Tourist Survival Guide
Rental Car Towed? Here's What to Do Right Now
Visiting the U.S. and your rental car just got towed? Don't panic. This is different from getting your own car towed because the rental company is the legal owner. That means you need their authorization before the impound lot will release the car to you. Follow these steps and you'll have the car back as fast as possible.
🚨 3 Steps to Get Your Rental Car Back
Do these right now. Storage fees start immediately.
- 1
Call the rental company immediately
Contact the rental company's 24/7 roadside assistance number (found on your rental agreement, keychain tag, or their app). Tell them the car was towed and ask them to send an authorization letter to the impound lot so you can pick it up.
- 2
Locate the impound lot
Use TowFinder USA at mycartowed.com to find the tow company's name, phone number, and address. You can also call the city's non-emergency police line or 311. Call the lot to confirm they have the car and ask about fees, accepted payment methods, and hours.
- 3
Gather your documents and go to the lot
Bring your rental agreement, photo ID (driver's license or passport), and payment (cash recommended, as some lots don't accept cards). Once the rental company's authorization letter arrives at the lot, present your documents, pay the fees, get an itemized receipt, and inspect the vehicle before driving away.
⚠️ Why Rental Cars Are Different
When your own car gets towed, you show your ID and registration and pay the fees. With a rental car, the rental company is the registered owner, so the impound lot legally cannot release it to you without their written authorization. This is why calling the rental company is Step 1. Skip this step and you'll be turned away at the lot, wasting time while storage fees keep adding up.
Rental Company Emergency Numbers
All major rental companies have 24/7 roadside assistance. Call them first.
What to Bring to the Impound Lot
Expected Costs for a Towed Rental Car
| Fee | Typical Cost | Who Charges It |
|---|---|---|
| Tow fee | $150 to $350 | Impound lot |
| Daily storage | $25 to $75 per day | Impound lot |
| Admin/gate fee | $50 to $150 | Impound lot |
| Rental company penalty | $50 to $150 | Rental company |
| Lost rental days | Daily rental rate | Rental company |
| Total Day 1 | $300 to $700+ | Combined |
| Total Day 3 | $500 to $1,000+ | Combined |
* Fees vary by city and rental company. Always call the lot and rental company to confirm exact costs.
Tips for International Tourists
🌍 What Every International Visitor Should Know
- ✓Towing in the U.S. happens fast. Your car can be towed within minutes of a parking violation.
- ✓Parking signs in the U.S. can be confusing, with multiple rules on one pole. Read every sign at your spot completely.
- ✓Many impound lots are cash-only. Carry at least $300 to $500 in cash when visiting popular tourist cities.
- ✓Your passport works as a valid photo ID at impound lots.
- ✓Your embassy or consulate cannot pay towing fees or intervene with tow companies.
- ✓Residential permit zones are the #1 trap for tourists. Look for "Permit Parking Only" signs.
- ✓Use paid parking garages whenever possible. A $20 to $30 garage fee is nothing compared to a $300+ tow.
- ✓Always take a photo of the parking signs before walking away from your car.
- ✓Download parking apps like ParkMobile or PayByPhone before your trip.
Top U.S. Cities Where Tourists Get Towed
Common trap: Residential permit zones, beach parking restrictions
Los AngelesCommon trap: Street cleaning days, confusing sign stacking
New York CityCommon trap: Alternate side parking, fire hydrant zones
ChicagoCommon trap: Snow route towing, permit zones near Wrigley Field
San FranciscoCommon trap: Steep hill parking rules, residential permits
Las VegasCommon trap: Casino lot rules, private property towing on the Strip
OrlandoCommon trap: Theme park adjacent lots, private property tows
Washington D.C.Common trap: Inauguration/event zones, embassy row restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my rental car gets towed?
Call the rental company immediately. Since they are the registered owner of the vehicle, most impound lots require their authorization before releasing the car to you. Get the rental company's roadside assistance number from your rental agreement or their app. Then locate the impound lot using TowFinder USA, and gather your rental agreement and photo ID.
Can I pick up a towed rental car from the impound lot myself?
