Start with the towing company that took your car

When your vehicle 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 can tell you which company performed the tow and provide a phone number. If the tow was ordered by a property owner (apartment complex, parking lot, private business), call the property manager directly; they usually know the towing company's name and can give you the contact information.

Once you have the towing company's number, call and provide your vehicle's license plate number, make, model, and color. The dispatcher can confirm whether your car is in their lot and tell you the exact address, the current storage fee, and what documents you need to retrieve it. Many towing companies charge a daily storage fee that begins accruing when ready, so getting this information quickly matters for your wallet.

If you cannot reach the towing company by phone, visit their lot in person during business hours. Bring your driver's license and vehicle registration. Some companies maintain online databases where you can search by license plate, though this is less common for smaller operators.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the police non-emergency line to learn which towing company took your vehicle and get their direct phone number.
  • Storage fees begin when ready and compound daily, so locating your car quickly reduces what you owe.
  • You will need your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of payment to retrieve your car from the lot.
  • If the tow was from private property, the property manager or owner can often tell you the towing company's name faster than police dispatch.
  • Some cities maintain online tow registries where you can search by license plate or vehicle identification number.

Use your city or county's tow registry if one exists

Many cities and counties operate public databases that log all tows performed within their jurisdiction. These registries typically allow you to search by license plate, vehicle identification number (VIN), or the date and location of the tow. The registry usually lists the towing company's name, lot address, phone number, and sometimes the reason the vehicle was towed.

To find your local registry, search "[your city] tow registry" or "[your county] impound database." Some are run by the police department, others by the city clerk's office or a dedicated traffic enforcement division. A few cities make the database searchable online; others require you to call a specific phone number during business hours. The police non-emergency line can direct you to the right office if you cannot locate it online.

If your city does not maintain a public registry, the police dispatch center can still look up the tow in their records and tell you which company took your vehicle. This usually takes a few minutes on the phone.

What to bring when you go to retrieve your vehicle

Towing companies will not release your car without proof of ownership and payment. Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. The registration must show your name as the owner or registered keeper of the vehicle.

You will also need to pay the towing fee and any storage charges that have accrued. Fees vary widely depending on the company and your location, but a typical tow costs between $150 and $300, with storage running $20 to $50 per day. Ask the towing company for an exact total before you arrive so you know what to bring. Most accept cash, debit, and credit cards, though some smaller lots may accept only cash.

If someone other than the registered owner needs to pick up the car, bring a signed letter from the owner authorizing that person to retrieve it, along with a copy of the owner's ID. Requirements vary by company, so call ahead to confirm what documentation they need.

If your car was towed from private property

Private property tows — from apartment complexes, shopping centers, or private parking lots — follow different rules than police tows. The property owner or manager ordered the tow, not the city. Call the property management office, leasing office, or business that owns the property where your car was parked. They can tell you which towing company was used and why the tow was ordered.

You may also have a dispute about whether the tow was legal. If you were a tenant or had permission to park there, or if signage about towing was not clearly posted, you may have grounds to challenge the fee. Ask the property manager or towing company for their written tow authorization and any photos they took of the vehicle's location and any posted signs. Keep these documents if you decide to dispute the charge later.

Private property tows often cost more than police tows because there is no city regulation of the fees. Verify the total cost before paying, and ask whether the towing company will accept a payment plan if the fee is very high.

What to do if you cannot locate your vehicle

If the police non-emergency line cannot find a record of your tow, or if the towing company says they do not have your car, your vehicle may have been stolen rather than towed. File a police report for the theft and get a report number. You will need this for your insurance claim.

If you believe your car was towed but no record exists, contact the city's traffic enforcement or parking division directly. Sometimes tows are logged under a slightly different vehicle description or the wrong license plate number. Provide as much detail as you can: the exact date and time you last saw the car, the address where it was parked, and any witnesses who saw it being towed.

If your vehicle was towed from a private lot and you cannot locate it, contact the property manager again and ask for the towing company's name in writing. If they refuse or claim they did not order a tow, you may need to file a complaint with your city's consumer protection office or small claims court.

Challenging a tow if you believe it was illegal

You have the right to challenge a tow if it violated local law. Common grounds for challenge include: no visible "No Parking" or tow warning signs at the location, the tow was performed without proper authorization, you were a tenant with parking rights, or the towing company charged excessive fees beyond what the law allows.

Request a written explanation from the towing company of why your vehicle was towed, including the authorization they received and photos of any posted signage. If the tow was ordered by police, request the police report that authorized it. Keep all receipts and documentation of fees paid.

If you believe the tow was unlawful, you can file a complaint with your city's consumer protection division or small claims court. Some cities also have an administrative hearing process where you can dispute the tow before a hearing officer. The police non-emergency line or city clerk's office can tell you which process applies in your jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a towing company legally hold my car?

Laws vary by state and city. Most jurisdictions allow towing companies to hold a vehicle for 30 to 90 days before they can sell it to cover unpaid towing and storage fees. Check your local city or county code, or ask the towing company directly. If you cannot retrieve your car within the allowed time, contact the company to ask about payment plans or negotiate a reduced fee.

Can I get my belongings out of my car before I pay the tow fee?

Most towing companies will allow you to remove personal items from your vehicle before paying, though policies vary. Call ahead and ask. Some require you to be present while you retrieve items, and some charge a small fee for this service. Do not assume you can access your car without permission — always ask first.

What if I cannot afford to pay the towing and storage fees?

Contact the towing company and ask about payment plans or fee reductions. Some companies will negotiate, especially if storage fees have accumulated significantly. If the tow was illegal or the fees are excessive, you may dispute the charge through small claims court or your city's consumer protection office. Some nonprofits and legal aid organizations also help people challenge unlawful tows.

How do I know if my car was towed or stolen?

Call the police non-emergency line and report your car missing. They can check whether it was towed or if a theft report has been filed. If no tow record exists and no theft report is on file, file a theft report yourself and get a report number for your insurance company. Check your city's tow registry online if one exists.

Can I retrieve my car if I do not have my registration with me?

Most towing companies require proof of ownership, which is typically your vehicle registration or title. If you do not have it with you, go home and get it, or call the company and ask whether they will accept other forms of ID like a driver's license plus a utility bill showing your address. Call before you make the trip to confirm what they will accept.