Personal stuff went missing from my car after insurance towed it — anyone dealt with this?

Ugh, this happened to me almost exactly. Sunglasses, a phone charger, and a gym bag just evaporated between the tow and the salvage yard. I filed a complaint with the tow company in writing and CC'd my insurance rep — suddenly they were a lot more responsive. Didn't get everything back but I got a small reimbursement. Put everything in writing, don't just call.

File a police report today. I know it feels like overkill for a GPS but it creates a paper trail. Without it, everyone will keep pointing fingers forever. Also send a certified letter to the tow company and the lot itemizing what's missing and its approximate value. Make them respond formally.

Insurance companies love the runaround when it comes to personal belongings because they know most people give up. Your auto policy almost certainly doesn't cover personal items inside the car — that usually falls under renters or homeowners insurance. But that doesn't let the tow company off the hook. They have a duty of care once your property is in their custody. Don't let them gaslight you into thinking this is normal.

Honestly speaking from the other side — the hand-off between a tow company and a salvage lot is where stuff disappears most often, and everyone knows it. The adjuster probably isn't lying when she says she doesn't know, but she also isn't going to chase it down for you. You have to be the squeaky wheel. Ask your adjuster specifically whether the tow was arranged by them or the other carrier, because that determines who's contractually responsible for that company's conduct.

A few practical steps: First, write down everything you remember that was in the car with approximate replacement values — do this now before memory fades. Second, request the tow log and intake sheet from the salvage lot; they are usually required to document vehicle condition on arrival. If there's a discrepancy between what the tow company handed over and what's on that intake sheet, you have something concrete. Small claims court is also a real option here if the amount is worth it in your state.

That's so stressful on top of already dealing with accident stuff. I'm sorry. You're already going through enough without having to chase down your own belongings. Hope you get some resolution — you deserve it.

Do you have any proof the items were actually in the car at the time of the tow? Like photos, receipts, anything? I'm not saying you're wrong, just that without some documentation it's going to be really hard to get anyone to pay out. What did the tow company say when you asked them directly whether their driver inventoried the cab and trunk?

Not legal advice, but tow companies are often licensed and bonded, and that bond exists partly for situations like this. Your state's DMV or transportation authority may have a complaint process specifically for tow companies — worth a quick search. If the combined value of what's missing clears the small claims threshold in your state, that's also a low-cost avenue. The key is documentation and acting quickly.