If your car has been towed, your first call should be to the local non-emergency police number or the city's transportation authority. They maintain records of all legally authorized tows and can tell you exactly which impound lot has your vehicle. This is the most reliable way to find your car quickly, as private towing companies are required to report all impounds to the police.
Before you call, gather essential information: your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. You will also need your vehicle's make, model, color, and license plate number. The police dispatcher will use this information to search their database.
Once you have the impound lot's name and address, contact them directly to confirm your car is there and inquire about their hours of operation and payment methods. Be prepared for significant costs. Impound fees accumulate daily and can include a tow charge, administrative fees, and daily storage fees. Payment is almost always required in full and typically in cash or with a debit/credit card; personal checks are rarely accepted.
| Common Towing & Impound Fees (Example for a Major City) | |
|---|
| Initial Hook-up Fee | $150 - $250 |
| Mileage Charge (per mile) | $5 - $10 |
| Daily Storage Fee | $40 - $80 |
| Administrative/Release Fee | $50 - $100 |
| After-Hours Release Surcharge | $75 - $150 |
| Total Estimated Cost (24 hours) | $300 - $600 |
Act promptly. The longer your car remains in the impound lot, the higher the storage fees will be. If you believe the tow was illegal (e.g., proper signage was missing), you should still retrieve your vehicle first to stop the fees from accumulating, and then file a formal dispute with the city or the towing company afterward.
