Here's what happens when vehicles go unclaimed in Iowa

State of play: Owners then have 10 days from the date of a certified letter or newspaper publication to reclaim their property or seek a court hearing.

• Failure to act within that time frame leaves owners with no rights to the property.
• Unclaimed vehicles are often sold at auctions, with the purchaser taking the title clear of all liens and claims of ownership.

What they're saying: Iowa laws favor towing companies over consumers, Alex Kornya, Iowa Legal Aid's litigation director, tells Axios.

• The law is set up to allow for vehicles to be disposed of quickly, but that's often to the detriment of car owners, he contends.

Of note: Nearly 1,100 vehicles were reported stolen to DMPD last year with about 80% ultimately recovered.

• Only about a third of the cases result in criminal charges, Sgt. Paul Parizek tells Axios.