Walking back to an empty parking spot is a sinking feeling. Before you assume the car was stolen, check whether it was towed. Here's how to find it and get it back with the least cost and hassle.
Step 1: Find Out Who Towed It
Where you start depends on where the car was parked.
- Private lot (apartment, shopping center, office): look for the tow-away sign at the lot entrance. California requires it to list the towing company's name and phone number.
- City street: call the local police department's non-emergency line. Tows from public streets are ordered or recorded by police, so they can tell you which company has your car.
- Freeway or accident scene: call the CHP office that covers that stretch of freeway.
In California, a towing company that removes a car from private property must also report the tow to local police, so the police non-emergency line can usually help either way. If nobody has a record of a tow, report the car stolen.
Step 2: Call the Tow Yard Before You Go
Call the towing company to confirm they have your car, which yard it's at, when releases are available, the total due, and which documents they need. If police ordered the tow (an impound), you may need a release from the police department before the yard can hand the car over.
Step 3: Bring the Right Documents
- A valid government photo ID
- Proof of ownership, such as the current registration or title
- A police release, if the car was impounded by police
- Payment for the towing and storage charges
If the registration is inside the car, tell the yard. Most will let you retrieve it from the vehicle so you can complete the release.
Step 4: Know How Payment Works
California law requires tow yards to accept cash or a valid credit card for towing and storage charges, so you shouldn't be told it's cash only. Ask for an itemized receipt. If you believe the tow was improper, get the car out first so storage doesn't keep adding up, then dispute the charges afterward with the property owner, the police department, or in small claims court.
Step 5: Move Fast
Storage is charged by the day, so every day the car sits at the yard adds to the bill. If you can't pick it up right away, ask whether you can get your personal belongings out in the meantime.
If KO Towing & Recovery Has Your Car
Call us at (714) 766-1669. We'll confirm whether your vehicle is at our Fullerton yard (542 E. Walnut Ave) or our Los Angeles yard (2860 E Pico Blvd), tell you the total, and let you know exactly what to bring.
Questions about a tow? Call KO Towing & Recovery at (714) 766-1669, 24/7.