My Car Has Been Towed! Do I Need A Vehicle Release Form?

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• If your car gets towed, stay calm and find out where it's been taken
• Prepare to pay towing and storage fees, as well as any parking ticket fines
• Ensure you have the necessary documents, like your driver's license and proof of ownership, to retrieve your car

The terrible realization that your car– that was once parked in a specific spot– is now being towed onto a tow truck after your quick errand run. 

As you watch your car being taken away from you, you panic and wonder,” What on earth do I do now?”. 

It also doesn’t help that your week is jammed-packed and you won’t even be able to pick up the vehicle yourself. 

Even though it's upsetting to have your car taken away, there are certain actions you may take to have it back in your possession, even if you are unable to pick the car up yourself. 

1. Take a Deep Breath

Keep your cool. As you go through the procedure to get your car back, try to handle the situation calmly and swiftly.

We'll figure this out with ease! Do not worry! NotaryLive has got your back with your vehicle release form troubles. 

2. Find Out Where Your Vehicle Has Been Towed

If you find that the towing company is no longer present, call the police department or jurisdiction your car was towed. 

It's good to call on their non-emergency number. 

Certain police departments have towed vehicle information on specific websites as well.

Another option is to call the parking lot you were towed from for further instructions on retrieving your vehicle. 

3. Make Sure You Have The Money To Pay Fees

After your car has been towed, you, unfortunately, have to pay a towing charge, as well as some extra fees. 

Some towing businesses will charge you a daily fee to store your 

vehicle. Additionally, keep in mind that you must pay the penalty if you have received a ticket from a parking meter.

Prior to calling the towing service, ensure you have your license plate, and make and model information with you. 

There are specific questions you may want to ask the people who run the impound lot, such as: 

• What charges/fees will I be required to pay?
• Is there a daily fee for storage? What is the cost?
• Does it cost money to remove the boot device that was utilized during the towing process?
• Should I pay with cash, check, or credit? (Some impound lots only accept a specific payment method). 

Important: Make sure to handle this matter as soon as possible! Some fees each day add up rapidly.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company 

After your vehicle is towed, promptly contact your insurance company. 

They'll shed light on towing costs and potential coverage options. 

Why it matters: 

• Financial Clarity: Your insurer breaks down costs, preventing surprises.
• Coverage Insights: Discover additional benefits to ease expenses.
• Expert Guidance: Navigate paperwork and procedures with their support.

5. What Documents Might You Need to Retrieve Your Car?

Don’t hang up just yet! Before you end the call with the impound lot, make sure you ask which documents you need to retrieve your car. Impound lots generally require: 

• Driver’s License
• Proof of Ownership (registration certificate or title)
• Proof of Insurance
• Registration
• Tow & storage fee documents

And just in case . . . 

You might also need to sign a vehicle release form confirming your receipt of the car and accepting full responsibility for it. 

6. If You Can't Pick Up Your Car Yourself

If you're unable to collect your vehicle in person, you can designate someone as your agent. 

To enable them to retrieve your vehicle on your behalf, they must present either a valid proof of power of attorney or a notarized letter granting them authority to act on your behalf. 

Furthermore, they might also need to sign a vehicle release form.

This document would be necessary, for example– if you required someone trustworthy to pick up your car while you were out of town.

7. Get Your Vehicle Release Form Notarized Online with NotaryLive

If you are unable to sign and notarize the Vehicle Release Form in person, you can use an online notary.

NotaryLive provides an online notarization process where you can remotely sign and notarize a document from the comfort of your home.

How NotaryLive works in 4 easy steps: 

Click the button below to get started,

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FAQ For Vehicle Release Form 

• Is a Vehicle Release Form legally binding? 
  • Yes. They are legally enforceable.
• What information should be included on the Vehicle Release Form? 
  • Full Name of the vehicle owner
  • Year, make, model of vehicle
  • License plate number
  • Name of representative
  • Signature of vehicle owner (notarized)
  • Notary's stamp
• What if I disagree with my car getting towed? 
  • You're not alone. If you think the tow was unjust, dispute it! Gather evidence (photos, witnesses) and challenge the towing company.

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