Having your car towed can be stressful, especially if you’re not sure what happens next. At PWC Towing, we believe in keeping our customers informed throughout the entire process. Here’s everything you need to know about what happens to your car after it’s towed in Prince William County and Northern Virginia.
Immediate Steps After Your Car Is Towed
1. Documentation and Paperwork
When our tow truck driver picks up your vehicle, they’ll document important details including:
- Vehicle make, model, year, and color
- License plate number and VIN
- Current mileage
- Existing damage (photos may be taken)
- Personal items visible in the vehicle
- Pickup location and time
You’ll receive a receipt or work order with this information, which is important for your records.
2. Secure Transportation
Your vehicle is carefully secured on the tow truck using proper equipment. Whether it’s a flatbed or wheel-lift tow, professional towing service providers ensure your car is protected during transport.
Where Does Your Car Go?
Depending on your situation, your vehicle may be taken to several different locations:
Repair Shop or Dealership
If you’ve arranged a tow due to a breakdown, your car goes directly to your chosen repair facility. This is the most common scenario for roadside assistance calls.
Tow Company Storage Lot
If you don’t specify a destination or it’s after business hours at repair shops, your vehicle may be taken to the towing company’s secure storage facility. At PWC Towing, our storage lot is:
- Fenced and gated
- Well-lit with security cameras
- Accessible during business hours
- Insured for vehicle protection
Police Impound Lot
In cases involving accidents, DUI, or illegal parking, vehicles may be taken to a police-designated impound lot. In Prince William County, you’ll need to contact the police department to retrieve your vehicle.
Storage Fees and Costs
Understanding storage fees helps you avoid unexpected costs:
Prince William County Storage Rates
- Daily storage fee: $30-$50 per day (varies by facility)
- First day: Often included in the initial tow fee
- After-hours release fee: May apply for pickup outside business hours
- Administrative fees: Some facilities charge for paperwork processing
Important: Storage fees accumulate daily, so it’s best to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.
How to Retrieve Your Towed Vehicle
What You’ll Need
- Valid photo ID: Driver’s license or government-issued ID
- Proof of ownership: Vehicle registration or title
- Payment: Cash, credit card, or other accepted payment methods
- Tow receipt: If you have the original documentation
- Police release: Required if the vehicle was impounded by law enforcement
Steps to Get Your Car Back
- Locate your vehicle: Contact the towing company or check your receipt for the storage location
- Verify storage hours: Call ahead to confirm when you can pick up your vehicle
- Gather required documents: Bring all necessary paperwork
- Pay fees: Settle all towing and storage charges
- Inspect your vehicle: Check for any damage and verify personal items before leaving
What About Your Personal Belongings?
Your personal items remain in your vehicle during towing and storage. However, you should:
- Remove valuables before the tow if possible
- Request access to retrieve essential items during storage
- Document any missing items immediately upon retrieval
- Note that towing companies typically aren’t liable for items left in vehicles
Special Situations
After an Accident
If your car was towed after an accident, you may need to:
- File a claim with your insurance company
- Get a police report number
- Arrange for a damage assessment
- Coordinate with the repair shop for estimates
Abandoned or Unclaimed Vehicles
Virginia law allows towing companies to sell unclaimed vehicles after a certain period (typically 30-45 days). You’ll receive written notice before any sale, so check your mail carefully.
Tips to Minimize Stress and Costs
- Act quickly: Retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid storage fees
- Keep important documents: Store copies of your registration in a safe place
- Know your rights: Virginia law limits what towing companies can charge
- Get detailed receipts: Always request itemized documentation
- Consider roadside assistance: AAA or insurance coverage can help manage costs
Contact PWC Towing
If you have questions about a recent tow or need professional towing services in Woodbridge, Manassas, Dumfries, Gainesville, or anywhere in Prince William County, we’re here to help.
Call us at 571-520-0898 for 24/7 assistance. Our team is happy to answer any questions about the towing process or help you locate your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my car stay in storage?
While there’s no immediate time limit, storage fees accumulate daily. After 30-45 days (depending on the facility), the vehicle may be subject to lien sale procedures.
Can someone else pick up my car?
Yes, but they’ll typically need written authorization from you, along with copies of your ID and the vehicle registration.
What if my car is damaged during towing?
Reputable towing companies carry insurance to cover any damage that occurs during towing. Document any new damage immediately and report it to the company.