What To Do When Your Rental Car Gets Towed: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting your rental car towed can feel like a nightmare during your holiday trip in Montenegro. However, don’t panic, this guide is here to help you take control of the situation, step by step.
Whether you accidentally parked in a tow-away zone, overstayed a meter, or got caught in an unexpected street cleaning schedule.
In the car rental business, we are facing this situation with our clients. However, there is always a solution.
Let’s go through every step.
1. Confirm That Your Rental Car Was Towed
First things first, are you sure it was towed? Sometimes, it’s easy to mistake a towed vehicle for a stolen one. Take a moment to look around. Was there a street sign nearby that said "No Parking”? Did you park in front of a fire hydrant or a private driveway?
Ask nearby businesses or building managers if they saw what happened. In many cities, you can also call 122 to ask if the car was towed. This small step can save you hours of worry and confusion.
2. Call the Rental Car Company Immediately
Now that you know your car was towed, it’s time to call the rental company. This part is very important. Every rental agreement comes with specific instructions on what to do in case of emergencies, including towing. Have your rental agreement handy. You’ll likely need the license plate number, the rental ID, and maybe your driver’s license number, too.
Some rental companies might have policies that require you to notify them within 24 hours. They might also help you deal with impound fees or arrange to retrieve the vehicle themselves. Always ask what their protocol is.
Related: How to rent the right car for a trip through Montenegro
3. Find Out Where the Vehicle Was Taken
Once you’ve confirmed the car has been towed and informed the rental agency, you need to locate the car. Most towns' authorities have a parking location for towed vehicles near the police department.
Ask your agency for a car rental in Podgorica, which can be a location if you did not get that information from a police officer.
In Montenegro, if you pick up the car in 24 hours, you get a discount of 30% on your ticket. This is pretty good, since you will need to pay around 40 EUR.
4. Understand Who Is Responsible for Charges
Many tourists ask, “Do I have to pay towing charges for a rental car?” The short answer is: usually yes. However, in some cases, you can rely on car rental insurance, so make sure to read it carefully.
If the tow happened due to a parking violation, you’re likely responsible for all related towing and impound fees, plus any tickets issued.
But this does not need to scare you, since there are many benefits of renting a car on vacation. Just follow driving rules and signs in the same way you do in your domestic country.
Additionally, always take with you a receipt and take photos of the car, in case a towing service damages the vehicle.
5. Go to the Impound Lot and Retrieve the Vehicle
When you confirm the car is towed, and you know where is the locations, you will need to bring the following documents to the authorities:
Once they identify that you can pick up the car, you will be invoiced. They usually accept cash or payments in a bank.
6. Notify the Rental Company
After the car is released, let the rental agency know immediately. This ensures their records are up-to-date and that you’re not unfairly charged for extra days or damages. Also, check the car carefully. Look for dents, scratches, or missing items. Take photos just in case, you don’t want to be held liable for something that happened while it was impounded.
Renting a car in Montenegro
Keep in mind that driving a car in Montenegro is not different than in any other country. All drivers need to follow international driving rules. Besides the location where you can park the car, please pay attention to the speed limits and other relevant rules.
Rent a car in Podgorica with Tara-Car to make sure your holiday goes smoothly.