What to Do If Your Vehicle Gets Towed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Having your vehicle towed can be a frustrating experience, but knowing exactly what to do next can help you stay calm and get your vehicle back as quickly as possible. At Naples Towing & Recovery in Naples, Florida, we’re here to guide you through the process if you find yourself in this situation.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to do when you realize your vehicle has been towed is to stay calm. Check for any signs or parking restrictions in the area where you left your vehicle. Look for "No Parking" signs, fire hydrants, loading zones, or private property restrictions that may have led to your vehicle being towed.

2. Contact Local Authorities

In Florida, when a vehicle is towed, it is usually reported to the local police department or sheriff’s office. The quickest way to find out where your vehicle was taken is to contact your local law enforcement. You can provide them with your license plate number, the make and model of your car, and the location where it was parked to help track down your vehicle.

3. Get Information About the Towing Company

Once the authorities confirm that your car was towed, they will give you details about the towing company or impound lot that has your vehicle. Write down the name, address, and contact information of the company so you can reach out to them directly.

4. Confirm the Towing and Storage Fees

Before heading to the impound lot, it’s important to call the towing company to confirm any fees. There are typically two types of fees involved:

Towing Fee: The cost of transporting your vehicle to the impound lot.

Storage Fee: A daily charge for keeping your vehicle in the lot.

Ask for a breakdown of the fees and whether there are any additional charges, such as after-hours fees or special equipment charges. Knowing the total cost beforehand will help you prepare for payment.

5. Bring the Necessary Documents

To retrieve your vehicle, you’ll need to bring a few important documents, including:

Your Driver’s License or Government ID: To confirm your identity.

Proof of Vehicle Ownership: This could be your vehicle registration, title, or proof of insurance.

The towing company or impound lot will need these documents to ensure you are the rightful owner of the vehicle.

6. Pay the Fees and Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you arrive at the impound lot, present your identification and proof of vehicle ownership. Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees before your vehicle is released. Most towing companies accept cash, credit, or debit cards, but it’s always a good idea to ask about their payment options when you call.

7. Know Your Rights

In Florida, there are laws that protect you from excessive towing fees or unfair practices. Here are a few rights you should be aware of:

Reasonable Fees: Towing companies must charge reasonable fees in line with state regulations.

Access to Your Vehicle: You have the right to access your vehicle to retrieve personal belongings, even if you haven’t paid the fees yet.

Dispute Resolution: If you feel you’ve been charged unfairly or if the towing company refuses to release your vehicle after payment, you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Trust Naples Towing & Recovery for Professional Towing Services

If your vehicle has been towed in Naples or the surrounding areas, Naples Towing & Recovery is here to assist you. We provide fast and reliable towing services and are always transparent about our fees. Whether you need help retrieving your car or require roadside assistance, our team is ready to help.

For any towing or recovery needs, don’t hesitate to give us a call.