Facing the Dreaded Tow

There are reasons other than selling a car to a junk car dealer that a car gets towed. Sometimes, it isn’t even the driver’s plan, such as a tow after a breakdown or accident. It has to be said that few things are more horrifying than to walk out to one’s parking place and find the car gone. After sifting through the various options (parked somewhere else, car stolen, etc), it finally becomes apparent that a tow truck took the car. This explains what to do in that situation.

Take a breath

This is especially important if the tow truck is still on the premises. Getting into a fight with the tow truck driver will not solve the problem. Once the vehicle is on the flatbed or hooked up to the tow truck, the driver is liable for the tow. It may be possible to negotiate payment with the driver right then and there, especially with cash or if the driver owns the tow company, although this is not always the case. Nonetheless, keeping a cool head is crucial, because no one wants a tow to result in an assault charge for anyone and tow truck drivers are often pretty tough.

Locate the car

If the car is already gone, look around for ‘No Parking” tow signs. These usually have the telephone number of the tow company who performs the tows for that area. If it’s a public street similar situation, the police department from that city will be able to help locate the vehicle. It’s a little tricky in the Phoenix area since each of the towns in the Valley have their own force. Parking on one side of the street might be the city of Glendale; parking on the other might be the city of Peoria. So, it behooves the driver to know from which city the tow originated.

How much to pay

Towaway zones must have posted fees for towing and storage except city streets. A driver is not obligated to pay more than the posted amount, and the cities have set towing fees, as well. A car owner has the right to a towing hearing in the event he is overcharged. The tow yard will give the owner a summary of charges and will not give the car back unless someone pays the amount, but if the tow company overcharges, the owner can request an impound hearing, which is usually done by phone.

Code Enforcement Unit
Tow Contract Liaison
1717 East Grant St. Suite#100
Phoenix, AZ  85034
602-534-6613

Illegal impounds also entitle the driver to a fair hearing. See more here. 


If the car is impounded, only the registered owner will be permitted to pick it up. In the event the owner is unavailable, a representative may pick it up with written permission from the owner and a copy of the owner's state-issued I.D. 

Here is a copy of what the City of Phoenix recommends in the event of an overcharge by a tow company: 

  1. Check the fee schedule to verify charges.
  2. Bring the overcharge to the attention of the tow company employee.
  3. Document date, time, and employee you spoke with.
  4. Speak to the tow company supervisor about the overcharge.
  5. If you are unable to resolve the issue, contact the Tow Contract Liaison Officer within ten days  in writing using the Tow Contract Complaint Form and include copies of receipts:

Code Enforcement Unit
Tow Contract Liaison
1717 East Grant St. Suite#100
Phoenix, AZ  85034
602-534-6613

Ideally, this information never proves useful or necessary, however, if a car gets towed, having an understanding of the legalities of towing can protect the car owner from unnecessary grief or overcharges.

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