There’s nothing worse than discovering that your car was towed or stolen. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to find out where your car is located, and avoid hefty fees for prolonged storage.

The first thing you should do is check the area where you parked your vehicle. Look for signage indicating parking is banned in the area or that unauthorized parking will result in towing. These signs will often include a contact number for the towing company that manages the parking lot. You can also call your local police department’s non-emergency number and ask to be directed to the location of the impound lot where your car may be stored.

If you didn’t spot any sign indicating a towing enforcement company, try calling the property owner of the private lot where you parked. Most private towing companies will record the VIN and license plate numbers of the vehicles they take, and there are websites or phone services that can help you locate a towed vehicle using this information. If you’re in a city, the police department will usually be able to provide you with the location of the nearest impound lot for cars that have been taken for reasons such as illegally parking, being in a Tow Away Zone or filming.

Once you’ve found the name of the impound lot where your car is located, make sure to have all of your required documents on hand. It’s typically required that you bring a driver’s license, insurance card and registration information with you to get your vehicle back. You may also be asked to pay any outstanding parking tickets or other judgment debts.