You can find out where your car was towed after an accident by contacting local law enforcement, calling the non–emergency police number, or searching your city’s official tow lot database.
In most Missouri cities, especially in busy areas like Kansas City, vehicles involved in accidents are quickly cleared by authorized towing services.
A Kansas City car accident lawyer can also guide you through the process of recovering your vehicle and help you avoid unnecessary towing or storage fees.
Acting quickly is essential. Towed vehicles are often transferred to city impound lots or private storage facilities, where daily fees accumulate.
Understanding who to contact and what steps to take can help you avoid added expenses and retrieve your vehicle without delay.
Who to Call First After Your Car Has Been Towed
At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, we regularly assist clients in Missouri who don’t know where their vehicle was taken after a crash. Based on the location and nature of the accident, your car may have been removed by a city-authorized tow company or law enforcement.
Here’s how to start your search:
- Call the non–emergency police number: In Kansas City, Missouri, officers file a report that typically includes which tow company was dispatched.
- Ask the responding officer: If you’re still at the scene or have follow-up contact with the officer, ask where the vehicle was taken.
- Search the city‘s tow lot database: Kansas City maintains an online search tool where you can enter your plate number or VIN to find your vehicle.
- Contact 311: The city’s information line can provide impound lot locations and contact numbers.
If your car was left on private property and towed at the owner’s request, you may need to contact the property manager or business owner to identify the towing company.
What You’ll Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
Once you’ve located the impound lot, be prepared to provide proper identification and documentation. Most facilities in Missouri require:
- Photo ID: Such as a valid driver’s license
- Proof of ownership: Vehicle registration, title, or insurance documents
- Insurance information: Especially if the vehicle is heavily damaged or totaled
- Payment: Towing and storage fees must usually be paid in full before release
Some impound lots only accept certain payment methods, so it’s smart to call ahead and confirm what you’ll need to bring.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
What if You Can’t Pick Up the Vehicle Right Away?
If you’re injured or in the hospital, you can authorize someone else to retrieve your car. That person must present:
- A written and signed authorization letter from you
- A copy of your driver’s license or ID
- Proof of vehicle ownership
- Their own government-issued ID
It’s also important to notify your insurance company of the vehicle’s location. Adjusters often need access to the vehicle for inspection before repairs or claims can be processed. Delaying this step could hold up your claim and increase out-of-pocket costs.
Are Towing and Storage Fees Covered by Insurance?
Your insurance may cover towing and storage fees, depending on your policy and the crash circumstances.
- If you have collision coverage: Your policy may pay for towing and storage, minus any deductible.
- If the other driver was at fault: Their liability coverage should reimburse you for towing and storage costs.
- If you have roadside assistance: Some insurance policies or memberships include limited towing benefits.
Our legal team helps clients ensure these expenses are properly documented and included in the final claim.
Missouri Towing Laws and Vehicle Release Requirements
Missouri law includes strict requirements for towing from accident scenes. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 304.153, towing operators must:
- Notify law enforcement if they tow a vehicle from public property
- Post their fee schedules clearly
- Allow vehicle owners or insurance representatives to access the vehicle for inspection
If these rules aren’t followed, you may have grounds to dispute the tow or request a refund for unreasonable fees. Missouri law also protects consumers from predatory towing practices, particularly when it comes to excessive storage charges or denied access to the vehicle.
When to Call a Lawyer for Help
If you’re facing challenges recovering your vehicle, disputing towing fees, or managing injury-related issues after an accident, legal help may be necessary.
At Foster Wallace, we assist accident victims throughout Kansas City and surrounding Missouri communities with every part of the recovery process.
That includes ensuring towing and storage charges are addressed in your insurance claim and challenging improper or illegal tow procedures when needed.
Get Legal Guidance From a Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer
If you’re unsure where your car was towed or need help navigating the aftermath of a crash, Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers is here to support you.
With 45 years of combined experience and over $1 billion recovered for our clients, we’re committed to protecting your rights and minimizing out-of-pocket costs.
Start with a free consultation to learn how we can help you recover both your vehicle and the compensation you deserve. Your recovery starts with the right information—and the right legal team.
