve personal items for free, while others charge a fee or require you to pay the full towing and storage bill first. Call ahead and ask their policy. If they refuse to let you access your belongings, you may be able to file a complaint with your state's attorney general.
What if the tow was illegal or done without proper notice?
If you believe the tow violated state law — for example, no notice was left or the company did not follow proper procedures — you can dispute it with the towing company in writing or file a complaint with your city's code enforcement office. Some states allow you to sue for damages if the tow was wrongful. Document everything and keep copies of all notices and communications.
Do I have to pay the towing fee if I did not authorize the tow?
If the tow was ordered by police or a property owner with legal authority, you are responsible for the fee even if you did not authorize it. However, if the tow was done illegally — for example, from public property without a valid reason — you may be able to challenge the charges. Contact your city's parking enforcement or an attorney to review your specific situation.
What if I cannot afford to pay the towing and storage fees?
Some towing companies offer payment plans or will negotiate reduced fees, especially if you contact them quickly. A few cities have hardship programs or can direct you to community resources. Call the towing company and explain your situation — it costs them nothing to discuss options, and many will work with you rather than sell the vehicle.