This post is part of a sponsored series. All opinions are mine.
A few years back, I was visiting a friend who lived in downtown Madison, WI. I parked on the street where I didn’t see any signs saying that I couldn’t. Well, when I returned to my vehicle the next day, my car was gone. Initially, I thought it had been stolen. But when I asked around, people told me they had seen a tow truck come and tow it away. This had never happened to me before and I was lost at what to do! So if you ever find yourself in a similar predicament, consider these tips from a New Jersey Chrysler dealer.
Check your surroundings. Chances are if you were towed, there was some sort of valid reason. Take a moment to check your surroundings and signs that were near where your vehicle was parked. And if you feel you were wrongfully towed, take photos of where your vehicle was parked and the signage nearest to the area.
Checking your surroundings is also important to getting your vehicle back, because it can lead you to where your vehicle was towed. If you were in a private lot or permit lot, there should be signs posted with the towing company and a phone number to contact them. If you were on the street, your best bet will be to call the local police for the city you are in.
Have your information ready. Once you know who to call, you’re going to need to know what to ask them. Typically they will need the year/make/model, and if you know your license plate number that’s a bonus! You’ll likely need to know the location (or street name) of where your vehicle was towed from as well.
Pick up your vehicle. After you get a willing friend or family member (or cab, or Uber), you’ll need to pick up your vehicle as soon as possible. And be advised, sometimes they will only take cash. If you’re unsure, call them ahead of time so you’re not stuck there wasting your time. Make sure before you leave the lot, that you know why your vehicle was towed. If you feel you were wrongfully towed, you are entitled to a towing hearing with the justice of the peace who’s responsible for that area.
Lesson learned. Rest assured I now check all the signs of anywhere that I am parking these days. You can never be too safe!
Do you have a towing story about your vehicle? Leave it in the comments below!
photo credit: NYPD Ford F-550 via photopin (license)
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