Rockford Impound: How to Find Your Towed Car and Get It Back

If Rockford police towed your car, it goes to the Greater Rockford Auto Auction at 5937 Sandy Hollow Road. You pay the fees, then show proof of ownership and insurance. If it was towed from a private lot in Winnebago County, state rules apply. The sign in that lot must say where your car went. Not sure who took it? Call the Rockford police non-emergency line, 815-966-2900.

Where were you parked when the car disappeared?

In Rockford, the place you parked decides who has your car. Think back to that spot before you call anyone.

• A city street or alley: the Rockford Police Department likely ordered the tow. Start with RPD.
• A store, apartment or office lot: the property owner likely called a licensed relocation tow company. Start with the sign at the lot.
• The Jane Addams Tollway (I-90): the Illinois Tollway and state police handle that road. Start with the Tollway.

Look around first. Is your car one row over? Was a parking sign on the pole? Snap photos of the empty spot and any signs nearby. They can help later.

Who do I call to find a car towed off a Rockford street?

Call the Rockford Police Department's non-emergency line, 815-966-2900. Tell them you think your car was towed, and ask who has it.

Have these ready when you call:

• Your license plate number
• The make, model and color
• The street and nearest cross street where you parked
• About when you last saw it

A private lot tow should show up on this call, too. Illinois rules make a relocation tow company tell local police within one hour of towing a car. So if the car was taken from a lot, RPD may still be able to point you to it.

Where does a Rockford police impound go?

The city's police page names one place. Cars impounded by RPD are claimed at the Greater Rockford Auto Auction, called GRAA. It sits at 5937 Sandy Hollow Road. Its phone is 815-874-7800.

A GRAA staff member releases the car only after you do four things:

1. Pay the impound fee.
2. Pay the storage and towing fees that apply.
3. Show proof that you own the car.
4. Show proof of insurance on the car.

The city says impound fees and fines can also be paid online, or in person at District Three, 557 South New Towne Drive. You get a receipt there. Bring it to GRAA to claim your car.

How much will it cost to get it out?

We won't guess. The city lists the fees on its How to Recover Property and Vehicles page, and it says they can change. The bill has several parts: a tow bill, an impound fee based on the offense, a release charge and storage. Storage is charged per calendar day. Every day you wait adds to it.

What if my car is being held as evidence?

Then the normal steps won't work yet. The city says evidence can't be released until the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office or an RPD District Commander clears it. Call the State's Attorney's Office at 815-319-4700, or the RPD Detective Bureau at 779-500-6551. Ask for the report number while you're on the phone.

How long before Rockford sells an unclaimed car?

Don't let this one slide. The city says abandoned or unclaimed cars are sold at a public auction every month at GRAA. Owners can still claim the car by paying the redemption fees on or before the second Monday of the month. After that, the city says all unclaimed vehicles will be sold.

So check the calendar. If the second Monday is close, call GRAA today.

My car was towed from a private lot. What are my rights?

Here's a detail that helps Rockford drivers. Winnebago County is one of five Illinois counties where the Illinois Commerce Commission regulates private lot tows. The others are Cook, Will, Kane and DuPage. Most of Rockford sits in Winnebago County. A small part is in Ogle County, where the ICC says to check with local authorities instead.

The ICC licenses these relocation tow companies, their drivers and their dispatchers. The city of Rockford also tells lot owners to have parking posted by an ICC-licensed tow company.

What does the tow sign have to say?

Under the ICC rules, the sign must be up before any car is towed. It must be at least 24 inches high and 36 inches wide. It must show:

• A notice that unauthorized cars will be towed
• The tow company's name, address and phone number
• Where your car will be taken
• The towing fees, and the company can't charge more than the posted fee
• Its hours, if it isn't open around the clock

Walk back to the sign and photograph it. It's your map to the car. And the tow can't go far. The limit is 10 air miles in a city or village, and 15 in an unincorporated area.

Can I stop the tow if I catch it?

Yes. If you're there before the car is towed and you offer to move it, the company must let you move it right away. Stay calm, stay clear of the truck and show your key.

What happens at the relocation lot?

• Go fast. No storage fee may be charged if you claim the car with ID and payment before 24 hours pass.
• Closed days are free. No storage fee for days the company is closed.
• Pay how you want. They must take cash, money orders, cashier's or certified checks and major credit cards, with no extra fee.
• Bring ID and the key. They may also ask for your title, registration or rental contract.
• Get the full invoice. You must get a complete Relocation Towing Invoice. The complaint form is on the back.

Think the tow broke the rules? You can mail that form to the ICC at 9511 W. Harrison Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016, or call the ICC Police at 847-294-4326. You can also report a tow company or lot that breaks city rules to the City of Rockford at 779-348-7154.

What if my car stalled on the Jane Addams Tollway?

I-90 through Rockford is part of the Illinois Tollway. If your car stops there, dial *999 from your cell phone to report it. If anyone is hurt, call 911. You can also reach Illinois State Police Troop 15 at 630-241-6800, extension 5028. Know your direction of travel and the closest milepost.

The Tollway's H.E.L.P. trucks run Monday to Friday, 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. They can change a tire, boost a battery, move a car out of traffic or call a tow. State police patrol the Tollway around the clock.

You can call any tow company you like. There's one big exception. If your car blocks a live lane or sits in an unsafe spot, state police can order it towed right away. In that case a Tollway-authorized truck takes it. Those trucks carry the Tollway seal on the side. They bill on a Tollway invoice, and the maximum rates are printed on the back. Ask the trooper or driver where the car is going before they leave.

Does Sentinel do impounds in Rockford?

No. Sentinel doesn't do impounds or private property tows, and we can't release your car. Only GRAA, the relocation tow company or the police can do that. Our part starts once the car is yours again.

A car that sat on a lot through a Rockford cold snap may not start. A jump start may be all it needs. If it can't be driven, a car tow can take it from the lot to your home or a shop. You can also call us if your car stalled on I-90 and you want to pick your own tow.

Sentinel Towing is a towing and roadside network. A vetted local partner tow company does the job. We text you a locked price before anyone is sent. Then we check on you by text until your driver arrives. That's our Stay-With-You Promise. For local roads and winter tips, see our Rockford towing page.

Stuck right now? Call 1-888-TOW-1213, or request help online.

Rockford Impound Questions

Rules change, so check the official source before you rely on it. Sources: Rockford PD: Recover Property and Vehicles, City of Rockford: Inoperable and Abandoned Vehicles, City of Rockford: FAQs, ICC: Relocation Towing, ICC: Relocation Towing Consumer Guide, Illinois Tollway: Roadway Safety.