In most cases, yes, but you need authorization from the rental company first. The impound lot will require a faxed or emailed authorization letter from the rental company naming you as the person allowed to pick up the vehicle. Call the rental company and ask them to send this to the impound lot. You will also need your rental agreement and a matching photo ID.
Who pays the towing and impound fees for a rental car?
You do. The renter is responsible for all towing, impound, and storage fees. On top of that, the rental company may charge you an additional administrative fee (typically $50 to $150) for processing the impound. Expect to pay $250 to $500 total on day one. The longer the car sits, the more you pay in daily storage fees.
Does rental car insurance (CDW) cover towing or impound fees?
No. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) only cover physical damage to the vehicle. They do not cover towing fees, impound charges, or storage costs. However, check if your credit card offers roadside assistance benefits, as some premium cards cover towing and impound costs for rental cars.
What documents do I need to pick up a towed rental car?
You will need: (1) your rental agreement showing you are the authorized renter, (2) a valid photo ID matching the name on the rental agreement (driver's license or passport), (3) an authorization letter from the rental company (they will fax or email this to the impound lot), and (4) payment for all fees. Some lots only accept cash, so bring cash just in case.
Can I use my passport as ID at the impound lot?
Yes. Most impound lots accept a valid passport as a government-issued photo ID. If you are an international tourist without a U.S. driver's license, your passport will work. Bring your rental agreement as well, since it connects your identity to the vehicle.
What if the rental company is closed when my car gets towed?
All major rental companies (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo) have 24/7 roadside assistance phone lines. The number is on your rental agreement, on the keychain tag, or in the rental company's app. Call this number even at night or on weekends. They can authorize the release and communicate with the impound lot.
Will the rental company charge me extra if the car is towed?
Yes, most rental companies charge an administrative or processing fee on top of the towing and storage costs. This fee typically ranges from $50 to $150. Some companies also charge you for the lost rental days while the car is in impound. Read your rental agreement for the specific terms, and ask the company what additional charges to expect.
I am a tourist from another country. What should I know about U.S. towing?
Key things international tourists should know: (1) Towing in the U.S. happens fast, sometimes within minutes of a violation. (2) Parking signs can be confusing with multiple rules on one sign. Always read every sign at your parking spot. (3) Many impound lots are cash-only. (4) Fees are high and increase every day. (5) Your embassy cannot help with towing fees. (6) Always photograph parking signs before leaving your car.
What are the most common reasons tourists get towed in the U.S.?
The top reasons are: (1) parking in a residential permit zone without a permit (extremely common in Miami Beach, San Francisco, and Chicago), (2) parking at an expired meter, (3) parking in a no-parking zone during street cleaning hours, (4) parking in a fire lane or near a hydrant, (5) parking in a private lot without authorization (restaurants, hotels, shopping centers), and (6) parking in a handicapped spot without a valid placard.
How can tourists avoid getting towed in the U.S.?
Prevention tips for visitors: (1) Use paid parking garages instead of street parking. The $20 to $30 garage fee is much cheaper than a $300+ tow. (2) Read every parking sign completely, including the small print. (3) Use parking apps like ParkMobile or PayByPhone to pay meters remotely and extend time. (4) Set a phone alarm before your meter expires. (5) Never park in spaces marked "Permit Only," "Tow Away Zone," or "Fire Lane." (6) Take a photo of the parking signs before you leave your car.
What happens if I fly home before picking up the towed rental car?
If you leave the country without retrieving the car, the rental company will eventually pick it up and charge your credit card for all towing fees, storage fees, administrative fees, and lost rental days. This can easily total $1,000 or more. It is always better to deal with it before you leave, even if it means adjusting your travel plans.
🌴 Rental Car Towed in Miami?
Miami and Miami Beach are the #1 cities where tourists get towed. Residential permit zones near South Beach catch thousands of visitors every year. If your rental car was towed in Miami:
- Call your rental company's roadside assistance first.
- Then call Roadway Towing Service at (305) 593-1919 (1691 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33142).
- Backup: Miami-Dade Towing Info Line at (305) 471-7450 (automated, 24/7).
- Bring rental agreement, passport or license, and $300+ cash.
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