$1.4M City of Chicago Towed Vehicle Class Action Settlement

The City of Chicago has agreed to pay $1.4 million to settle a class action over vehicles towed under the abandoned vehicle ordinance without proper notice. If your vehicle was towed on or after June 11, 2017, you may be entitled to up to $1,250 per vehicle.

Do I Qualify?

You may be eligible if:

• Your vehicle was towed by the City of Chicago on or after June 11, 2017
• The tow occurred under the abandoned vehicle ordinance without proper notice
• You submit a valid claim with required documentation by August 12, 2026

Proof is required. You will need to provide vehicle tow documentation to support your claim.

What Happened?

The City of Chicago was sued for towing vehicles it deemed abandoned without first mailing notice to the registered owners as required by law. Chicago's abandoned vehicle ordinance requires the city to send written notice to vehicle owners before towing their cars. The city allegedly skipped this required notification step, leaving owners unaware their vehicles had been towed until they went looking for their cars.

This practice left vehicle owners unable to contest the towing or retrieve their vehicles promptly, resulting in accumulating storage fees and in some cases the permanent loss of their vehicles. The City of Chicago agreed to pay $1.4 million to settle the class action.

How Much Will I Actually Get?

Eligible claimants can receive up to $1,250 per vehicle towed. You must be able to document that your vehicle was towed by the City of Chicago on or after June 11, 2017 under the abandoned vehicle ordinance without you receiving proper prior notice. Vehicle tow documentation is required. Deadline is August 12, 2026.

Last reviewed: June 19, 2026 | Information verified from court records and official settlement documents.

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