Illegal or Improper Vehicle Towing: Can You Get Your Money Back?

Getting your car towed is frustrating enough — but when the tow itself was improper, you may have a legitimate claim to recover towing and storage fees, or even additional damages.

What typically makes a tow "improper"

• No valid signage was posted where you parked, or signage didn't meet your state's specific requirements (many states have detailed rules about sign size, placement, and visibility)
• You were towed from a spot you were legally entitled to park in (a spot you rented, a guest spot you had permission for)
• The towing company didn't follow required notification procedures — many states require towing companies to notify local police shortly after a tow, and some require attempts to notify the vehicle owner
• Predatory or "patrol" towing practices that some states specifically restrict or ban (towing companies that patrol private lots looking for any technical violation to tow aggressively)

Check your state and local towing regulations closely

Towing is one of the more heavily regulated small claims categories — many states and cities have specific statutes governing signage requirements, maximum fees that can be charged, required notification timelines, and dispute processes. This is worth researching specifically for your state, since improper towing cases often hinge on a very particular regulatory violation rather than a general sense of unfairness.

Evidence that strengthens your case

• Photos of the parking spot and any signage (or lack of it), ideally taken as soon as possible after learning of the tow
• The towing receipt and itemized fees charged
• Proof you were entitled to park there, if applicable (a permit, lease, or guest authorization)
• Your state or city's specific towing statute, if you can identify the particular requirement that wasn't followed

Check for a dispute or appeal process first

Some cities and states have a specific administrative dispute process for tows, separate from small claims court — sometimes faster and simpler, since it's designed specifically for this situation. Check with your local police department or department of consumer affairs before assuming small claims court is your only option.

Calculating your claim

• The towing and storage fees you paid, if the tow itself was improper
• Any additional documented costs directly caused by the tow (missed work, alternate transportation costs), if applicable and provable
• Some states allow additional statutory penalties against towing companies that violate specific regulations, which can meaningfully increase your claim — check your state's specific towing statute for this

A practical note

Given how state-specific and detailed towing regulations tend to be, spending time confirming exactly which requirement wasn't followed — rather than relying on a general sense that the tow felt unfair — significantly strengthens your case going into a hearing.

This article is for general informational purposes and isn't legal advice. Towing regulations are highly specific to your state and city — check your local towing statute before filing.