Did Your Car Get Towed? Here’s What You Need to Do Next

There can be quite a few reasons why your car got towed. You may have unknowingly parked in a handicapped spot or no-parking spot without authorization. It could also be that your parking meter expired. Once you figure out why and where your vehicle was towed, it’s much easier to retrieve it. While it's easy to lose your cool if your car is towed, you should do your best to remain calm and then take the following steps:

1. Know Where Your Car Was Towed

   Look out for posters of signs that have information on where vehicles towed from that spot where you parked are impounded, or phone numbers you can call to get more information. If you can’t find any helpful information, you should call the police. However, you shouldn’t necessarily use the emergency number, 911. Instead, you can call the local police department’s non-emergency number. The police can help you find the impound lot where your car is likely to be.

2. Collect Important Details

   Before you call the impound lot to find out if they have your car, you should gather relevant information related to your vehicle like the car's license plate, model, and make. This will help the impound lot staff to quickly figure out whether your vehicle is there. Once you figure out they have your car, find out:

   • How much will you need to pay to get your vehicle back
   • If they accept credit card, check, or cash
   • The reason why your vehicle was towed
   • The documentation you’ll need to provide to get your vehicle back
   • Whether you’ll need to pay a per-day storage charge to the impound lot, and if so how much is the cost If your car was towed due to having multiple unpaid driving tickets, you’ll likely need to pay for those tickets first before you can shell out the towing cost to get your vehicle back. Furthermore, if your vehicle is immobilized before being towed, you may need to pay a removal charge.
3. Pick up Your Car

   When going to pick up your vehicle, ensure you have all the documents required by the impound lot. You may need vehicle registration, proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and your driver's license. If some of your documents are in the vehicle's compartment, you should mention that. You should also prepare to pay all charges.

How to Avoid Getting Your Car Towed

• To ensure your car is properly parked, you should carefully evaluate your surroundings as well as close-by signage when parking your vehicle. Watch for no parking signs, handicapped parking spots, fire hydrants, and any other signage that shows the area is designated for a given purpose or a tow zone. Note that a handicap parking sign painted on asphalt may be covered with snow.

• When parking in unfamiliar spots or traveling, you should keep an eye on your car to ensure the parking meter is paid for so that there is no risk of getting towed.

• Ensure you’ve updated your registration and license and have the necessary documentation with you. If your license plate tags are outdated, you can get in trouble.

You shouldn’t worry too much if your vehicle is towed. A single towing event won't impact your auto insurance rates. However, if the car was towed as a result of having multiple tickets, your insurer might raise your premiums.

At Reata Insurance Group, we can help you get customized car insurance for your unique coverage needs. Contact us today to learn more.