did my car get towed seattle

How to Check if Your Car Got Towed in Seattle

If you can’t find your car where you parked it, there’s a chance it may have been towed. Don’t panic! The first step is to confirm whether your vehicle was impounded by the city of Seattle or another towing company. Here’s what you need to do:

Call the Seattle Customer Service Bureau

The fastest way to check if your car was towed by the city is to call the Seattle Customer Service Bureau at (206) 684-8600. They can search their database and let you know if your vehicle was impounded by the Seattle Police Department or parking enforcement officers.

Visit the Seattle.gov Impound Website

If the Customer Service Bureau confirms your car was towed, you can find more details on the Seattle.gov Impound Records website. This site allows you to search for your vehicle by license plate number, make, model, and location where it was towed from.

Check With Private Towing Companies

If your car wasn’t towed by the city, it’s possible a private towing company removed it from a private parking lot or residential area. Here are some steps to take:

• Walk around the neighborhood where you parked and look for signage indicating which towing company services that area.
• Call any local towing companies and provide your vehicle information to see if they have it in their impound lot.
• Some common private towing companies in Seattle include Lincoln Towing, Evergreen Safety Towing, and Outkastow.

Retrieving Your Towed Vehicle

Once you’ve confirmed your car was towed and located where it was taken, you’ll need to visit the towing company or impound lot to retrieve it. Be prepared to provide the following:

• Proof of ownership (vehicle registration, title, or insurance card)
• A valid driver’s license or photo ID
• Payment for towing and storage fees (typically ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on how long the vehicle was impounded)

Safety Considerations

If your car was towed from a potentially unsafe area, exercise caution when retrieving it. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you, or request a police officer to meet you at the location.

Additional Resources

For more information on towing laws and regulations in Seattle, check out the Seattle Department of Transportation website.

If your car was towed in a different state, you can find relevant towing information on our Washington state page.

Conclusion

Getting your car towed can be a frustrating experience, but knowing the steps to locate and retrieve it can help alleviate some stress. By contacting the appropriate authorities and towing companies, providing the necessary documentation, and being prepared to pay any applicable fees, you can get your vehicle back as quickly as possible.