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Who is AutoReturn?
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AutoReturn is short for "San Francisco AutoReturn" or "TEGSCO, LLC" and is a California limited liability company. AutoReturn has been contracted by the City and County of San Francisco to perform the towing, storage, and disposal services for illegally parked or driven vehicles and vehicles towed for investigative purposes. AutoReturn understands that nobody enjoys having a vehicle towed. AutoReturn believes it shouldn't be a hassle to get it back. AutoReturn is committed to providing a high level of service throughout the vehicle release process. AutoReturn is constantly improving service levels. If you have any comments or suggestions about our service please complete a customer feedback form.
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Where is my car?
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AutoReturn stores vehicles in one of two storage facilities. You should ALWAYS come to the AutoReturn Customer Service Center at 450 7th Street first.
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What do I need to retrieve my towed vehicle?
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You need enough information to identify your vehicle, a valid driver's license, and to pay your fees. Additionally, you need either the keys to your vehicle or a police release allowing us to release the vehicle to you without the keys. If the SFPD (instead of the DPT) authorized the towing of your car, you will need a police department release from either 850 Bryant, Southern Station (24 x 7) or 850 Bryant, Room 154 (M-F: 9AM-3PM), prior to paying other fees and retrieving your car.
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Who authorized the towing of my vehicle?
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All tows performed by AutoReturn from the streets of San Francisco are authorized by either the DPT or the SFPD. AutoReturn never performs a tow without authorization. The DPT generally authorizes tows from driveways, towaway zones, yellow zones, for outstanding citations, and for other traffic related reasons. The SFPD generally authorizes tows for accidents, arrests, recovered stolen vehicles, unlicensed drivers, unlicensed vehicles and special events. Occasionally, AutoReturn will tow a vehicle from private property (e.g., a private parking lot). These tows are authorized by an agent of the private property and are performed in accordance with the California Vehicle Code.
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What is this going to cost?
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The towing and administrative fee for most vehicles is $244.25. The first four hours of storage is free. After four hours, a storage fee of $43.00 is charged for the next 20 hours, and $51.50 for each additional day. A $24.25 transfer fee is charged for moving a vehicle from the short-term lot to the long-term lot. After 72 hours a DMV authorized lien fee may be applied in the amount of $70 or $100 (depending on vehicle value). If your vehicle was authorized by the Department of Parking and Traffic or the Police Department to be towed using a dolly (a set of wheels the vehicle is placed on) or flatbed, a fee of $43.50 will be added. If you have five or more outstanding, deliquent citations (in the penalty stage) they must be paid in full, including any late penalties. Community service is not an option in lieu of payment once your vehicle has been towed. Other fees may apply. Please note that these fees are for passenger vehicles. Fees for motorcycles and larger sized vehicles will be different. For a calculation of the total amount you owe please use our Quick Phone Service by calling 415-865-8200 or visit our Customer Service Center. Obtaining a police release may involve paying an additional fee.
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What forms of payment are accepted?
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For customers that come into AutoReturn's Customer Service facility, located at 450 7th Street, AutoReturn accepts cash, ATM cards, most major credit and debit cards (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa), and checks, verified though Cross Check, a check processing service. In addition, for a $26.50 processing fee, AutoReturn accepts payment of fees over the phone, but only for Discover, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards (not American Express).
Pending verification of correct billing information, any person may pay for a vehicle release by phone if the registered or legal owner is present at the Customer Service Center.
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What do I do if I believe my vehicle was towed in error?
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AutoReturn never performs a tow without authorization from either the Department of Parking and Traffic or the San Francisco Police Department. If you believe your vehicle was towed incorrectly, you have a right to a hearing to protest the tow. If you were towed by the DPT, call (415) 701-5400. If you were towed by the SFPD, go to room 154 in the Hall of Justice (850 Bryant Street) to request a hearing.
You must request a hearing with 30 days of the date of tow.
If you are unable to retrieve your vehicle and you wish to have a hearing, you must request a hearing immediately.
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What if I have a complaint?
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AutoReturn provides customer feedback forms here and in all of our locations. Notice that the paper version is in duplicate form allowing you to keep a copy for your records. If you indicate that you would like to be contacted directly, AutoReturn will follow up with you in the manner you request (i.e., phone, mail, email). AutoReturn is committed to constantly improving service levels. If you have any comments or suggestions about our service please complete a customer feedback form.
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What do I do if I believe I have a claim?
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Immediately bring to any AutoReturn employee any claim of damage to your vehicle or missing property. You will be instructed on how to complete an AutoReturn Claim Form. AutoReturn is committed to a fast and fair resolution of claims. If you claim your vehicle has been damaged, our experts will determine the validity of your claim based on the type of damage, the vehicle condition report at the time of tow, and our own high resolution video surveillance cameras. While AutoReturn has in place many programs to minimize damage, it does occur in a small number of cases. AutoReturn settles these claims quickly and fairly. Similarly, AutoReturn takes all claims of loss of personal property very seriously. AutoReturn will quickly investigate and resolve such claims. While AutoReturn has a zero tolerance policy on missing property, AutoReturn has also discovered that some customers file fraudulent claims. Both scenarios are pursued aggressively, up to and including criminal prosecution. Download a AutoReturn Claim Form.
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What happens if I don't claim my vehicle?
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If you do not claim your vehicle within a certain period of time (a minimum of 15 days for vehicles valued at less than $500, a minimum 30 days for vehicles valued between $500 and $4000, and longer for vehicles valued at more than $4000), AutoReturn will obtain authorization from the DMV to sell your vehicle to recover towing, storage, city administration and other fees, in accordance with applicable law. If the sale price of your vehicle is less than the total amount due, you remain responsible for the balance. If the sale price of your vehicle is more than the total amount due, AutoReturn pays the DPT for any outstanding tickets on your behalf, and any balance is then sent to the DMV. Low value vehicles may be sent directly to dismantlers while all higher value vehicles are sold at AutoReturn Weekly Auctions.
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