Ft. Wayne, Ind. New Impound Release Procedures

The Fort Wayne Police Department has updated procedures for vehicle releases, private property tows and repossession reporting, officials said in a Wednesday news release.

Officials are describing as an effort to make the process clearer and more efficient for the public, towing companies and lienholders.

Members of the public should first determine whether their vehicle was towed following a crash or whether it was impounded. Vehicles towed for a crash may be picked up directly from Parker’s Towing, 2416 Cass St., Fort Wayne.

Vehicle owners will need proof of ownership, a valid government-issued photo ID and, if the vehicle will be driven from the tow lot, a valid driver’s license, valid registration and proof of insurance.

Vehicles that were impounded require a vehicle release before they can be picked up from Parker’s Towing. Vehicle owners may obtain release information by calling the Fort Wayne Police Department at 260-427-1222 or by visiting the police desk at 1 E. Main St.

There may be circumstances that require additional review, such as when a vehicle owner’s driver’s license was confiscated during an arrest, when the registered owner is unable to pick up the vehicle, or when the registered owner is deceased. In those situations, the public should call 260-427-1222 for specific vehicle release guidance.

Lienholders seeking release of a vehicle must provide title information showing the lienholder, a finalized Bureau of Motor Vehicles repossession order and a notarized hold harmless letter signed by a representative of the financial institution that specifically names Parker’s Towing and the city of Fort Wayne.

For crash-only tows, documents are handled through Parker’s Towing. For impounded vehicles, lienholders must first obtain a vehicle release through the Fort Wayne Police Department.

The department also has updated how private property tows and repossessions are reported. Private property tows and repossessions may now be reported through the police department website.

More information, including online vehicle search information, is available through FWPD’s vehicle release page by going online to www.cityoffortwayne.in.gov/837/Vehicle-Releases.

Private property tow and repossession reporting is available online at www.cityoffortwayne.in.gov/1706/PPI-Repo-Tow-Reporting.