Disclaimer: TowCars.com is a nationwide towing information and referral service. We don’t tow, dispatch, or store vehicles, and we aren’t responsible for the work, prices, or conduct of any towing company. If you send us a request, we pass it to independent providers who set their own prices and terms. See our disclosure.
Walking back to where you parked and finding an empty space is a sinking feeling. Before assuming the worst, work through these steps in order. Most towed cars can be found within a few calls, and acting quickly is the best way to keep the bill down.
Step 1: Make sure it was towed, not stolen
Look around for tow-away signs, temporary no-parking signs, street-sweeping notices or a posted private-lot towing notice that names a tow company. Check whether you parked in a spot that changes rules by time of day. If you see no sign of a legal tow, call the local police non-emergency number. Police usually record tows they order, and many private tows must be reported to police too, so they can tell you whether your car was towed or should be reported stolen.
Step 2: Find out who has your car
- Police or city tow: many cities offer an online towed-vehicle search by plate or VIN. Our impound lot directory links to official lookup pages for large US cities.
- Private property tow: the sign at the lot entrance usually names the tow company. Call it and ask where the car is stored.
- Not sure: call police non-emergency with your plate number, make, model, color and the address where it was parked.
Step 3: Ask the right questions before you go
When you reach the yard or lot, ask:
- What is the total due today, and what does each extra day add?
- What are your hours, and is after-hours release possible?
- Which payment methods do you accept? See do tow yards take credit cards.
- What documents do I need, and can someone else pick it up for me?
- Is there a police or court hold I need to clear first?
Plug the numbers into our impound release cost estimator so you know the total before you arrive.
Step 4: Gather your documents
Most yards ask for a valid photo ID, proof of ownership such as registration or title, and, if you will drive the car out, proof of insurance. If the tow followed a traffic stop or unpaid tickets, you may need a release from police, a court or the parking agency first. If a friend is going in your place, ask the yard what written authorization it accepts; some require a notarized letter.
Step 5: Pick up the car and inspect it
Before you sign anything or leave the lot, walk around the car and take photos or video of every side, the wheels and the interior. If you see new damage, point it out to staff, note it on the paperwork if possible and keep copies. Ask for an itemized receipt listing every fee. If the car won’t start or isn’t safe to drive after sitting in the yard, you can arrange a separate tow out.
Step 6: Check the bill and your rights
Many states and cities limit what a tow company or storage yard can charge, especially for tows from private property. Compare your receipt with our tow bill checker and our guide to storage fees per day. If you believe the tow was improper, for example because required signs were missing, our wrongful tow refund guide and tow-away sign requirements explain the usual options. Some cities offer a hearing to challenge a police tow; check your city’s official site for deadlines, which can be short.
If you can’t get the car back right away
Storage keeps adding up, and unclaimed cars may eventually be sold or disposed of under state law. If you can’t pay the full amount, ask the yard or agency whether a payment plan or hearing is available, and retrieve personal items if the lot allows it. Our guide on getting belongings from a towed car explains what to ask.
Need a tow out of the yard?
If your car can’t be driven home from the impound lot, TowCars can pass your free quote request to independent tow providers near the yard. We are a referral service, not a tow company, and providers set their own prices, so ask for the full price before you agree.
Frequently asked questions
Call the local police non-emergency number with your plate number and the address. Police usually have a record of tows they ordered and often of private tows reported to them.
Usually a valid photo ID, proof of ownership and payment. If you plan to drive it out, many yards also ask for proof of insurance. Check the yard’s official page.
Storage is typically charged per day, so every extra day adds to the bill.
No. TowCars does not tow or store vehicles. We are a free referral service for drivers who need a tow.
