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Your car was towed and they want cash: what to do

How to find a towed car, what to bring, tow fee limits, checking for damage and how to fight a bad tow.

Quick answer

Call the police non-emergency number to confirm it was towed and find the lot. Go soon with your license, registration, proof of insurance and keys, because storage fees add up daily. Ask for an itemized receipt; many places cap private tow fees and some require card payment. Photograph any damage before you leave. If the tow was wrong, pay under protest and dispute it later.

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Your checklist

  • Call police to find the car
  • Bring license, registration, insurance and keys
  • Go soon; storage adds up
  • Get an itemized receipt
  • Photograph any damage
  • Dispute later with receipts

Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.

Towed or stolen?

Call the police non-emergency number. In many places, tows from private property must be reported to police, so they can tell you where your car is. Check signs at the lot for the tow company’s name and number.

Get it back fast

Storage fees usually add up every day. Bring your driver’s license, registration, proof of insurance and keys. Some lots need the registered owner in person.

Fees and payment

Ask for an itemized receipt. Many states and cities cap private tow and storage fees, and some require tow lots to accept cards. If a lot demands cash only, check your local rules.

Check for damage

Walk around your car and photograph any new damage before you leave. Point it out on the spot.

If the tow was wrong

Pay to get your car back, write “paid under protest” if you can, and keep every receipt. Then:

  • ask about a tow hearing, if your area offers one,
  • complain to your city or state consumer office,
  • or file in small claims court.

Official sources, and where to look

To find your local office, search for:

  • [your city] towed vehicle lookup
  • [your state] towing fee limits

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

Can a tow company tow my car without warning?

On private property, often yes if proper signs are posted, depending on local rules. Many places require clear signs with the tow company’s name and phone number. More ›

What if I can’t afford to get my car out?

Ask the lot and your city about payment options. If a car sits long enough, it may be sold, so act quickly and ask about deadlines. More ›

How do I find out where my car was towed?

Call your local police non-emergency number, and check signs at the lot for the tow company. Many cities also have an online towed-vehicle lookup. More ›

Can a tow lot refuse to take a credit card?

It depends on your state and city. Some places require tow lots to accept cards; others don’t. Ask, and check your local rules. More ›

How much can a tow company charge?

Many states and cities set maximum fees for private tows and daily storage. Ask for an itemized receipt and compare it with your local limits. More ›

What if my car was damaged during the tow?

Photograph the damage at the lot, point it out before leaving, and file a claim with the tow company. If they refuse, small claims court is an option. More ›

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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.