Walking out to a space where your car is supposed to be and finding it empty is a uniquely jarring experience. The initial moment of confusion quickly gives way to a wave of questions and concerns. Was it stolen? Was it towed for being parked illegally? Was it repossessed?
Navigating the process of locating and retrieving your vehicle can be confusing and stressful, but there is a clear, methodical process to follow. As a professional towing and recovery service, we understand the urgency and anxiety of this situation. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to determine why your vehicle was taken and how to get it back as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The First Question: Was It Stolen or Towed?
Before you do anything else, it’s crucial to rule out vehicle theft. The first call you should make is to your local law enforcement’s non-emergency line.
When you call, be prepared to provide:
- Your vehicle’s make, model, year, and color.
- The license plate number.
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), if you have it accessible.
- The exact location where your car was last parked.
Law enforcement agencies maintain a database of all towed and repossessed vehicles. They will be able to tell you if your car was legally towed or repossessed by a lienholder. If they have no record of it being towed, you should immediately file a stolen vehicle report. This is a critical step for insurance purposes and to initiate a police investigation.
The Retrieval Process: What You Need to Do Next
Once you have confirmed your vehicle was towed and you know which company has it, the next step is to prepare for retrieval. Acting quickly is crucial, as storage fees accrue daily.
Contact the Towing Company
Call the towing company to confirm their location, hours of operation, and the total amount due. Ask for an itemized breakdown of the charges, which will typically include:
- The initial towing fee.
- A daily storage fee.
- An administrative or “gate” fee.
Gather Your Documents
To prove ownership and retrieve your vehicle, you will need to bring specific documents with you. Requirements can vary slightly, but you should be prepared to present:
- A valid, government-issued photo ID: Your driver’s license or state ID card.
- Proof of Ownership: The vehicle’s title or a current registration document. The name on the ID must match the name on the ownership document.
- Proof of Insurance: A current insurance card for the vehicle.
Prepare for Payment
Inquire about accepted forms of payment when you call. Many vehicle storage facilities (VSFs) may require payment in cash or with a debit card or cashier’s check. Do not assume they accept personal checks or that you can pay with a credit card online. Arriving without the correct form of payment will only delay the process and potentially add another day of storage fees.
If Your Car Was Repossessed
The process is different. You must contact your lender first. The towing company cannot release the vehicle to you without explicit authorization from the lienholder. Your lender will inform you of the steps required to either reinstate your loan (by paying the past-due amount plus fees) or pay off the loan in full. Once you have met the lender’s requirements, they will send a release order to the storage facility, at which point you can go to retrieve your vehicle (you will still be responsible for the towing and storage fees).
Disputing Wrongful Tows
Sometimes vehicles are towed improperly or without valid justification. If you believe your vehicle was wrongfully towed, you have options, though they require persistence.
Document everything about where and when you parked, any signage present, and the condition of the area. Photos help if you took them before the tow, but even after-the-fact documentation of inadequate signage or improper tow procedures supports your case.
File a formal dispute with the towing company first, providing your evidence and explanation. Many legitimate companies will waive or reduce fees if they determine the tow was improper.
Contact your city’s consumer protection office or towing regulation authority to file a complaint if the towing company won’t resolve the issue. Many cities have specific departments that oversee towing operations and investigate complaints.
Small claims court is an option for recovering fees paid for wrongful tows if other methods fail. You’ll need documentation and evidence that the tow violated regulations or your legal rights.
Understand that even if you’re ultimately right, you’ll likely need to pay the fees to retrieve your vehicle immediately to prevent additional storage charges. You dispute and seek refunds after retrieval rather than leaving your vehicle to accumulate more fees while fighting about it.
FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound?
Costs can vary significantly based on your location and the reason for the tow. Fees typically include a base tow rate, a per-mile charge, and a daily storage fee. In Texas, these rates are often regulated, but it’s important to act quickly as daily storage fees of 20−20−40 or more can add up fast.
Can I get my personal belongings out of my car before I pay the fees?
In Texas, you have the right to retrieve personal property from your towed vehicle without paying the fees. However, this does not include items attached to the car, like a custom stereo system. You will need to show your photo ID and proof of ownership. This is crucial for retrieving items like medication, wallets, or child car seats.
What happens if I can’t afford to get my car out?
If you do not retrieve your vehicle within a certain period (typically 30-60 days), the towing company has the right to file for a lien on the vehicle and sell it at auction to recover their towing and storage costs. If you are having trouble affording the fees, contact the towing company to see if a payment plan is an option, though this is not always available.
Can a tow truck driver block my car in and demand cash?
No. If your vehicle is in the process of being hooked up but is not yet fully prepared for transport, a driver cannot demand an on-the-spot “drop fee” in cash only. A legitimate company will offer multiple payment options and provide a receipt.
How long do I have to retrieve my towed vehicle before it’s sold or disposed of?
Timeframes vary by jurisdiction but typically range from 30 to 90 days before an impound lot can sell an unclaimed vehicle through lien sale procedures. However, storage fees continue accumulating throughout this period. Even if you’re within the legal retrieval window, delaying costs you significantly in storage fees. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible regardless of the maximum holding period.
Navigating a Stressful Situation
Finding your vehicle is missing is an upsetting experience, but knowing the correct steps to take can bring order to the chaos. The key is to act quickly, communicate clearly with the appropriate parties—law enforcement, the towing company, or your lender—and gather your documentation. While our primary goal is to provide safe and reliable roadside assistance to get you on your way, we also believe that providing clear information is part of our commitment to serving the community.