# What to Do If Your Car Ever Gets Towed in Harris County | Attorney Brian White

**Table of Contents***[*Expand*]*

1. How to Find Out Where Your Car Was Towed
2. What to Do to Get Your Vehicle Back
3. What if You Believe Your Car Was Wrongfully Towed?
4. Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement Options
5. Tips for Preventing Future Towing Issues
6. Contact the Harris County Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

![What to Do if Your Car Ever Gets Towed in Harris County](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/What-to-Do-if-Your-Car-Ever-Gets-Towed-in-Harris-County-300x169.jpg)

Realizing your car has been towed can be stressful, especially if you’re unsure where it went or what to do next. Whether it was removed after an accident, a parking violation, or a breakdown, it’s important to act quickly. 

Knowing your rights and responsibilities can help you avoid unnecessary fees and get your car back without extra complications. By learning what to do right away, you can handle the situation calmly and get your vehicle back as soon as possible.

## How to Find Out Where Your Car Was Towed

In Harris County, vehicles can be towed for several reasons, including illegal parking, being left on private property, or blocking traffic after a collision. If you discover your car is missing, don’t panic—there are ways to track it down.

You can locate your towed car by:

- Calling the [Houston Police Department’s Auto Impound Lot](https://www.houstontx.gov/police/auto_dealers_detail/towed_vehicles_faq.htm) at (713) 308-8580 if you’re within city limits
- Visiting the HoustonTow.com website and entering your license plate or VIN number
- Contacting the local law enforcement agency that patrols the area where your car was parked
- Asking nearby businesses if the vehicle was towed by a private company

Once you know where your car is located, confirm the towing company’s name, phone number, and storage lot address.

For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000)

## What to Do to Get Your Vehicle Back

Texas law allows towing and storage facilities to charge daily fees, so retrieving your vehicle as soon as possible is important. 

When you arrive to pick it up, make sure to bring:

- A valid driver’s license or photo ID
- Proof of vehicle ownership, such as a title or registration
- Proof of [insurance](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/settling-a-personal-injury-claim-with-an-insurance-company/)

You’ll also need to pay towing and storage fees before the car is released. If you can’t afford the full amount immediately, Texas law allows you to request a “[Tow Hearing](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/towing/consumerinfo.htm#:~:text=You%20may%20request%20a%20TOW%20HEARING%20at%20any%20Justice%20of%20the%20Peace%20Court%20in%20the%20county%20where%20your%20car%20was%20towed%20if%20you%20believe%20your%20car%20was%20wrongfully%20towed%2C%20stored%20or%20booted%3B%20or%20if%20you%20were%20charged%20more%20than%20the%20allowed%20fee.%20You%20must%20request%20a%20tow%20hearing%20from%20the%20court%20within%2014%20days%20of%20the%20tow.)” in justice court to dispute or delay payment if you believe the tow was improper.

Be sure to take photos of your car when you pick it up, especially if you notice new damage or missing items.

## What if You Believe Your Car Was Wrongfully Towed?

Towing companies must follow strict guidelines under [Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/OC/htm/OC.2308.htm), also known as the Texas Towing and Booting Act. If your car was removed without proper signage, authorization, or cause, you may have grounds to challenge the tow.

Common examples of unlawful towing include:

- No visible “Towing Enforced” signs in a parking area
- Towing from private property without the owner’s consent
- Failing to notify law enforcement of the tow within two hours

If you believe your vehicle was wrongfully towed, you can:

- Request a Tow Hearing within 14 days of the incident through your local Justice of the Peace court
- File a complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)

Taking action quickly can help you recover towing fees and hold the company accountable for any violations.

[Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today

## Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement Options

Your car insurance may cover towing and storage costs, depending on your policy. Comprehensive and collision coverage sometimes includes roadside assistance or reimbursement for tows after accidents or mechanical breakdowns.

If another driver caused your [accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), their insurance may be responsible for paying towing and storage expenses. Always keep detailed receipts and paperwork from the tow yard so your attorney or insurer can help you file a claim.

Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now

## Tips for Preventing Future Towing Issues

While not all towing situations can be avoided, being proactive can save you time and money. 

Consider these steps to reduce your chances of being towed:

- Always check for posted parking restrictions and towing signs before leaving your car
- Keep your vehicle registration and insurance current
- Avoid leaving your car unattended in private lots without permission
- Move your car promptly after an accident, once it’s safe to do so
- Maintain your vehicle to prevent breakdowns that could lead to towing

Following these guidelines can help you stay compliant with local regulations and avoid unnecessary costs.

## Contact the Harris County Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

Dealing with a towed vehicle can be confusing—especially if it happens after an accident or without clear justification. The Harris County personal injury attorneys at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights, dispute an improper tow, or pursue [compensation](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/maximize-your-compensation/) if your car was damaged or wrongfully removed.

Our offices       Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098)         Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06
Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029)         Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293
Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054)         Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515
Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079)         Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268
Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058)         The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203
The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380)         Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444
Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069)

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### About the Author Brian White

![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg)

[Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. As a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Brian represents clients throughout Houston in cases involving [car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), [truck accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/), [motorcycle accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/), [brain injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/), [wrongful death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/), and more.

Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives across Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents.

[Main Office Location: Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/contact-us/)

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Rural car accidents, such as those in Texas Hill Country, TX, are different from those in urban areas. They

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Located approximately 30 miles north of Houston, The Woodlands, TX, is a bustling and growing community part

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[![2 Children Dead, 3 Others Injured After 2-Vehicle Crash on I-45](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/2-children-dead-3-others-injured-after-2-vehicle-crash-on-i-45/)   [2 Children Dead, 3 Others Injured After 2-Vehicle Crash on I-45](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/2-children-dead-3-others-injured-after-2-vehicle-crash-on-i-45/)

A tragic car accident near Hardy Toll Road on I-45 claimed the lives of two children. The crash occurred in the 23400

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Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-car-ever-gets-towed-in-harris-county/
