First work out who moved your car, because who towed it decides where it is and how you get it back. In Philadelphia it is usually one of three: the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), the police, or a tow company hired by a property owner. O’Hara & Sons Towing does not operate the city’s impound lots. If a car was towed from private property to our yard, call us at (267) 377-3246.

Which kind of tow was it?

  1. PPA tow. The PPA tows illegally parked vehicles from tow zones and tows vehicles with enough unpaid violations. Use the PPA’s online vehicle locator or call the PPA at 888-591-3636. They can tell you where the car is and how to reclaim it.
  2. Police relocation. The police sometimes move a car without ticketing or impounding it, for example from a Temporary No Stopping area. Call the police district for the area where you parked and give the location, make, model and plate.
  3. Police-dispatched tow after a crash or other police call. In Philadelphia these tows are handled through the police rotational tow program, run through a vendor called AutoReturn (Autura). Search for the vehicle at autoreturn.com first. If you cannot find it there, call 911 as a fallback to be directed to where it was taken.
  4. Private-property tow. A property owner or manager had a tow company remove it. Look for the tow sign at the lot. It should identify the tow company and a phone number. Call that company.

What should I bring to get my car back?

For a PPA impound, the PPA lists a valid driver’s license, current registration and proof of current insurance for the vehicle, plus receipts for the tow and storage charges and any outstanding-ticket paperwork. Other tow companies set their own requirements, so call first and ask what ID, ownership proof and payment they accept. Bring your own ID either way.

What if I cannot get to the lot right away?

Call the company or agency as soon as you can and ask about storage charges and the last day to pick up the vehicle. PPA vehicles that are not claimed within 21 days are sold at public auction, according to the PPA. Do not wait.

What if I think the tow was wrong?

Take photos of where the car was parked and any signs nearby, and keep every receipt. For a PPA tow, the PPA explains how to dispute violations and fees through the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication. For a private-property tow in Philadelphia, you can also file a complaint with the City by calling 311.

What if my car was towed to the O’Hara & Sons yard?

Call (267) 377-3246 first so we can tell you how to retrieve a vehicle or belongings, and what to bring. See vehicle storage.

Sources and notes

A little clarity goes a long way

GOOD QUESTIONS.STRAIGHT ANSWERS.

Who do I call first if my car is missing?

If you parked on the street, check the PPA locator or call 888-591-3636. If you parked in a private lot, look for a tow sign or ask the property manager. If there was a crash, search at autoreturn.com first, and call 911 only as a fallback.

Is O’Hara & Sons Towing the city impound lot?

No. We are a private towing company. We do not run the PPA or police impound lots.

Can I get my belongings out of a towed car?

Ask the company or agency holding the car. Policies differ. Call before you go and ask what ID they need.

Do I need a driver’s license, registration and insurance?

For a PPA impound, yes: a valid license, current registration and proof of insurance. Other companies may ask for similar documents.

How do I avoid a private-property tow?

Read the posted signs, use only spaces you are permitted to use, and ask the property manager if you are unsure. See our private-property towing rules guide.

Call O’Hara & Sons Towing

If your vehicle is at our yard or you need a tow, call (267) 377-3246, open 24/7. Contact