Why This Matters
The Current System Doesn't Work for Anyone
When a car gets towed in Iowa, the laws don’t always make sense. People may not know where their vehicle is, fees add up quickly, and getting personal belongings back can be a major struggle. Tow companies also lack clear, consistent guidance, leading to confusion and disputes.
We’re working to update Iowa’s towing laws so the process is fair, simple, and transparent for everyone.
Iowa’s towing laws rank
Iowa's towing laws rank near the bottom nationwide
47/50
What's Broken in Iowa's Towing Laws
These gaps create confusion, stress, and unnecessary costs for Iowans.
Notice Delays
People may not be told where their vehicle is for up to 20 days, while fees continue to pile up.
Fees Start Immediately
Storage costs start on day one, even if no notice has been sent.
No Access to Information
Owners, lienholders, and insurers struggle to obtain photos or inspect vehicles.
Personal Items Held Hostage
People often have to pay towing fees just to get medication, work tools, or belongings from their car.
Confusing Auction Rules
Vehicles can be auctioned after the notice period, with leftover proceeds often kept by towing companies, leaving Iowans without their car and still owing fees.
No Fee Transparency
Tow companies don’t have to post or disclose how much they charge.
How These Gaps Hurt Iowans
Iowans miss work because they lose their transportation.
Families can’t get basic items from inside their cars.
Lenders lose collateral when notice is sent too late.
Insurers can’t process claims because they can’t inspect the car.
Storage fees grow so fast that some Iowans can't afford to get their car back.
The Solution
What the New Law Would Do
Faster Notice
Tow operators must reach out within 10 days, so no one is left in the dark while fees pile up.
Limits Fees
Storage charges cannot be charged past the first 24 hours until proper notice is sent.
Access to Vehicle Information
Owners, lienholders, and insurers can access photos and key vehicle details.
Retrieval of Personal Belongings
Medication, work items, and personal property can be retrieved without paying towing fees.
Clear Auction Rules
Surplus money is handled transparently and held for the owner and lienholder for a defined period.
Fee Transparency
Tow operators must clearly post and disclose their rates.
Real Enforcement
Predatory practices can be addressed through the Consumer Fraud Act.
What This Means for Iowans
Faster claims and recoveries
Clear expectations for tow operators
A Fair, Simple, Transparent Towing System
