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Towed from your apartment complex in Illinois

A sign of at least 24 by 36 inches, mounted 4 to 8 feet high and lit or reflective, must warn that cars will be towed and give the tow company name, phone number and charges. Signs must be up at least 24 hours before a tow. If the car is towed, the most a company may charge for a private-property tow of a car in Illinois is $238.20, plus storage.

Checked Nov 14, 2026 against the Illinois statute and regulator pages.

What to do now

  1. Call the property office or check the tow-away sign at the lot entrance. It must name the tow company and its phone number in most states.
  2. Call the tow company to confirm they have the car, the address of the storage lot and the total due.
  3. Photograph the signs, your permit or sticker and where you were parked before anything changes.
  4. Get your car out quickly. Storage is charged by the day.
  5. Ask for an itemized receipt and compare it to your state limits.
  6. If the tow broke your lease or the state rules, write to the property manager and request a hearing if your state offers one.

Illinois rules that matter here

Tow-away signs

A sign of at least 24 by 36 inches, mounted 4 to 8 feet high and lit or reflective, must warn that cars will be towed and give the tow company name, phone number and charges. Signs must be up at least 24 hours before a tow.358

Notice

The tower must tell the local police about a private-lot tow within one hour in ICC counties and within 30 minutes elsewhere. Unclaimed cars must be reported to police after 15 days in ICC counties.259

Drop fee release

In ICC counties a tower may not take a car if the owner shows up before it leaves the lot with the key and drives it away right away. Elsewhere the tower must unhook the car for a fee of no more than half its posted tow rate and give a receipt.57

Personal belongings

Certain items are exempt from the tow lien and can be taken out without paying, including child car seats, eyeglasses, food, medicine, medical devices, driver's licenses, wallets and purses, cash and cards, and school textbooks. After a crash, an owner with insurance that covers towing can claim all personal property.45

Hearing to contest the tow

There is no state hearing for private-lot tows, but you can file a complaint with the ICC and get a refund of any overcharge. When a town impounds a car and charges an administrative fee, it must offer a hearing, mail notice within 10 days, and hold the first hearing within 45 days of that notice.1615

Payment

ICC-licensed relocators must accept cash, money orders, traveler's checks, cashier's or certified checks, and common credit and debit cards. Other private-lot towers must take cash, cashier's or certified check, debit card, credit card or wire transfer.4512

Related

Illinois cities: Chicago

Think the tow or the bill was wrong?

Ask the lot for an itemized receipt, compare it to the legal limits in Illinois, and request a hearing before the deadline. Our step-by-step guide and calculator are free.

Questions

Can my apartment tow my car without warning?

In many states yes, if proper tow-away signs are posted at each entrance. Some states and leases require a warning sticker first for things like expired tags. Check your state rules and your lease.

Who do I call if my car was towed from my apartment?

Start with the tow company named on the posted sign or the property office. In Houston and Harris County you can also search FindMyTowedCar. Police usually get a report of private tows within a few hours.

Sources

Last checked Nov 14, 2026. Fees and rules change: confirm with the lot or agency before you go. Spot an error? Tell us.

  1. Illinois Vehicle Code 18a-200, Commission powers and rates (625 ILCS 5/18a-200), Illinois General Assembly. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  2. Illinois Vehicle Code 18a-300, relocator unlawful practices (625 ILCS 5/18a-300), Illinois General Assembly. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  3. Illinois Vehicle Code 18a-302, sign requirements (625 ILCS 5/18a-302), Illinois General Assembly. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  4. Illinois Vehicle Code 18a-501, liens against relocated vehicles (625 ILCS 5/18a-501), Illinois General Assembly. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  5. Illinois Vehicle Code 4-203, removal of vehicles and private property towing (625 ILCS 5/4-203), Illinois General Assembly. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  6. Illinois Vehicle Code 11-208.7, administrative impound fees and hearings (625 ILCS 5/11-208.7), Illinois General Assembly. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  7. Relocation Towing rules 1710.43, owner or driver present (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.43), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  8. Relocation Towing rules 1710.51, sign specifications (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.51), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  9. Relocation Towing rules 1710.80, notice to police (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.80), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  10. Relocation Towing rules 1710.120, release of vehicles (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.120), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  11. Relocation Towing rules 1710.121, identification of owner (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.121), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  12. Relocation Towing rules 1710.122, payment of fees and charges (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.122), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  13. Relocation Towing rules 1710.123, hours to reclaim vehicles (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.123), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  14. Relocation Towing rules 1710.170, relocation tow record form (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.170), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  15. ICC Police frequently asked questions (relocation towing rates), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  16. ICC Relocation Towing page (counties covered), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.