Getting your car towed can be an incredibly frustrating experience, whether it’s due to an accident, illegal parking, or a breakdown. If you’re in Aurora, Colorado, and you’ve just discovered that your vehicle has been towed, you’re likely wondering what comes next. Who tows it? Where does it go? How can you get it back? This guide walks you through everything you need to know about what happens to your car after a tow in Aurora, CO, and how to handle the process smoothly.
Why Cars Get Towed in Aurora, CO
There are several reasons your vehicle may have been towed in Aurora:
- Illegal parking: This includes parking in a no-parking zone, in front of fire hydrants, or on private property without permission.
- Unpaid tickets or expired registration: Accumulating unpaid tickets or having expired tags can lead to your vehicle being impounded.
- Accidents: If your vehicle is not drivable after an accident, police or emergency responders may call a towing service.
- Breakdowns or abandoned vehicles: If your car breaks down and you’re unable to move it, or if it’s left on public property too long, it may be towed.
- Private property enforcement: Businesses and apartment complexes in Aurora may hire towing companies to remove unauthorized vehicles.
Understanding the reason for the tow is the first step in determining what actions you need to take next.
Who Tows Your Car in Aurora?
In Aurora, cars can be towed by either municipal towing services (at the request of the Aurora Police Department or city officials) or by private towing companies hired by property owners.
If your vehicle was towed due to a traffic violation, expired registration, or other legal infraction, chances are it was towed by a city-authorized provider. In contrast, if it was parked in a private lot or apartment complex, it’s likely been towed by a private company.
To locate your car, you can:
- Call the Aurora Police Department non-emergency number at 303-627-3100. They can confirm if the vehicle was impounded by the city.
- Check signage in the area where the car was towed from. Private lots must display the name and contact number of the towing company.
- Use online city resources. Some towing providers and impound lots have online databases where you can look up your car’s status using your license plate.
Where Does Your Car Go?
Once your car is towed, it typically ends up at an impound lot or towing yard in Aurora. These are secured facilities where vehicles are stored until their owners retrieve them.
For city-authorized tows, Aurora contracts with specific impound lots that meet local regulations. For private tows, it depends on the towing company.
You can expect:
- Storage fees to begin accumulating the moment your car arrives at the lot.
- Daily storage charges, which can vary between $30 to $75 per day or more.
- Access hours, which vary by lot. Some require an appointment or have restricted pickup times.
Before heading out to recover your vehicle, make sure you call the towing lot and confirm their requirements for pickup.
What You Need to Retrieve Your Car
To recover your vehicle from a tow yard in Aurora, CO, you’ll need to bring:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of vehicle ownership (title or current registration)
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for fees (cash or credit card, depending on the facility)
In some cases, especially if your car was towed for legal violations, you may also need a release form from the Aurora Police Department.
To avoid unnecessary delays, Check Over Here at the lot’s website or call in advance for specific documentation and fee requirements.
Understanding Fees and Fines
Towing your car isn’t cheap. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- Towing fee: Usually ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the type of tow.
- Storage fees: Charged daily after the first 24 hours.
- Administrative or processing fees: Some facilities charge extra for paperwork.
- After-hours release fees: Picking up your vehicle outside of normal business hours can cost more.
The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the lower the cost. Unclaimed cars can eventually be sold at auction, so don’t delay.
If you feel the tow was unjustified, you can contest it through Aurora’s appeal process, usually handled by the city’s code enforcement or administrative hearings office.
What Happens If You Don’t Pick Up Your Car
Failing to retrieve your towed vehicle can lead to serious consequences:
- Increased storage costs: Daily fees add up quickly.
- Lien against your vehicle: The towing company can legally claim ownership through a lien process.
- Vehicle auction: After a set period (usually 30 days), the company can auction your car to recover costs.
- Damage to credit: If unpaid fees are sent to collections, your credit score could be impacted.
If financial hardship prevents you from retrieving your vehicle, reach out to the impound lot to discuss your options. Some companies offer payment plans or partial release options.
How to Prevent Towing in the Future
Avoiding a tow starts with good vehicle management. Here are some proactive tips:
- Watch where you park: Especially in apartment complexes or commercial lots with posted towing signs.
- Stay current on registration: Don’t let tags or insurance lapse.
- Handle tickets quickly: Unpaid fines can lead to license suspension and impoundment.
- Maintain your vehicle: A broken-down car on the side of the road is a towing candidate.
- Communicate: If your car breaks down and you can’t move it right away, call the police non-emergency line to let them know. This might buy you some time before a tow is authorized.
Local Resources for Car Towing in Aurora, CO
If you’re dealing with a tow, the following local resources may help:
- Aurora Police Department (Non-Emergency Line): 303-627-3100
- City of Aurora Code Enforcement: Handles complaints and towing disputes
- Impound Lot Information: Search online or check over here on towing company websites for location and fee details
- Legal Aid Colorado: Can help if you believe your car was wrongfully towed
Using the right keywords and contact points will help you navigate the situation more efficiently.
Working with a Car Towing Service in Aurora, CO
If you need towing services yourself, for instance, after a breakdown or accident, make sure to choose a reliable car towing company in Aurora, CO. Look for providers who:
- Are licensed and insured
- Offer 24/7 emergency towing
- Provide upfront pricing
- Have good customer reviews
Whether you’re calling for a tow or dealing with a post-tow headache, always check over here for company reputation and service transparency.
Conclusion
Finding out your car has been towed in Aurora, CO is never a good day—but understanding the process can make it easier to navigate. From locating your vehicle to paying the fees and retrieving it quickly, taking prompt action is the key. Stay informed, be proactive, and keep essential documents handy to ensure a smoother experience.
Next time you’re searching for information about Car Towing in Aurora, CO, just remember: you’re not alone. Resources are available, and knowing what happens after the tow gives you a significant advantage in resolving the situation efficiently.
For more details, support, and local towing services, always remember to check over here and stay ahead of the unexpected.
