If you’ve recently found yourself saying, “my car was towed,” you’re not alone. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, almost 12,000 vehicles were towed over the last three years.
With this guide, you can learn what to do if your car gets towed. From checking for tow zones to gathering the correct payment, towing can be a confusing process.
Now, are you ready to get to work? Here are the next steps you should take:
Check to See If You Parked In A Tow Zone
The most common reason a car is towed is because it was parked in a restricted area. Most restricted areas have “No Parking” signs. If you see a sign, call the number listed to find the location of your car.
Other reasons your vehicle was towed vary by city. For example,
- You blocked a fire hydrant
- Your car had an expired registration
- Your vehicle blocked traffic
- You had unpaid parking tickets
- Your car appeared to be abandoned
Make sure to read your city laws to prevent it from happening again. However, if you believe you’ve been towed for an invalid reason, make sure to take pictures of where you parked. Pictures, recordings, and/or witness statements may prevent you from having to pay a large fine.
Towing After an Accident
If you’ve been in an accident and the car cannot be moved or you’re incapacitated, your vehicle will likely be towed to a local salvage yard. There, insurance agents will assess damages and collect evidence of your claims.
If you are found to be liable, you’ll have to pay storage fees, repair fees, as well as towing costs. However, if the other driver is found to be at fault, your insurance company will pay a percentage of your towing and storage fees.
After you’ve settled your insurance claim if you’re not happy with the look of your car, sell it! Cash for cars is a great way to sell your damaged vehicle for a valued price.
Gather the Correct Payment
Most people don’t realize that the impound lot will only accept certain forms of payment. Cash, credit card, and cahier’s check are usually accepted. However, personal checks are usually rejected.
It’s best to look up your cities policies on towing to understand the preferred method of payment.
How Towing Affects Your Car Insurance
Contrary to popular belief, parking tickets won’t affect your car insurance rates. The only tickets that do affect your premiums are violations like speeding, reckless driving, and running a red light.
Also, auto insurance policies will not pay for the cost of towing or impound fees. You’ll have to pay out of pocket, which can be pretty expensive.
My Car Was Towed, What Now?
When your car gets towed, the first thing you should do is check for “No Parking” signs. It’s also a good idea to always take pictures of where you parked in case officials had an invalid reason for towing your car. That way, you never have to exclaim, “my car was towed!” instead, you’ll know what to do.
For more information on towing, visit our blog.