Find your towed car easily

How to Find Your Towed Car: A Step-by-Step Guide

Uh-oh, you walk out to where you parked your car, and it’s not there. Frustrating, right? Chances are, it didn’t vanish into thin air—it’s probably been towed. Don’t panic! I’ll walk you through the process of finding your towed car step by step, so you can locate it and get it back as soon as possible.

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It doesn’t matter where you are in the United States, this process is relatively straightforward, but it does require some patience and persistence. Let’s have a look.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Think Logically

Before assuming your car was towed, take a moment to ensure it wasn’t moved for another reason. Double-check for “No Parking” signs, fire hydrants, or other restrictions in the area where you parked. Cities often tow vehicles for parking violations, blocking driveways, or for unpaid tickets.

If you’re sure your car was towed, here’s what to do next.

Step 2: Contact The Local Police Station

The fastest way to find out if your car has been towed is by contacting the local police department, where the car was last. Here’s why this works:

In almost 99% of all U.S. cities, towing companies are required to notify the police department when they tow a vehicle, they do so as soon as they have picked up your car. This helps law enforcement maintain a record of where cars are taken.
Police can check their records to confirm if your vehicle was towed and provide details about the towing company and storage location.

How to do this:

Call the non-emergency number for your local police station. Avoid 911 unless it’s an actual emergency.
Be prepared to provide details such as your car’s make, model, color, and license plate number.

Pro tip: Some cities offer online tools to check for towed vehicles. A quick Google search like “find my towed car [ your city name]” might lead you to a city-specific website or portal.

Step 3: Get Information About the Towing Company

Once the police confirm your car was towed, they’ll typically provide you with:

The name of the towing company.
Their contact information (phone number, address).
Details on where your car is being stored.

Now you’re one step closer to retrieving your vehicle.

Step 4: Call the Towing Company

Next, contact the towing company directly to confirm they have your car. When you call, have the following information ready:

Your car’s details (make, model, color, license plate number).
The date and approximate time your car was towed.

Ask them:

How much will it cost to retrieve my car? Towing fees and storage charges can add up quickly. These fees vary by city but typically include:
- Towing fee: $100–$250 (or more for heavy-duty vehicles).
- Daily storage fee: $20–$50 per day.
What documents do I need to bring? Usually, you’ll need:
- A valid ID (driver’s license).
- Proof of vehicle ownership (registration or insurance documents).
What are your hours of operation? Many tow yards have specific hours for vehicle retrieval, and you don’t want to waste a trip.

Step 5: Pay the Fees and Retrieve Your Car

When you go to the towing yard, be prepared to pay the required fees to release your car. Most towing companies accept cash, credit, or debit, but it’s a good idea to confirm payment options when you call.

Make sure you inspect your car before leaving the lot. If you notice any damage that wasn’t there before, take photos and report it to the towing company immediately.

What If the Police Don’t Have a Record?

Sometimes, your car may have been towed without the police being notified. In this case, first wait for a bit, you need to atleast give an hour, because sometimes the towing company might be in transit to report your vehicle, in the meantime, you can also:

Check with local businesses: If you parked near a private property, the business owner might have called a towing company.
Search online: Many cities provide online resources to locate towed vehicles.
Call nearby towing companies: If you suspect your car was towed locally, a few phone calls can help narrow it down.

Avoiding Future Towing Incidents

While you’ve now got the steps to recover your car, let’s talk about how to avoid this situation in the future:

Read parking signs carefully: Some restrictions are time-specific or hard to notice.
Set reminders for meters: Use your phone to alert you before your parking time expires.
Address unpaid tickets: Unpaid violations can lead to your car being towed, even if you’re legally parked.
Park legally: Avoid parking in bus stops, fire lanes, or private lots without permission.

Finding your towed car can be stressful, but with this guide, you’ve got a clear roadmap to get it back. Remember to act quickly—storage fees can add up, and some states allow towing companies to auction unclaimed vehicles after a certain period.

If you still have questions or need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local police or towing company. Hopefully, this experience will be a one-time hassle. Good luck—and happy parking!