Thompson Enterprises

Impounded Vehicles

General Vehicle Impound Information

Thompson Enterprises of Jacksonville is a towing and wrecker service and impound facility for local law enforcement. The decision for your vehicle to be towed was made by a local law enforcement agency who dispatched us to the scene. The Following are rules and laws you need to fully understand.

1. Once we are dispatched by a local law enforcement agency to tow a vehicle, we are not permitted under any circumstances to tow that vehicle to any other location (homes, dealerships, repair shops, etc..) except to our impound lot.

2. In order for a vehicle to be accessed, released or picked up once it is at our lot, the registered owner must come, in person, with a photo id and registration, OR sign and have notarized a Hold Harmless Form that appoints someone else to access/release/pick up the vehicle on your behalf.

3. Your vehicle, any charges, and making sure the insurance company is notified (if applicable) is your responsibility. If you were in an accident and have full coverage insurance or there was an at-fault party involved that has insurance, they will typically handle everything (including fees) for you. It is advised you contact them immediately so they can help you with this matter.

FAQ's

CITY TOW AWAY RATES:

The City of Jacksonville sets rates for private property and TOL.

Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions regarding our towing services here in Jacksonville.

I had an accident, and my car was towed. What are my next steps?

You will need to come to our facility at 7600 Bailey Body Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32216, during normal business hours (M-F 8:00 am-6:00 pm.) and bring with you:

Keys to the impounded vehicle
a valid photo I.D.
Proof of ownership (title, current registration). No open titles accepted, no exceptions. All recently purchased vehicles must have vehicle transfer paperwork completed prior to being used as proof of ownership.
Sign the Vehicle Impound Release Form. This form is required even if you are releasing to your insurance company.
A verbal release of the vehicle will not be accepted.
If uninsured: payment for the complete towing charges and any storage fees. We currently accept cash or Zelle.

Who has access to remove personal items from my vehicle?

Only the registered owner may have access to the vehicle unless a Hold Harmless Form has been completed and notarized by the registered owner. If you are the registered owner and need to retrieve personal items or releasing your vehicle to a licensed and insured towing company, please complete the Impound Vehicle Release Form at our facility. If you'd like to hire us for your towing service needs, we'll be happy to arrange that with you while your here.

Can I retrieve aftermarket components from my vehicle?

Due to insurance regulations no work to the vehicle or removal of interior or exterior components, of any kind, may be performed on the towing company property. No exceptions.

If my vehicle is not drivable / operable how may I remove my vehicle from impound?

Impounded vehicles may only be removed from property by a licensed and insured towing company. No exceptions will be made for any reason. Thompson Enterprises is available to provide you with towing services for your vehicle from our impound lot to a residence, body shop, or salvage yard of your choosing. Please ask our office staff for towing rates and availability.

WHAT IF I CANNOT PAY THE IMPOUND FEES?

You are responsible for making sure your vehicle leaves this facility. This is not a junk yard and vehicles that are abandoned here will eventually go to auction, usually 35-90 days after the initial tow, depending on circumstances. A wrecker lien for outstanding charges will then be placed against you *These fees are based on the Duval County pricing index (see tow charges below).

USEFUL INFO

crash wrap

Towing and wrecker companies use crash wrap after a motor vehicle collision to secure and protect your vehicle's interior from inclement weather and to secure loose parts on your vehicle for safety during transportation to the impound lot.

Instances where crash wrap would be used:

broken windows,
doors that will not close from collision damage,
securing open, good, or loose parts for transport.

additional winching

Additional winching is a commonly used method in the recovery and/or retrieval of motor vehicles and vessels after a motor vehicle accident, stolen recovery (with or without keys,) vehicle abandonment, and/or any circumstances where a tow truck company or wrecker service is needed.

This method would be common when the vehicle cannot be immediately loaded onto the tow truck without advanced positioning or recovery from non-accessible areas such as: roadway medians, retention pond embankments, non-roadway accessible areas.

Traditionally, extra winching charges incur when the tow company is required to use snatch blocks, wheel chocks, wheel lifts, or extended strapping/cables for retrieval and/or rigging of the vehicle in need of recovery.

General Information

Law Enforcement Signature Form

At the time of the accident, when law enforcement called to have the vehicle towed, the registered owner of the vehicle would have received a signature form from law enforcement. This form contains a notice to the owner concerning their impounded vehicle. This is general information concerning auto accident impounds.

A. You are hereby notified your vehicle is being impounded pursuant to Jacksonville Ordinance, Chapter 804. Towing and storage charges will be assessed against your vehicle by the Wrecker Firm towing your vehicle. If you wish to contest the impoundment of your vehicle and/or your liability for towing and storage charges, you have the right to claim and regain possession of your vehicle, at the location to which it is being removed for storage, without prepayment of towing and storage charges upon posting with the custodian of the vehicle, a cash or surety bond in the amount of the accrued towing and storage charges. You may request a hearing as to the propriety of the impoundment and as to the owner's liability for the towing and storage charges. A hearing date may be obtained by the vehicle owner appearing at the Vehicle Storage and Recovery Unit, Police Memorial Building, 501 E. Bay Street, and producing the following:

a paid receipt, or proof a cash or surety bond has been posted, for all towing and storage charges
a valid Vehicle Registration or Title
a valid Driver's License or Photo Identification Card.

B. Failure by the owner to request a hearing within five (5) days after receipt of this notice may act as a waiver of his right to a hearing.