You come out of a store or restaurant and your car is gone from the lot. It’s one of the most disorienting situations a driver can be in — here’s how to work through it, step by step.
First, Confirm It Was Actually Towed
Before assuming a tow, rule out theft — check for broken glass or debris where the car was parked. If there’s none, a tow is the far more likely explanation, especially in a marked private lot with posted no-parking or permit-only signage.
Find Out Where It Went
Look for a sign at the lot’s entrance — Michigan law (MCL 257.252k) requires private lots to post notice of towing enforcement, and that sign usually names the towing company. If there’s no sign or you can’t find one, ask inside the business; they contracted the tow and should know who to call. If you’re still stuck, the Michigan Department of State’s Abandoned Vehicle Help Desk (517-636-5234) can help track down where a vehicle was towed from, and the Michigan Secretary of State maintains vehicle records that a local police department can also check.
If You Think the Tow Was Improper
Maybe you had permission from an employee, or the lot had no visible signage. Document what you can — photos of the lot, any texts or verbal confirmation of permission — before you leave to pick up the car, if it’s safe to go back. Michigan requires clear signage before a lot can tow at the owner’s expense: notices must be posted at every vehicular entrance, with letters at least 2 inches tall on a contrasting background. If that wasn’t there, it’s worth raising with the property and the towing company directly, and you can file a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team if it isn’t resolved. Our full breakdown is in Private Property Towing Rights in Michigan.
What It Will Cost to Get It Back
Expect a hookup/impound fee plus a daily storage rate for every day the car sits at the lot. Ask for the total before you pay, and get an itemized receipt — it matters if you decide to dispute the tow afterward. See Towing Fees & Rates in Michigan for what’s typical, since Michigan doesn’t cap towing or storage rates the way some states do.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Claim It
Storage fees accrue every day the vehicle sits unclaimed, and after a certain point an unclaimed vehicle can be classified as abandoned under Michigan law, triggering a separate legal process (and a $40 abandoned vehicle fee) on top of what you already owe. See Abandoned Vehicle Law in Michigan for the full timeline — the short version is: the sooner you claim it, the less it costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refuse to pay if I think the tow was wrong?
Most lots and towing companies require payment before releasing the vehicle, even if you plan to dispute it afterward. Pay to get your car back, keep every receipt and photo, then pursue the dispute separately with the property owner, the towing company, or the Attorney General’s office.
Does Zielke Towing handle private lot impounds in Berrien County?
We primarily handle roadside, accident, and requested tows. If your vehicle was towed by a different company from a private lot, call us at (269) 925-9573 — we can often help point you toward who did the tow if you’re not sure.
