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

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