Professional towing and roadside assistance available 24/7 across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
Imagine walking back to your car after a quick visit to a store or apartment building — only to discover your vehicle is gone.
A vehicle may have been removed through a parking enforcement process. The authority and procedural requirements depend on the location and circumstances, so confirm who authorized the removal.
If your car has been removed from a private parking lot, staying calm and knowing what to do next can save you time, stress, and money.
Private property towing usually occurs when a vehicle violates parking regulations posted on the property.
Common reasons include:
Many private parking areas are reserved for residents, customers, or authorized vehicles only.
Signs clearly indicate rules such as “Private Parking – Unauthorized Vehicles Will Be Towed.”
Parking in restricted areas is a serious safety concern and often results in immediate towing.
These spaces are protected and cannot be used without authorization.
Property managers and business owners rely on towing services to maintain control of their parking areas.
Discovering your car is missing can feel alarming, but there are several important steps you should take.
Ask the property manager or local parking enforcement office whether the vehicle was removed, who authorized it and where it is stored.
Call the number listed on the property signage to confirm whether your vehicle was removed and where it was taken.
When retrieving your vehicle, you will usually need:
Retrieving a towed vehicle typically involves paying towing and storage fees before the vehicle is released.
Towing costs can vary depending on the situation and location. Fees may include:
Waiting longer to retrieve your vehicle can increase the total cost, as storage fees often accumulate daily.
In some situations, drivers may believe the tow was unfair. If that happens, you can:
The presence of a sign does not by itself establish whether every requirement was met. Ask the responsible authority to review the circumstances and supporting documents.
One of the biggest mistakes drivers make is assuming a private parking lot is available for public use.
Check parking permission and restrictions before leaving the vehicle. Do not assume that a short stay is permitted.
Across Toronto and the GTA, property managers are increasingly strict about parking enforcement due to limited parking space and ongoing abuse of private lots.
Drivers often learn this lesson the hard way — by returning to an empty parking space and facing unexpected towing fees.
From the perspective of professional towing companies working across Toronto and the GTA, most private property towing situations are preventable.
Drivers should always:
Following these simple precautions can prevent the stress and cost of a tow.
If your vehicle has been towed or you need assistance retrieving it, working with an experienced towing company can make the process smoother.
Norman Towing provides professional towing services throughout Toronto and the GTA, assisting both drivers and property owners with safe and reliable towing support.
One call is all it takes. We're ready to assist you 24/7.
