How to Find Out If Your Car Was Towed in South Carolina
Finding your towed vehicle
If your car is missing from where you parked it, the first step is to contact the towing company or impound lot that holds it. In South Carolina, there is no single statewide database — each city, county, and private towing service keeps its own records. You will need to call the specific lot where your vehicle is likely to be.
Start by calling the police non-emergency line for the city or county where your car was parked. They can tell you which towing company responded to that location and provide you with the lot's phone number. If a private property owner (like a shopping center or apartment complex) had your car towed, the property manager or owner usually knows which company they use.
When you call the tow lot, have your license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), or vehicle description ready. The lot staff can confirm whether your car is there, how much you owe in towing and storage fees, and what documents you need to retrieve it.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina does not have a centralized tow database, so you must contact the specific tow lot or call the police non-emergency line to find out which company towed your vehicle.
- Have your license plate number, VIN, or a description of your vehicle ready when you call, so the lot can locate your car quickly.
- Towing and storage fees begin accumulating immediately, and lots charge daily storage rates that vary by location.
- You will need a valid photo ID and proof of vehicle ownership (title, registration, or loan documents) to pick up your car.
- If your car was towed from private property, contact the property manager or owner first — they can tell you which towing company was used.
How to identify which tow lot has your vehicle
The fastest way to find your car is to call the police non-emergency number for the jurisdiction where it was parked. Give them the location and your vehicle description. They will tell you which towing company was dispatched there and provide contact information for the lot.
If your car was towed from private property (an apartment complex, parking lot, or business), contact the property manager or owner directly. They hired the towing company and can give you the lot's name and number immediately. Many property managers post towing company information on their websites or in lease agreements.
If you know the towing company's name but not the lot location, search online for "[Company Name] tow lot South Carolina" or call directory assistance. Most tow lots have a single main facility where impounded vehicles are stored.
What information you need to retrieve your vehicle
When you arrive at the tow lot to pick up your car, bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You will also need to prove you own the vehicle. Acceptable documents include your vehicle title, current vehicle registration, or loan documents from your lender showing your name.
If someone else is picking up your vehicle on your behalf, bring a signed letter authorizing them to do so, along with your ID and proof of ownership. Some lots require the authorized person to have their own photo ID as well. Call the lot ahead of time to ask what they require for a third-party pickup.
Bring payment for all towing and storage fees. Most lots accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but call first to confirm what payment methods they take. Some lots may not accept personal checks.
Towing and storage fees in South Carolina
South Carolina law sets a maximum towing fee of $150 for most vehicles, though the actual amount depends on the vehicle size and the distance towed. Storage fees are charged per day and typically range from $25 to $50 per day, depending on the lot and the vehicle type. Fees begin accumulating the moment your vehicle arrives at the lot, including weekends and holidays.
Ask the tow lot for an itemized receipt showing the towing charge, storage charges, and any other fees before you pay. South Carolina requires lots to provide this breakdown. If you believe the charges are incorrect or exceed state limits, ask to speak with a manager or request a written explanation of the fees.
The longer your vehicle sits in the lot, the higher your storage bill becomes. If you cannot retrieve your car immediately, ask whether the lot offers a payment plan or reduced storage rates for extended stays. Some lots will negotiate, especially if you are working to gather the funds.
What happens if you cannot pay the towing fees
If you cannot afford the towing and storage fees, contact the lot and explain your situation. Some lots will work with you on a payment plan or may reduce fees if you retrieve your vehicle quickly. There is no legal requirement for them to do so, but many will negotiate rather than hold a vehicle indefinitely.
If your vehicle was towed by a city or county government (for parking violations or abandoned vehicle removal), contact the city or county finance department to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some municipalities offer hardship programs or allow you to contest the tow if it was done in error.
If your vehicle remains unclaimed for a long period (typically 30 to 90 days, depending on the lot), the tow company may file a lien against it or sell it at auction to recover their fees. Once this happens, you lose ownership of the vehicle. Contact the lot immediately if you are having difficulty paying — waiting makes the situation worse.
Contacting tow lots by city and county
For vehicles towed in Charleston, call the Charleston Police Department non-emergency line at 843-577-7434. They will direct you to the appropriate tow lot.
For vehicles towed in Columbia, contact the Columbia Police Department at 803-545-3500 or check the city's website for a list of authorized towing companies.
For vehicles towed in Greenville, call the Greenville Police Department at 864-271-5333 for information on which lot has your vehicle.
For other cities and counties, search online for "[City Name] police non-emergency number" or "[County Name] sheriff's office." The police or sheriff's office will have records of all tows in their jurisdiction and can direct you to the correct lot. If your vehicle was towed from private property, start by contacting the property owner or manager instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a tow lot hold my vehicle?
South Carolina law does not set a specific time limit for how long a lot can hold your vehicle, but most lots will file a lien or sell the vehicle at auction if it remains unclaimed for 30 to 90 days. Contact the lot as soon as you know your car was towed to prevent this from happening.
Can I get my belongings out of my car before I pay the towing fee?
Most tow lots will allow you to remove personal items from your vehicle at no charge, even if you have not yet paid the towing and storage fees. Call the lot and ask what their policy is. Bring a photo ID to verify you are the owner.
What if my car was towed by mistake or illegally?
If you believe your vehicle was towed without legal cause, contact the towing company and ask for a written explanation of why it was towed. If the tow was done by a city or county government, file a complaint with the city or county attorney's office. You may be able to recover towing fees if the tow was found to be improper, but you will likely need to pay the fees first and then pursue a refund through small claims court or a formal complaint process.
Do I have to pay the full towing fee if I only want to retrieve my belongings?
No. Most tow lots will let you remove personal items from your vehicle without paying the towing fee. However, if you want to drive the vehicle away, you must pay all towing and storage charges in full before the lot will release it to you.
What if I lost my vehicle title?
Contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to request a duplicate title before you go to the tow lot. You can apply online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Bring your driver's license and vehicle registration. The DMV can issue a replacement title within a few business days, which you can then use to retrieve your vehicle from the lot.