Vehicle Towed? Here’s What Happens Next: Storage, Fees & How to Get It Back
Having your vehicle towed can feel stressful, especially if you’re unsure what happens next. Whether your car was towed after a breakdown, accident, or parking violation, understanding the post-tow process can help reduce confusion and make vehicle retrieval much smoother.
At Dick’s Towing, we believe in clear communication and transparency. Below is a simple guide explaining where your vehicle goes after it’s towed, how towing and storage fees work, and what you’ll need to retrieve your vehicle.
Where Does Your Vehicle Go After It’s Towed?
After a vehicle is towed, it is typically transported to one of the following locations:
- A secure towing company storage yard
- An impound lot
- An auto repair facility (if requested)
- A collision repair shop after an accident
If your vehicle was towed due to a breakdown and you requested a specific repair shop, the tow truck driver will deliver it there.
If your vehicle was towed due to a parking violation, accident, law enforcement request, or property impound, it will usually be taken to a secure impound or storage facility operated or contracted by the towing company.
Dick’s Towing provides secure vehicle storage with monitored lots designed to protect your car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle until you’re able to retrieve it.
How Towing Fees Typically Work
Towing costs vary depending on several factors, including:
- Type of vehicle (car, truck, SUV, RV, motorcycle)
- Distance towed
- Type of tow truck required (flatbed vs. wheel-lift)
- Time of day (after-hours or holiday towing)
- Recovery complexity (winching, accident recovery, off-road recovery)
In most cases, the total bill will include:
1. Base Tow Fee
This covers dispatch, loading, transportation, and unloading of your vehicle.
2. Mileage Fee
Some tows include a set number of miles, with additional per-mile charges beyond that distance.
3. Recovery or Winch-Out Fees (if applicable)
If your vehicle required special equipment to recover it from a ditch, snow, mud, or accident scene, additional fees may apply.
Dick’s Towing strives to provide transparent pricing so there are no surprises when you come to pick up your vehicle.
How Storage Fees Work
If your vehicle remains in a towing storage yard or impound lot, daily storage fees will apply.
Storage fees typically:
- Accrue daily
- May vary for standard vehicles vs. oversized vehicles (such as RVs or commercial trucks)
- Begin at the time the vehicle enters the storage facility
It’s important to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid accumulating additional charges. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is in storage or how much you owe, contacting the towing company directly is the fastest way to get accurate information.
What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
When picking up a towed vehicle from a storage facility or impound lot, you will generally need:
✔ Valid Government-Issued ID
The registered owner must provide identification.
✔ Proof of Ownership
This may include:
- Vehicle registration
- Title
- An insurance card matching the vehicle
✔ Payment for Fees
Most towing companies accept multiple forms of payment, but it’s best to confirm accepted payment methods in advance.
If someone other than the registered owner is picking up the vehicle, additional documentation or authorization may be required.
If your vehicle was impounded by law enforcement, you may also need a release form from the appropriate agency before retrieval.
What If Your Vehicle Was Towed After an Accident?
After an accident, vehicles are often towed to prevent traffic hazards and secure damaged vehicles. In these cases:
- Your insurance company may cover towing and storage fees (check your policy).
- You may request that the vehicle be transferred to a repair shop.
- You may need to inspect the vehicle before repairs begin.
Dick’s Towing works with vehicle owners, repair facilities, and insurance providers to make the process as smooth as possible.
How to Find Out Where Your Vehicle Is
If you’re unsure where your vehicle was taken:
- Contact local law enforcement (if it may have been impounded).
- Call Dick’s Towing directly with your vehicle information.
- Be ready to provide:
- License plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
- Approximate location and time of tow
Our team can quickly confirm whether we have your vehicle and explain the next steps for retrieval.
Contact Dick’s Towing
If your vehicle has been towed or you believe it may be in our storage facility, we’re here to help.
Call us today to confirm your vehicle location, fees due, and retrieval requirements. Our team will walk you through the process clearly and professionally so you know exactly what to expect.