How to Locate an Impounded Vehicle

Why Was Your Vehicle Impounded?

Before locating your vehicle, it helps to understand why it was towed and impounded. Common reasons include:

• Parking or stopping in violation of local ordinances (private property, “tow-away” zones, no-parking zones)
• Abandonment or unauthorized parking on private property
• Accidents where the vehicle is inoperable and needs to be removed for safety
• Law enforcement removal (e.g., after a DUI, or for evidence)
• Commercial vehicle violations (in the case of trucks or heavy equipment)
  
  

When a vehicle is impounded, the towing company (or the law enforcement agency) has taken custody of it, and you will need to follow a process to recover it.

At Chain Gang, we provide private-property towing & impound services and commercial towing services in the Middlesex & Somerset County region.

Identify the Entity that Impounded Your Vehicle

Different entities may be responsible for the impound, and each may have a different process. Here’s how to determine who to contact:

• If you received a ticket, citation, or notice from a police department, then the impound may have been directed by law enforcement.
• If it was towed from private property (parking lot, gated community, business), the property owner or manager may have contracted a towing agency like Chain Gang.
  
  

If you are simply unable to find your car where you last parked and suspect it was towed, call local towing companies, municipal parking enforcement, or the police non-emergency line.

Contact Chain Gang (If We Towed Your Vehicle)

If you suspect Chain Gang is the towing agency that has impounded your vehicle, here’s how to reach us:

Phone: (908) 642-3699.

Two locations:

203 Valley Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844

1233 Rahway Avenue, Avenel/Woodbridge, NJ 07001

Available 24/7 for roadside and towing services.

When you call, be ready with as much information as you can:

1. Your vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate number
2. The last known parking location/time
3. Reference any citation or notice you received
4. Ask: “Is my vehicle here? What address and lot is it in? What are the fees and required paperwork to recover it?”
   
   

Keep in mind: Because they are handling impounds and tows, there may be storage fees, release forms, or authorization needed from your side.

Confirm Location & Storage Details

Once you’ve established that Chain Gang (or another towing company) has your vehicle, your next steps are:

• Confirm the exact impound lot address (for Chain Gang, ask which of the two locations is storing your vehicle, or if they subcontract to a storage facility).
• Ask about storage fees: how they accrue (daily rate), when they started.
• Ask what paperwork you need to bring (proof of ownership, driver’s license, insurance, lien clearance if applicable).
• Ask about payment methods to release the vehicle.
• Verify hours of release: while Chain Gang offers 24/7 emergency towing, our storage lot has specific access hours. Mon to Fri: 8am to 6pm, and Saturday 8am to Noon. We are closed on Sundays
  
  

Gather Required Documentation

• To retrieve your vehicle you will typically need:
• A valid driver’s license (photo ID)
• Proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration)
• Proof of insurance (if required by state or agency)
• Any citation or impound notice you received
• Payment for towing fee + storage fee (cash, credit card — ask ahead)
• If the vehicle is financed or leased, possibly a lienholder authorization
  
  

Having these ready prior to visiting the lot can speed up release and reduce further fees.

Visit the Impound Lot & Inspect the Vehicle

When physically going to the lot:

• Drive or arrange transport to the address given by the towing agency.
• Ask to inspect your vehicle before you pay and authorize release. Check for damage or missing items (take photos).
• Remember: if the vehicle was impounded due to a violation (parking, etc.), the towing agency may not be liable for damage that occurred before or during tow, unless negligence is proven.
  
  

Once you’re satisfied, pay any required fees and sign the release form. The towing company will unlock and release your vehicle.

After Release — Additional Things to Consider

• Review the towing/impound fees: Compare with your citation notice or city ordinance to ensure they align.
• If your vehicle was impounded due to parking or ordinance violation, pay any tickets/fines to avoid further penalties.
• If the tow or impound was done service-provider side (private property), you may consider disputing if you believe it was improper (e.g., lacking proper signage).
• Maintain records: keep receipts of release, photos of vehicle condition, any communications with the towing company.
  
  

If you were stranded or incurred extra costs (alternate transport, etc.), keep those receipts as well in case you wish to dispute.

Why Choose Chain Gang for Impound & Recovery Services

Here’s what makes Chain Gang a trusted choice in their region:

• Over 10 years of service experience in Middlesex and Somerset County NJ.
• Available 24/7 for emergency towing, roadside assistance, and storage/impound management.
• Accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating.
• Equipped to handle both private-property impounds and commercial towing, meaning they’ve got infrastructure and procedures in place to securely store and release vehicles.
• Responsive dispatch and experienced staff — key when you need clarity and efficiency in a stressful situation.
  
  

Quick Checklist for Vehicle Recovery

1. Identify that your vehicle is impounded (call towing company & police dept if needed)
2. Confirm impound lot address and storage fees
3. Gather required documents: ID, registration/title, insurance, citation
4. Visit lot, inspect vehicle condition, confirm fees
5. Pay fees, sign release, take back vehicle
6. Store receipts & records of the transaction
7. Resolve any underlying violation or ticket that led to the impound
   
   

Final Thoughts

Having your vehicle impounded is definitely stressful — but it doesn’t have to become a prolonged ordeal. By acting quickly, contacting the right agency (such as Chain Gang), gathering documentation, and understanding the process, you can minimize time, cost, and added frustration.

If you find yourself in this situation and you believe your vehicle may be at Chain Gang’s facility (Hillsborough or Woodbridge area), don’t hesitate to call (908) 642-3699. We can confirm whether we have your vehicle, provide details on location, fees, and guide you through the steps to recover it.