Can a Tow Company Keep My Personal Belongings in Michigan?

When your vehicle is towed, it’s common to wonder what happens to the personal belongings left inside. Whether due to an accident or a parking violation, towing situations can be stressful. At Robbies Towing in Shelby Township, MI, we want to provide clarity on what happens to your items during the towing and storage process.

Michigan Law on Personal Belongings

In Michigan, a tow company cannot legally keep or hold onto your personal belongings that are inside your vehicle, even if your car is being held in their possession for unpaid fees or impound. Your personal property is separate from the vehicle itself, and you have the right to retrieve items such as clothing, phones, laptops, tools, and any other personal effects.

How to Retrieve Your Belongings

If your vehicle has been towed and you need to recover your personal belongings, follow these steps:

Contact the Tow Company: Call the tow company as soon as possible to inform them that you want to retrieve your items. At Robbies Towing, we make it easy for you to retrieve your belongings from your vehicle.

Bring Proper Identification: When visiting the tow yard, you will need to show a valid ID and proof of ownership of the vehicle to claim your belongings.

Arrange Access to Your Vehicle: Tow companies should allow you reasonable access to your vehicle during business hours to remove personal property. While you may not be able to take the vehicle itself if there are outstanding towing or storage fees, your belongings should be accessible.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

There are some exceptions to keep in mind:

Contraband or Illegal Items: If your personal belongings include any illegal items, such as drugs or firearms, the tow company is required to report them to law enforcement, and those items may not be returned to you.

Vehicle Modifications: Items that are permanently attached to the vehicle, such as stereo systems or custom modifications, are considered part of the vehicle and may not be retrieved separately.

What If the Tow Company Refuses?

In the rare instance that a tow company refuses to let you access your personal belongings, you should know your rights. Michigan law protects your ability to retrieve personal items from your towed vehicle. If you encounter resistance, you can file a complaint with the Michigan Secretary of State or seek legal assistance to ensure your rights are upheld.

Conclusion

At Robbies Towing, we prioritize treating our customers with respect and transparency. If your vehicle is towed in Shelby Township or the surrounding areas, rest assured that you can access and retrieve your personal belongings. We’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible.

For more information or assistance with any towing needs, don’t hesitate to contact us at Robbies Towing.