What to Do if Your Car Gets Towed

Maybe your car was blocking traffic, parked in a snow removal zone or seemed like it was abandoned. Maybe you overstayed your parking meter, or you knew you were parking illegally, but thought you could get away with it for a few minutes.

There are a lot of reasons your car may be towed away. If you return to your parking spot and your car is no longer there, it’s annoying, but it’s better to find out it was towed than to discover it was stolen. Here’s what to do if your car is towed and how to get your towed vehicle back.

Getting towed is just one of the many problems you may face as a vehicle owner. That’s why having the right auto insurance coverage is so important. Talk to Farm Bureau to make sure you have the protection you need for whatever might come your way.

Finding Your Car

Step one is figuring out where your car is and what you need to do to get it back.

Look for Signage

If you were towed from a parking lot or parking garage, look for a sign with a phone number or another way to contact the towing company. You can contact them to find out where your car is and the next steps you need to take. 

Contact the Local Police

In some states, towing companies have to notify the police when they tow vehicles. A quick call to the non-emergency number for the local police may help you answer the question, “How can I find my car that was towed?”

Getting Your Car

Once you know where your car is, make sure you’re prepared to get it. Find out:

• The exact location
• The hours the tow yard is open
• The fees and acceptable forms of payment
• The documentation you need to bring, such as your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance

Daily storage fees can add up, so pick up your car as soon as you can.

After You Get Your Car

Maybe your towed vehicle turned out to be nothing more than a hassle or an unexpected expense. But if you feel your car was towed illegally, or it was damaged during the process, you’ll need to take more steps. 

Know Your Rights

Some states and municipalities set maximum rates for towing and storage and have other regulations regarding towing practices. This search tool can help you find out more about consumer protection laws.

If you think your car was towed illegally, take photos of the area where it was parked along with any signs or markers that indicate you were allowed to park there. You may be able to file a complaint with the parking enforcement office where your car was towed.  

Take a Close Look at the Bill

Make sure the charges are what you legally owe and there aren’t any overcharges you can contest.

Check for Damages

Look over your car closely to spot any damage that could have occurred when it was towed or stored at the tow yard.

Turn to Farm Bureau for Guidance on Auto Insurance

Whether your car was damaged when it was towed or you want to make sure you’re covered for anything else that could go wrong, we can help. Connect with a Farm Bureau agent to review your auto insurance and make sure you have the protection you need.