Finding Your Towed Car in South Carolina

Start with the towing company that impounded your car

When your car is towed, the towing company holds it, not the police or city. Call the towing company first — they can tell you immediately whether your car is there, where it is, and what you owe. The tow operator or dispatcher will ask for your license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN) to look it up in their system.

You can find the towing company's number in three ways. Check any citation or notice left on your car or sent to your address — it usually lists the company name and phone number. Call the police non-emergency line for the jurisdiction where the car was towed and ask which company operates there. Or search online for "towing companies near [your location]" — most areas have only a few, and the company that towed your car will answer when you call with your plate number.

Have your driver's license and vehicle registration ready when you call. The towing company will confirm the car is there, tell you the tow and storage fees, and explain what documents you need to retrieve it. Many companies are open during business hours only, so call during the day if possible.

Key Takeaways

• The towing company that impounded your car holds it, not the police — call them first with your license plate number to confirm the car is there.
• Tow and storage fees begin immediately and increase daily, so retrieving your car quickly saves money.
• You will need your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance to pick up your car.
• If you cannot find which company towed your car, the police non-emergency line can tell you which towing service operates in that area.
• Some towing companies accept payment by phone or online, but many require you to pay in person before releasing the vehicle.

What documents and payment you need to retrieve your car

Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance — the towing company will ask for all three. If someone other than the registered owner is picking up the car, bring a signed letter from the owner authorizing that person to collect it, plus both people's IDs.

Payment is almost always required before the car leaves the lot. Ask the towing company when you call whether they accept credit cards, debit cards, or cash only — policies vary. Some companies let you pay over the phone or online, but most require payment in person. The total includes the tow fee (usually $100 to $300 depending on distance) and daily storage fees (typically $25 to $50 per day). These fees start the day the car is towed and add up quickly, so the sooner you retrieve it, the less you pay.

If you cannot pay the full amount immediately, ask the towing company whether they offer payment plans. Some do; others do not. If the car remains unclaimed for 30 to 60 days (the timeframe varies by company), the towing company may sell it to cover the fees.

When your car was towed for a parking violation

If your car was towed because of a parking violation — expired meter, no-parking zone, handicap space without a permit — you may also owe a citation fine to the city or county. The towing company will release the car once you pay their fees, but you will still need to pay the parking ticket separately to the municipality. Check your mail for a citation notice, or call the parking enforcement office for the city where the car was towed.

Some cities allow you to contest a parking ticket before paying. If you believe the ticket was issued in error — the sign was missing, you had a valid permit, or the meter was broken — you can request a hearing. Contact the parking enforcement office or municipal court to learn the deadline for contesting. This does not prevent the towing company from holding your car, but it may reduce or eliminate the fine you owe the city.

When your car was towed for unpaid parking tickets or registration issues

Cars are sometimes towed because of unpaid parking tickets or an expired registration that was flagged in the system. In these cases, you must resolve the underlying issue before the towing company will release the car — paying just the tow fees is not enough.

Contact the municipal court or parking enforcement office for the jurisdiction where the tickets were issued. Ask what you owe and whether you can pay over the phone or online. Once you have paid or set up a payment plan, get written confirmation. Bring that confirmation to the towing company along with proof of current vehicle registration (or a receipt showing you have renewed it) and your payment for the tow and storage fees. The towing company will then release the car.

If you cannot locate your car

If you call the towing company and they have no record of your car, it may have been towed by a different company or taken to a different lot. Call the police non-emergency line and provide your license plate number. Ask them to check which towing company responded to the location where your car was parked and where it was taken. Police records will show the tow report, including the company name and lot address.

If your car was towed from private property — a parking lot, apartment complex, or business — the property owner or manager arranged the tow, not the police. Contact the property owner or manager directly and ask which towing company they use. They can tell you where the car was taken.

In rare cases, a car may be impounded by law enforcement as evidence in a criminal investigation or because it was involved in an accident. If the police took your car, call the police department's records or property division and explain the situation. They will tell you whether the car is in police custody and when you can retrieve it.

Storage lot hours and location

Towing companies operate their own storage lots, and hours vary widely. Some are open Monday through Friday during business hours only; others stay open weekends or have limited evening hours. Call ahead to confirm the lot is open before you go, and ask for the exact address and directions.

Bring cash or a valid payment method the company accepts. Some lots are in industrial areas with limited parking, so plan to arrive with time to spare. If you are retrieving the car after hours or on a weekend, ask the towing company whether they offer after-hours retrieval — some charge an additional fee for this service.

What to check when you pick up your car

Before you leave the lot, inspect your car for damage. Look at the exterior for dents, scratches, or broken lights. Start the engine and check that it runs normally. Test the brakes, steering, and lights. If you notice damage that was not there before the tow, report it to the towing company immediately and ask them to document it. Take photos if possible.

Most towing companies are not liable for minor damage that occurs during towing, but some will work with you if the damage is significant. Get a written statement from the lot manager if they acknowledge any damage, and keep it for your records. If you believe the damage is the towing company's fault, you may be able to file a claim with their insurance, but this usually requires proof that the damage happened during the tow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a towed car back?

Tow fees typically range from $100 to $300 depending on distance, and storage fees run $25 to $50 per day. The total depends on how long the car sits at the lot. A car towed on Monday and retrieved on Wednesday might cost $150 to $250 total; one left for two weeks could cost $500 or more. Call the towing company for an exact quote.

Can I get my belongings out of the car before I pay the tow fee?

Most towing companies will let you remove personal items from the car before paying, but policies vary. Call ahead and ask. If the car is locked and you do not have the keys, the towing company may charge a fee to open it or may require you to pay the tow fee first.

What if I do not have my car keys when I pick it up?

If you lost your keys, the towing company can open the car so you can retrieve it, but you will need to arrange a locksmith or call a roadside service to get the car started. Some towing companies offer this service for an additional fee. Plan ahead if you know your keys are missing.

How long can a towing company hold my car?

Towing companies can hold a car indefinitely if storage fees are unpaid. However, most have a policy of selling unclaimed vehicles after 30 to 60 days to cover tow and storage costs. Check your towing company's specific policy when you call, and retrieve your car as soon as possible to avoid losing it.

Can someone else pick up my car if I am not available?

Yes, but you must provide written authorization. Have the authorized person bring a signed letter from you (the registered owner) stating they have permission to retrieve the car, plus both your ID and their ID. The towing company will verify the signatures and release the car to that person once fees are paid.