What To Do If Your Car Is Towed: Steps To Retrieve Your Vehicle

Ever returned to a parking spot only to find your car missing? It’s a stressful moment for any driver—and your first thought might be that it’s been stolen. But before panicking, there’s a strong chance it has been towed.

Understanding what to do if your car is towed can make a frustrating experience a lot more manageable. Whether your car was removed due to illegal parking, breakdown, or accident recovery, knowing how to retrieve a towed car quickly and calmly is essential.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your car back after towing, how to find out where it’s been taken, what documents you'll need, what fees to expect, and how to prevent future towing situations. We’ll also share insights on recognising when towing is actually the safest option for you and your vehicle.

The first step is to stay calm. If you return to your parking spot and your vehicle is gone, don't assume the worst. Towing due to parking violations or safety reasons is common, especially in urban areas like Newcastle.

Check your surroundings for any signs indicating towing zones, restricted hours, or private property enforcement. These signs often include contact details for the towing company or authority responsible.

If signage is unclear or absent, call the local council or police non-emergency number. They may have a record of your vehicle being towed, especially if it was towed for a violation or to clear space after an accident.

In most cases, once you know your car has been towed, your next move is to identify where it has been taken.

Once you have the towing company’s details—either from a posted sign, local council, or police—you can call them directly. Be prepared to provide:

• Your vehicle registration number.
• Make and model of your car.
• Time and location it was last seen.

This information helps them locate your car in their system and confirm whether it’s in their holding yard.

To collect your vehicle, you’ll need to prove both your identity and ownership of the car. Make sure to bring:

• A valid driver’s licence.
• Vehicle registration papers.
• Proof of insurance (some impound yards request this).
• Payment for any towing or storage fees.

If someone else is retrieving the car on your behalf, they may need written permission from you and a copy of your ID.

It’s no secret—getting your car back after it’s been towed usually comes with a price. Fees can vary depending on your location, the reason for towing, and how long your car remains in the impound yard.

• Towing fee: Covers the cost of transporting your vehicle.
• Storage fee: A daily fee charged while your car is held at the yard.
• Administrative fee: Sometimes applied for processing and documentation.
• After-hours surcharge: If you retrieve your vehicle outside standard hours.

If your car was towed following a breakdown and you arranged the tow with a professional service, fees are usually discussed up front, and insurance may cover all or part of the cost.

Not all tows are related to parking issues. Sometimes, the safest decision is to have your vehicle towed due to a mechanical fault. Knowing when to call for car towing in Newcastle can prevent further damage and protect your safety.

• Engine overheating or refusing to start.
• Loud knocking, grinding, or other unusual noises.
• Smoke, steam, or leaking fluids under the bonnet.
• Dashboard warning lights for engine, oil pressure, or transmission.
• Difficulty steering, braking, or keeping the car running.

Driving a vehicle with these signs can put you and other drivers at risk. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to stop driving and call a professional towing service.

If your car was towed after a roadside breakdown or accident:

• Contact your towing provider for drop-off details.
• Arrange for the vehicle to be transported to a trusted mechanic.
• Contact your insurer if the breakdown or accident is covered under your policy.
• Keep records of the tow, including receipts and the driver’s name.

In situations like this, hiring an experienced towing company is crucial—they’ll handle your vehicle with care and help reduce your stress during an already tense situation.

While some towing incidents can’t be avoided (like unexpected breakdowns), many parking-related tows can be prevented with a few simple habits.

• Always read nearby parking signs and follow time limits.
• Avoid parking in clearways, loading zones, or private property without permission.
• Make sure your car is roadworthy—unregistered or abandoned vehicles are often towed by councils.
• If you’re planning to leave your car in one spot for several days, check local parking regulations beforehand.
• Keep your vehicle well-maintained to avoid unexpected breakdowns on busy roads.

Preventative measures not only protect your car but also save you from the time, cost, and stress of retrieving a towed vehicle.

Having your car towed—whether unexpectedly or during a breakdown—is a frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Knowing what to do if your car is towed, how to retrieve a towed car, and understanding the steps to get your car back after towing will help you respond quickly, stay calm, and resolve the situation with confidence.

For trusted, timely, and professional car towing in Newcastle, Trade & General Towing is here to help. Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected breakdown or need assistance retrieving your vehicle, our team offers reliable support to get you back on the road safely. Contact us today for local towing you can depend on.