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How do I check if my car is impounded?

I parked at a friend's apartment in Hoboken, and this morning, when I came out, my car was missing. I don’t think it’s been stolen; I think it might have gotten towed. How can I check if my car has been impounded?

avatar
Chloe Jenkins · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re in this situation! To check if your car has been
towed
and impounded, you’ll just need to follow some simple steps. Here’s what to do:
  • Search the state impound database. If your car has been impounded, it is very likely that it would show up in the state, city, or town impound online database. To search, you will need to know your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number. In Hoboken, New Jersey, you can call Parking Utility at (201) 653-1919 and provide them with the same information and they should be able to tell you where your car has been towed.
  • Call the police. Contacting the authorities that authorized the impound is your next best bet. The car may be stored at a local tow yard or the police station’s lot. If this is the case, the police can give you the next step in getting your car back.
Once you’ve located your car, be sure to know the requirements to get your car back. Before you can pay the fees, you must show proof of insurance and the vehicle’s title to prove that you are the owner and the car can be driven off the lot. Then, you’ll have to pay for the cost of the tow (usually over $100), the use of a locksmith, and a charge based on how long the car has been impounded. Bear in mind that most impound fees are only payable by cash, and that you may have extra fees depending on why your vehicle was towed.
After dealing with all those fees, your pockets might feel a little lighter. If you’re looking for ways to cut costs going forward, reviewing your
car insurance
is a great way to do it. To easily make sure you’re getting the best deal on the coverage you need, check out the
Jerry
app. We’ll get you personalized quotes from more than 50 top car insurance companies to find the best policy for your budget. And once you find the plan that works best for you, we’ll even help you switch over!
Best of luck with getting your car back—you’ve got this!
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