Imagine walking out of a store and being able to find your car with complete peace of mind. Even if your vehicle has been towed, you don’t need to worry. With a simple tool the Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN you can quickly track your car online and get back on the road.
This guide will show you how to find towed car by VIN number step by step. You’ll learn what a VIN is, where to find it, and how to use it on official websites to locate your vehicle. By the end, you’ll see that finding a towed car can be fast, easy, and stress-free.
How to Find Towed Car by VIN Number and Why Is It Useful?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is like a fingerprint for your car. This unique 17-digit code makes it easy to identify your vehicle and confirm ownership. Because no two cars share the same VIN, it’s the most reliable way to find your car if it has been towed.
You can find your VIN in several places, including:
- On the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield.
- Inside the driver’s side door frame.
- On your insurance card.
- On your vehicle registration document.
Tow yards, police departments, and DMVs often record cars by their VIN. That means you can simply provide this number to quickly confirm where your vehicle is being held
👉 Check your vehicle tow status here by entering your VIN number online.
Can You Really Find a Towed Car by VIN Number Online?
Yes—you can. Many cities, states, and towing services now provide online databases where you can search for a towed car using its VIN number. Because VINs are unique, they help avoid mistakes that sometimes happen when license plate numbers look alike.
For example:
- City police websites often allow VIN lookups in their “Find My Towed Car” sections.
- DMV and transportation departments sometimes offer VIN search tools.
- Tow yard websites may let you check both VINs and license plates.
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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find a Towed Car by VIN Number Online
Here’s the easiest way to locate your car:
1. Locate Your VIN
Write down your VIN before you start searching. It’s on your registration, insurance card, and car frame. Keeping it handy will save you time.
2. Check City or County Tow Lot Databases
Most large cities provide online tools for locating towed cars. Enter your VIN, and the system will show you where your vehicle is, along with helpful details like tow yard hours and phone numbers.
3. Use Police Department Websites
Police departments often keep towing records. Their websites may have a VIN search option that instantly gives you the tow yard location.
4. Visit Your DMV or Transportation Department Online
In some states, the DMV provides VIN-based impound lookups. If it’s not online, you can always call and provide your VIN for quick help.
5. Contact Tow Companies Directly
If online tools don’t show results, calling tow companies is a smart step. Provide your VIN, and staff can quickly confirm if your car is in their lot.
6. Try Third-Party Search Tools
Some private websites collect impound data. These tools let you search by VIN and can be helpful if you’re not sure which agency to call.
Other Helpful Ways to Find a Towed Car
While VIN search is the most reliable method, you can also:
- Search by license plate on city databases.
- Call the police non-emergency line and provide your VIN or plate.
- Visit local tow yards in person with your VIN and ID.
- Check city mobile apps, which sometimes track towed vehicles in real time.
Each of these methods adds another layer of support to make sure you find your vehicle quickly.
Common Reasons Cars Are Towed
Knowing why cars are towed helps prevent future issues. The most common reasons include:
- Parking in restricted zones like fire lanes or no-parking areas.
- Unpaid parking tickets that have built up over time.
- Expired registration or insurance, which is easy to fix.
- Accidents or breakdowns where vehicles must be safely moved.
- Special events or street cleaning, where cars need to be relocated.
Understanding these reasons helps drivers stay prepared and avoid towing situations altogether.
How Much Does It Cost to Retrieve a Towed Car?
Costs vary depending on your city and towing company, but here are the typical fees:
- Tow fee: $100–$300, depending on distance.
- Daily storage fee: $20–$75 per day.
- Administrative costs: small paperwork or processing fees.
The sooner you retrieve your car, the more money you save. Acting quickly helps you avoid unnecessary extra charges and ensures a smooth process
Tips for a Smooth and Hassle-Free Experience
- Stay calm and confident: With your VIN, finding your car is straightforward.
- Keep documents ready: Have your license, registration, and insurance on hand.
- Save local tow yard numbers: This makes calling easier if needed.
- Act promptly: Quick action saves time and reduces costs.
- Use official online tools: They are accurate and update quickly.
By following these tips, you can turn what might seem like a challenge into a simple, manageable task.
FAQs:
Can I search by VIN in every city?
Not everywhere, but many large cities now support VIN lookups.
What if my VIN search doesn’t show results right away?
Give it a little time—records update quickly, and your car will soon appear.
How long do tow yards keep cars?
Most keep vehicles for 10–30 days before any auction process
What documents do I need to get my car back?
Usually, you’ll need your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
Conclusion
Finding your car after it’s been towed doesn’t have to be stressful. With your VIN number, you have the fastest and most reliable way to track your vehicle online. Whether through police websites, DMV tools, or tow yard databases, the process is designed to be smooth and simple with Github .
By acting quickly and using the right resources, you can save money, save time, and get back behind the wheel without hassle. Keep your VIN handy, stay informed, and remember: locating your car is always possible with the right approach
