My Car Was Impounded: What Now?
- Barrett’s Towing
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 20
Having your vehicle towed can be stressful. But don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed. Follow these simple guidelines to help navigate retrieving your vehicle from impound:
Where Was My Vehicle Taken?
There are multiple towing companies who have tow lots in Athens, Georgia.
Two ways to determine where your vehicle was taken:
If towed by the police, call that department’s non emergency number to their dispatch center. There, they will have a log of what towing service towed your vehicle.
Athens-Clarke County Police: 706-613-3345
UGA Police: 706-542-2200
If your vehicle was towed from private property, a sign should be located at the entrance to the parking lot or parking garage stating who tows for that facility.
The main towing facilities in Athens, Georgia are:
Barrett’s Towing
2570 Danielsville Rd., Athens, GA 30601
706-543-0900
Shuman Services
1563 S Lumpkin St., Athens, GA 30605
706-543-4349
Dennis & Judy’s Towing
1275 Commerce Rd., Athens, GA 30607
706-543-0004
S&J Roadside Service
145 Newton Bridge Industrial Way, Athens, GA 30607
706-614-9664
How Much Will The Tow Cost?
Typically, towing charges are determined by the government department that regulates that service. Vehicles are charged a daily storage charge for every 24 hours a vehicle is stored on the tow lot.
There will also be a $26 notification fee and $65 administrative fee for notification to police, vehicle owners, and lien holders in accordance with state law.
For a standard size vehicle, the towing charges are:
ACCPD / UGA Police / UGA Parking Services:
Tow - $175
Storage - $25 per day
After Hours Release - $50 (including holidays)
Admin: $91
Private Property Impounds:
Tow - $225
Storage - $33 per day
After Hours Release - $65 (including holidays)
Admin: $91
CASH OR CERTIFIED FUNDS ONLY
Always call to verify charges on your vehicle.
What Forms of Payment Are Accepted?
For a vehicle towed by the Athens-Clarke Police or University of Georgia, you can use:
Cash, Debit, Credit, Money Order, Business Check
For a vehicle towed from private property, you can ONLY use:
Cash or Certified Funds (i.e. Money Order)
What Documentation Do I Need?
When coming to pick up your vehicle, it is best to verify what documents you may need.
Photo ID
A Photo ID is required for all vehicles towed to show who is removing the vehicle or personal items from the vehicle. A copy will be made and kept on file.
Proof of Insurance
If your vehicle was impounded for lack of insurance coverage, you will be required to show proof of insurance dated after the vehicle was towed.
Proof of Registration
In some cases, proof of registration may be required if your registration has lapsed or been cancelled. A new tag receipt will be required from your local tag office.
Vehicle Title
If you are not removing the vehicle from impound and paying towing charges, you are legally considered abandoning your vehicle and a court process will begin. To avoid this, your vehicle’s title can be brought to the tow yard to waive fees for towing and storage. Be sure to contact the towing service to verify they allow this process.
When Is The Tow Lot Open?
Although tow trucks are available all times of day and night, most impound facilities are not open 24 hours.
Barrett’s Towing is open:
Monday - Friday: 8:00a - 5:00p
Saturday: 8:00a - 1:00p
Sunday: Closed
Most towing companies also typically close on government holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Can I Retrieve Items From My Vehicle?
Yes! During our office hours, you may retrieve belongings from your vehicle at no additional charge. However, in the rare case a police evidence hold is placed on the vehicle, no one is allowed to see or remove items from the vehicle. Additionally, no auto parts or items attached to the vehicle may be removed.
You will need to bring a photo ID so that the tow lot can record who went to the vehicle to retrieve items.
Stay Calm!
Having your vehicle towed can be a stressful experience. Always remember to remain calm and polite. Ask questions. But remember the towing service is simply providing a service and typically cannot control why a vehicle is towed or the pricing. A professional towing service will provide you with assistance in retrieving your car in a timely, cordial manner.
Comments