# Your car was towed and they want cash: what to do > 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. - URL: https://explained.page/car-towed - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=car-towed ## Step by step 1. **Your car was towed?** First make sure it was towed and not stolen. Then here’s how to get it back without paying more than you should. 2. **Call the police non-emergency number.** In many places, tows from private lots must be reported to police, so they can tell you who has your car. Also check signs at the lot. 3. **Bring the right papers, and go soon.** Storage fees usually add up every day. Bring your license, registration, insurance and keys. 4. **Ask for an itemized receipt.** Many states and cities cap private tow fees, and some require tow lots to take cards. If they demand cash only, ask if that’s allowed where you live. 5. **Check your car before you leave.** Walk around it and photograph any new damage at the lot. Point it out before you drive away. 6. **Think the tow was wrong? Pay to get the car back, then fight it.** Write “paid under protest” if you can and keep the receipt. Arguing at the lot usually just adds storage days. 7. **Ways to fight a bad tow.** Some areas offer a tow hearing. You can also complain to your city or state consumer office, or file in small claims court with your photos and receipts. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. ## 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 ## 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. ## 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. Source page: https://explained.page/car-towed/questions/can-a-tow-company-tow-my-car-without-warning ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/car-towed/questions/what-if-i-cant-afford-to-get-my-car-out ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/car-towed/questions/how-do-i-find-out-where-my-car-was-towed ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/car-towed/questions/can-a-tow-lot-refuse-to-take-a-credit-card ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/car-towed/questions/how-much-can-a-tow-company-charge ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/car-towed/questions/what-if-my-car-was-damaged-during-the-tow ### Can I get my things out of a towed car without paying? In some places, yes: you may have a right to remove personal items. Ask the lot about their rules. Source page: https://explained.page/car-towed/questions/can-i-get-my-things-out-of-a-towed-car-without-paying ### How long before a towed car is sold? It depends on local law, often after a set number of days and notices. Act quickly and ask the lot for the deadline. Source page: https://explained.page/car-towed/questions/how-long-before-a-towed-car-is-sold ## Official sources - [USA.gov: state consumer protection offices](https://www.usa.gov/) - [FTC consumer advice](https://consumer.ftc.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your city] towed vehicle lookup" - "[your state] towing fee limits" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). 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