What Happens to Your Car After It Gets Towed in Indianapolis?

Mr.Quickpick RSA
Jun 11
3 min read

What Happens to Your Car After It Gets Towed in Indianapolis?

What Happens to Your Car After It Gets Towed in Indianapolis? Whether your car got towed for parking illegally, being abandoned, or after a breakdown, one thing’s for sure — it’s stressful. If you’re in Indianapolis and asking, “What happens to my car after it gets towed?” — this guide walks you through every step of the process.

From city impounds to private towing companies, here’s exactly what to expect.

🚨 1. Why Was Your Car Towed?

Before we get into what happens after, it helps to know why your car was towed. In Indianapolis, common reasons include:

Illegal parking (fire lane, handicap spot, no-parking zones)
Abandoned vehicle (left too long on public property)
Unpaid tickets or expired registration
Accident or breakdown requiring removal from the road
Private property tow (apartment complexes, businesses, etc.)

The reason affects where your vehicle goes and how much it’ll cost to get it back.

🏢 2. Where Does Your Vehicle Go After It’s Towed?

In Indianapolis, there are two main types of tows:

A. City Impound Tow

If the police or city ordered the tow, your car was likely taken to the Indianapolis City Impound Lot, operated by the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS).

📍 Address: 1300 S. Belmont Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46221📞 Phone: (317) 327-4622

B. Private Property or Business Tow

If your car was towed from an apartment complex, gas station, or private lot, it was likely taken to a private tow yard — such as Zore’s, Interstate, or Last Chance Recovery.

In these cases, the towing company must post signs on the property and notify law enforcement of the tow.

📄 3. How to Find Your Towed Car

The fastest way to find your towed vehicle in Indianapolis is to call:

📞 IMPD Towed Vehicle Locator: (317) 327-3811

They’ll check the city database to confirm:

Whether your vehicle was towed
Who authorized the tow
Which impound lot or company has it

You can also check with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department or call 311 (non-emergency city services).

💸 4. What Will It Cost to Get It Back?

Fees vary based on where your car is towed and how long it stays:

For City Impounds:

Tow fee: $150–200
Storage fee: $30–40/day
Administrative fees: $25–50
Boot removal (if applicable): $60+

For Private Tow Yards:

Similar pricing, but can go higher for:
- After-hours release
- Flatbed or specialty tows
- Long-distance tows

⏱️ The sooner you claim your car, the cheaper it’ll be.

🪪 5. What Do You Need to Pick It Up?

To claim your vehicle, bring:

Valid government-issued ID
Proof of vehicle ownership (title, registration, insurance card)
Proof of current address
Cash or card to pay fees (some lots are cash-only)

If someone else is picking up the car for you, they’ll need written permission and a copy of your ID.

🚗 6. What If You Don’t Pick Up Your Car?

If you leave your car in impound too long (usually 15–30 days), it can be:

Declared abandoned
Sold at public auction
Scrapped or crushed

You’ll still be responsible for any unpaid fees or tickets. If it was a city tow, the balance may be sent to collections.

🧾 7. Can You Dispute the Tow?

Yes — but act fast.

For city tows, you can request a tow hearing within 10 business days. You’ll need to prove the tow was improper or unlawful.

For private tows, contact the Indiana Attorney General’s Office or file a complaint with the city. Take photos, note signage, and gather your documentation.

✅ Quick Checklist: What to Do After a Tow in Indianapolis

✔️ Call (317) 327-3811 to locate your vehicle✔️ Gather ID + proof of ownership✔️ Go to the correct tow yard or impound✔️ Pay the required fees✔️ Retrieve your vehicle ASAP to avoid extra charges✔️ Request a hearing if you believe the tow was improper