It’s a frustrating, stressful, and all too common occurrence: you return where you parked your car, and it’s simply. gone. Your first thought might be theft, but in Atlanta, the high probability is that your car was towed. How do you find out who towed your car in Atlanta and get it back? Westside Atlanta Towing will guide you through it.

Don’t Panic: Learn First

Before panicking, breathe in. Being level-headed will help you get through this process better.

Double-Check Your Parking Spot: Are you positive that you remember where you parked? A second glance sometimes provides the answer.

Look for Signs: Did you miss any “No Parking,” “Tow Away Zone,” or “Permit Parking Only” signs? Sometimes they are tiny or hidden.

Step-by-Step: Finding Your Impounded Vehicle in Atlanta

After you have confirmed your car is stolen, the next is the action plan:

Dial Atlanta Police Department (APD) Non-Emergency Line

This is your first point of contact. The Atlanta Police Department maintains records of vehicles towed by official request (e.g., for parking violations, accidents, or crime scenes) and often has data on vehicles towed by private companies reported to them.

APD Non-Emergency Number: (404) 658-6600

What to Provide:

Your car’s year, model, make, and color.
Your license plate number.
The exact area where you parked your car last.
The date and time when you last spotted your car.

They can let you know if your car was towed by the city or if a private company called them to let them know it was towed from private property.

Call the City of Atlanta’s Official Impound Lot

If the APD confirms a tow performed by the city, they will release you to the public impound yard. Prepare to pay impound charges, daily storage charges, and maybe parking citation fees.

Location (Subject to Change, Always Check with APD): Often near or in front of the city’s public works facilities.

If Tow Was from Private Property: Call Closest Businesses/Property Management

Most vehicles in Atlanta are towed from private property (i.e., shopping plazas, apartment complexes, commercial parking lots) by contracted private tow truck Atlanta companies on behalf of the property owner.

If from an Apartment Complex: Contact your leasing office or property manager. They will probably have records of their contracted tow truck Atlanta business.

If from a Shopping Center/Business Lot: Look for signs indicating which tow company was used. If no signs, try to question an employee or security officer.

Look up the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) Database: While not always current, the DPS has a database of reported tows. You can sometimes check this online or through their non-emergency resources.

What to Take When You Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you’ve located your car, you’ll need to have some items in front of you to go get it:

Valid Driver’s License: Same as the registered owner’s name.

Vehicle Registration: Paperwork proving that you own the vehicle or are permitted to take it in.

Proof of Insurance: Up-to-date insurance card.

Payment for Fees: Cash, credit card, or money order, as payment options vary by impound lot. Fees can be:

Towing fee
Daily storage fees
Administrative fees
Original parking infraction charges (where applicable)

Westside Atlanta Towing: Your Local Towing Professionals

While Westside Atlanta Towing does not want you to ever experience the hassle of a towed car, we are your go-to local tow truck Atlanta business for all other towing situations. From a flat tire to a breakdown or being stranded and in need of roadside service, our experienced staff stands ready to serve you promptly and efficiently.

Remember, knowing these steps can save you significant time and stress if your car goes missing in Atlanta. Stay calm, follow the steps, and you’ll have your vehicle back in no time!