Recovering a Towed Vehicle Cost

Private property owners typically have a legal right to remove unauthorized vehicles from the property, with the vehicle owner responsible for the towing costs.

Typical costs:

• Recovering a vehicle towed by a public agency can cost $100-$1,000 or more depending on the reason the vehicle was towed; the type, size and condition of the vehicle; how long it is stored before it is claimed; and any fees or outstanding fines. Many jurisdictions charge an impound/vehicle release fee of $90-$250 or more. Towing charges can be $100-$800 or more; these are paid to the private tow company, but local laws may set the allowable maximum. If the vehicle is disabled, there may be a flatbed or dolly fee of $40-$150 or more. Storage fees can be $10-$100 a day, depending on local regulations. If the driver was driving without a valid license or while under the influence, the vehicle might not be released for 30 days.
• For example, in Hawaii^[1] the maximum tow fee is $65 or $75 with a dolly, plus $7.50 per mile towed; storage is $25 a day for seven days and $20 per day after that. Sacramento, CA^[2] , has a $130 vehicle-release fee plus a maximum $180 tow fee and $50 a day storage. Chicago^[3] allows a $150 tow fee for a passenger vehicle with storage at $10 a day for first five days and $35 a day after that.
• Auto insurance may pay recovery costs if the vehicle was involved in a collision or stolen and then recovered. In addition, some jurisdictions will waive or discount fees for towing and storage of recovered stolen vehicles. Insurance does not typically cover towing costs for parking violations or other infractions.
• Recovering a vehicle that was towed from private property can cost $100-$2,000 or more. Local laws may set a maximum allowable towing fee. For tows from private property Chapel Hill, NC^[4] , allows a maximum fee of $125, or $50 if the vehicle is released to the owner after hook-up but before it is towed away; storage is free for 24 hours and $20 a day after that. Arlington, VA^[5] , allows private-property towing charges of $125 for a standard-size vehicle, $250 for vehicles rated 7,501-10,001 pounds and $500 for vehicles over 10,001 pounds; storage is free for 24 hours and $50 a day after that. A Seattle resident^[6] received a bill of $1,300 for a car with expired registration that was towed from a large apartment complex.

• If a vehicle is missing from a public area and may have been towed, contact the local police department for information. If the vehicle was towed from private property, the tow company phone number and location should be provided on signs in the parking lot or mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle, depending on local regulations.
• When making inquiries about a towed vehicle, know the license plate number, year, make and color of the vehicle, and the possible tow date; it can be helpful to know the vehicle's VIN number.
• Recovering a towed vehicle typically requires the registered owner or authorized representative to present a valid ID and proof of ownership (typically a valid registration form), plus proof that all outstanding tickets, fines, fees and registration have been paid and all other requirements have been satisfied.
• When a vehicle has been towed, the owner's rights and responsibilities may vary by state, and even by city or county. Contact local consumer protection agencies^[7] for assistance.

• If the vehicle was immobilized with a boot device before being towed, in addition to towing and storage fees there may be a boot-removal fee of $40-$400 or more, plus paying any outstanding parking fines.
• Typically, if a towed vehicle is not claimed by its owner within a specific length of time, it may be destroyed or sold at auction. If the money received is not enough to cover all costs related to towing, storage and auction, the last known registered owner is held responsible for the unpaid debt.

1.  www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/vol05_ch0261-0319/hrs0290/hrs_0290-0011.htm
2.  www.sacpd.org/faq/tow/
3.  www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/streets/supp_info/common_towing_questions.html
4.  www.ci.chapel-hill.nc.us/index.aspx?page=1840
5.  www.arlingtonva.us/departments/countymanager/page70255.aspx
6.  askville.amazon.com/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=52509108
7.  www.usa.gov/directory/stateconsumer/index.shtml

Check Out All Costs for Personal Finance		How Much Does Closing a Home Cost?		How Much Does a Traffic Ticket Attorney Cost?		How Much Do Funeral Flowers Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. The hot summer weather is here. How much does central air conditioning cost? Usage of streaming services is skyrocketing. We list the latest offerings and deals. Staying cool during the summer also means on the road. We cover the cost of car air conditioning. A BBQ grill can come in handy during the summer.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Low cost baby shower Paid: 600.00 I spent about $200 on food/snacks/simple decor- where I served Packaged desserts (due to covid) and deli sandwiches, bbq chicken and Bread/cheese/fruit... [more] -Mommy to be Baby Shower Cost TSLIM Insulin Pump Paid: 1131.20 I have Federal Blue Cross, the most expensive Self Plan. The insurance company paid $5,584.20 for the TSLIM, and I paid $1,131.20 out of pocket. Medtronic Insulin pump was quoted at the same price... [more] -Read by EOB Insulin Pump Cost Prescription Eye Glasses Paid: 380.00 Eye exam was less than $60. Frames alone were about $118. Extra-wide progrssive lenses an additional $80. Polycarbonate thin lens with blue light filter, UV protection, anti-glare, 1-year warranty on frames & lenses... [more] -Lady 70 Eyeglasses Cost About the free dog food Paid: 100.00 I'm a 70 year old retired senior citizen I have two dogs Lily is Irish Terrier weighs about 15 lb very good dog Jade is a blue nose pitbull and she's 5 months old and weighs about 55 lb cost me $100 or better a month to feed them I like to ... [more] -Robert moneyhan Dog Food Cost DIY Front End Paid: 965.00 Front: 2xCV axel, 2xball joints, 2x Sway bar end links,sway bar bushings, 2xrotors, 2x brake pads. $500Rear: brake pads. $35New Tools (yay!):3 ton floor jack, 20v impact wrench, 2x Jack stands, tube lock-tite, can of pb blaster. $430.$965... [more] -Mr. Gillis Car Suspension Cost Fujitsu split single unit Paid: 3400.00 I was charged 3400 which include electrical work. The contractor was referred to me by a neighbor. I asked about a rebate and was informed the cost included any rebate money and he (the contractor) would take care of it... [more] -A wary lake resident Ductless Air Conditioner Cost