Getting your vehicle towed can be a stressful experience, but knowing how to navigate the situation can help you reclaim your car swiftly with minimal hassle. Whether your vehicle was towed due to a parking violation, breakdown, or anything else, following a clear set of steps is essential to ensure you get your car back as soon as possible.
This guide explains the key actions to take when your car gets towed, including tips on finding a tow truck near you and where to look for towing services.
Confirm That Your Car Has Been Towed
When you realize your car is missing, the first step is to confirm that it has been towed. Sometimes, your vehicle might be moved temporarily, such as in street cleaning or emergencies, but it has yet to be impounded.
Action Steps:
- Check for Signs: Look where you last parked for signs indicating that towing services are active or that vehicles are subject to towing. If so, give them a call to check.
- Contact Local Authorities: Call your local police department to confirm your vehicle has been towed.
Locate Your Vehicle
Once you’ve confirmed that your car has been towed, the next step is to find out where it was taken. Calling towing companies near you can help identify the company responsible for impounding your vehicle.
Action Steps:
- Ask for Towing Information: When you contact local authorities or the police, ask for the towing company’s contact information. They should be able to provide you with the company’s name and phone number.
- Search Online: Use search terms like “towing near me” or “tow truck near me” in your preferred search engine to help you find towing services in your area that may have your vehicle. Many towing companies have online systems where you can search for impounded vehicles by entering your vehicle’s details.
Contact the Towing Company
With the information about the towing company in hand, it’s time to contact them. The towing company can give you specifics about the location of your car and what you need to do to retrieve it.
Action Steps:
- Call the Towing Company: Use the contact number provided to call the towing company. Be prepared with your vehicle’s details, including the make, model, and license plate number.
- Inquire About Fees: Ask about the towing and storage fees. Towing companies often charge for tow and daily storage, so it’s essential to understand the total cost of retrieving your car.
- Ask for Documentation: The towing company may require certain documents to release your vehicle, such as your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Make sure you have these documents ready.
Visit the Impound Lot
After confirming the location and fees with the towing company, you must visit the impound lot to retrieve your vehicle.
Action Steps:
- Prepare Payment: Be ready to pay any fees required for towing and storage. Some towing companies accept cash only, while others may accept credit or debit cards. Check in in advance so you can use the appropriate payment method.
- Bring Required Documentation: Bring all necessary documents to the impound lot. These documents typically include your driver’s license, proof of vehicle ownership, and proof of insurance.
- Inspect Your Vehicle: Once you retrieve it, inspect it for any damage. If you find any, document it and report it to the towing company immediately.
Understand Your Rights and Prevent Future Towing
Finally, it’s essential to understand your rights and take steps to prevent future incidents.
Action Steps:
- Review Local Towing Laws: Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding towing; this can help you understand if the towing was justified and the fees charged were appropriate.
- Resolve Any Violations: If your car was towed due to a parking violation, resolve the underlying issue; this might involve paying a parking ticket or addressing any other matters related to your vehicle’s location.
- Consider Legal Advice: If you believe your vehicle was towed unfairly or have issues with the towing company, you might seek legal advice. A lawyer can help you understand your options and rights in such situations.
Tow Pro can quickly arrive at your Middle Tennessee location to assist you. As the towing and hauling experts of Middle Tennessee, we have over 20 years of experience with roadside assistance, vehicle towing, private property impounding, and more! We focus on the client experience and demonstrate that by having REAL people answer all your questions.
If you are looking for a reliable towing company near you, contact us at (615) 256-TOWS (8697) or request help online.