Car towed in Colorado: what to do (2026)

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Your plan for Colorado

Do now

If you answered “I don't know - it's just gone” to “Where was the car towed from?”
Call the local police non-emergency line and ask whether your car was towed or reported stolen.
Why: Police usually record tows from public streets and many private tows, and you need to rule out theft.
If you answered “Private lot (store, apartment, business)” to “Where was the car towed from?”
Look for signs where you parked: they usually name the towing company and its phone number.
Why: Private-lot tows normally have posted signs naming the tow company.
Call the tow company or impound lot. Ask for the address, hours, total fees, what payment they accept, and what documents you need.
Why: Fees often grow daily, so knowing the amount and hours helps you get there fast.
Take photos of the spot and any signs (or missing signs) where the car was parked.
Why: This is your evidence if the tow was not allowed.

This week

Go to the lot with your driver's license, registration or title, and payment. Ask for an itemized receipt.
Why: You need proof of ownership to get the car, and an itemized receipt to dispute fees.
If you answered “Yes” to “Was the car damaged during the tow?”
Before you drive away, walk around the car and take photos. Point out any new damage to staff and write it on the release form if you can.
Why: Damage claims are much harder once you leave the lot.
If you answered “Public street (police or city tow)” to “Where was the car towed from?”
If the tow came with a city parking ticket, follow the ticket instructions to contest it before its deadline.
Why: Contesting the ticket is a separate process with its own deadline.
If you think the fees are too high or the tow was not allowed, ask your city or county (or state regulator, if your state licenses tow companies) what the rules and rate limits are.
Why: Many cities and states set maximum rates and sign requirements for private tows.

If it's not resolved

If you paid and believe the tow or fees broke the rules, send the tow company a written demand for a refund with your photos and receipt.
Why: A written demand gives them a chance to refund and is useful evidence.
File a complaint with the agency that regulates towing in your area, or with your state attorney general or consumer office.
Why: Regulators can investigate tow companies and sometimes order refunds.
You can sue the tow company (or the property owner who called the tow) in small claims court for wrongful fees or damage, within your state's deadlines.
Why: Small claims is designed for people without lawyers.
Do not leave the car at the lot for long: tow companies can sell unclaimed vehicles after giving notice, under state rules.
Why: You could lose the car and still owe fees.

Deadlines

Pick up the car before it is sold as unclaimed

General rule: see state (time limits and notice rules vary by state)

Contest a city parking ticket or tow hearing

General rule: Printed on the ticket or tow notice; often short.

Deadline to sue for damage to your car or other property

General rule: see state

In Colorado:

2 years

checked Oct 2026 · From Small Claims Map: Colorado

Key facts for Colorado

Small Claims Map

Most you can sue for: $7,500
Court: small claims court
Filing fee: $31–$55
Lawyers: No lawyers

Small Claims Map: Colorado

Documents to gather

Driver's license
Registration or title
Itemized tow and storage receipt
Photos of where you parked and the signs
Photos of the car at pickup
Any parking ticket or tow notice

Letters you can send

Fill in the blanks; the letter updates as you type. Copy it, print it or save it as a text file. Nothing you type is sent or saved: it stays on this page until you close it.

Demand for refund of a wrongful tow

Ask the tow company to refund fees or pay for damage, with your proof.

[Date of letter]

To: [Tow company]
Re: Tow on [Tow date] from [Tow location]

You towed my vehicle on [Tow date] from [Tow location], and I paid [Amount paid] to get it back. I believe the tow and/or charges were not proper because: [Reason tow was wrong].
[Damage description]

Photos and my receipt are attached. Please refund [Amount paid] (and pay for the damage described) by [Pay by date]. If not, I may file a complaint with the agency that regulates towing and a claim in small claims court.

[Your name]
[Your address]

Where to go

LocalLocal police non-emergency line
To find out if your car was towed or stolen
LocalYour city or county (parking or towing office)
To contest a city tow or ticket, or ask about local tow rules
StateYour state attorney general or consumer protection office
To complain about a private tow company
LocalSmall claims court in your state
To get back wrongful fees or damage

Costs

You usually must pay the tow and storage fees to get the car back, even if you plan to dispute them. Complaints are free. Small claims court is the low-cost option for money disputes up to your state's limit (see the smallclaimsmap link for your state's limit and filing fee). Filing fees there are usually tens of dollars, and you can ask the court to waive them if you cannot afford them.

Talk to a lawyer if

The tow company refuses to release the car even after you offer to pay
The car was sold while you were trying to get it back
Major damage was done during the tow
You are a servicemember and the car was towed or sold while you were on active duty

Free help

Free legal aid: the Legal Services Corporation's 'I Need Legal Help' page (lsc.gov) finds the legal aid office for your area, and LawHelp.org lists free legal help by state. Many state bar associations run lawyer referral services with low-cost first meetings. Your state attorney general or consumer protection office takes consumer complaints for free (find it on USA.gov).

Guides for your state

Guides for every state

How to write a demand letter

Related situations

Questions

What is the pick up the car before it is sold as unclaimed?

see state (time limits and notice rules vary by state)

What is the contest a city parking ticket or tow hearing?

Printed on the ticket or tow notice; often short.

What is the deadline to sue for damage to your car or other property in Colorado?

2 years

When should I talk to a lawyer?

The tow company refuses to release the car even after you offer to pay; The car was sold while you were trying to get it back; Major damage was done during the tow; You are a servicemember and the car was towed or sold while you were on active duty.

How much does it cost?

You usually must pay the tow and storage fees to get the car back, even if you plan to dispute them. Complaints are free. Small claims court is the low-cost option for money disputes up to your state's limit (see the smallclaimsmap link for your state's limit and filing fee). Filing fees there are usually tens of dollars, and you can ask the court to waive them if you cannot afford them.

Plans by state

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Sources

Plan checked Oct 2026. Independently fact-checked 2026-10-24. Several details could not be verified.

This plan is general legal information, not legal advice. RobinClaim is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines change and have exceptions: check with the official source or a lawyer or legal aid office about your own case. How we research.