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 |  | Towed from Public Property: $100-$1,000+ |  | Towed from Private Property: $100-2,000+ |
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State and local laws typically give specific public agencies the authority to tow a vehicle on public property for matters of public interest, including parking violations or if the driver does not have a valid license or proof of insurance, or has been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 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.
Related articles: Removing a Car Boot, Attorney Fees, Car Rental
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What should be included: |
- 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.
Additional costs: |
- 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.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Posted by: Forkinator in Portland, OR. | Posted: January 16th, 2021 10:01AM |
| Towed By: Retrieval towing | Location: Portland oregon |
| Reason Towed: Fire lane |
All it took was 15 minutes to ruin my day and make me broke. Thanks retrieval towing! |
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| Posted by: Kacy in Meridian, MS. | Posted: April 18th, 2020 09:04AM |
| Towed By: J & j Collsion Center | Location: Meridian Mississippi 3127 Valley Street |
| Reason Towed: No License |
I feel like I am getting overcharge they started the fee at $200 pick up in not even 10 minutes away from $25 a day and they pick the car up at 7:30 Thursday night 24 hours Will be Friday 7:30 So I’m trying to add up what happened and today is Saturday and they say I am now 250 right now |
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| Posted by: Brandon forbes in Adelaide, Other. | Posted: March 23rd, 2020 11:03PM |
| Towed By: A towing company | Location: Marion road |
| Reason Towed: Driving without license and under the in |
How much will it cost to get my car out after its been 30 days |
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| Posted by: Victim8262838 in Baldwin Park, CA. | Posted: March 3rd, 2020 09:03PM |
| Towed By: Royal Coaches | Location: |
Had car stolen and recovered but the fees are already not worth paying. The car(1991 Honda accord) is only worth $1,000 at this point and not sure what state it's in but finished up getting vehicle release form the police and told that the lot closes in 10 mins. Made it with 1 min to spare but was told it would cost $530 and that the reccuring fee is $60 a day and I couldn't pay up then and there so $590 now. I feel as if I'm better off letting them auction it off... |
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| Posted by: Sweet D in Colma, CA. | Posted: December 17th, 2019 08:12PM |
| Towed By: Bluewater | Location: Colma, CA |
| Reason Towed: Property Manager insists registration ex |
I bought Lincoln LS 2000, recovery car in a towing company, no license plate and no current registration. I registered but required smog and insured. Showed Property Mgr all paperwork but still towed my car on Sunday morning
Tower paperwork was signed by unknown person and wrote different address. |
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| Posted by: Las Vegas Resident in Las Vegas, NV. | Posted: October 23rd, 2019 03:10PM |
| Towed By: Titan Towing | Location: Las Vegas, NV |
| Reason Towed: Parked without active registration |
The registration on my vehicle lapsed due to an engine problem that caused it to fail the required smog test. I parked it down the street and around the corner from my house with other parked cars while trying to sell it online, not realizing that storing an unlicensed vehicle violated my HOA. It was towed on October 7th, and I didn’t notice it was missing until October 22 when I received a letter from the towing company (very busy times). They charged me for the more expensive night tow because they were creeping around my neighborhood at 1am when they took my car ($300). They charged me for 17 miles ($60) when the fastest route from my house is 13 miles. They charge me two lien fees ($240). They charged me $35/day for storage ($550). They charged me for an after hours retrieval at 6pm ($60). Overall not money well spent. |
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| Posted by: Hugol in Las Vegas, NV. | Posted: September 10th, 2019 04:09PM |
| Towed By: uS Tow | Location: Hawthorne CA |
| Reason Towed: It only had a moving permit |
According to the police the car must be moving , but I parked in front of my house for about an hour. Was dining some construction in my garage. Gangs with batches and permits !!! |
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| Posted by: Robin Meredith in Peterstown, WV. | Posted: August 16th, 2019 11:08AM |
| Towed By: White's Towing | Location: Peterstown |
| Reason Towed: Inpound |
Very Rude And i was staight up lied to,, first she said i could get my car abd pay later yeah right ok? Then I myself gace my title to get my things out of the car until I got paid!Then she looks at me and says I quoit your not getting your title until you pay me? Ok first thingk you hateful [email protected]@ i have the money second who do you think you are??? Don't use them! |
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| Posted by: Huda Rashid in Pomona, CA. | Posted: August 14th, 2019 12:08AM |
| Towed By: Dynamic towing | Location: Pomona |
| Reason Towed: Parked in fire lane |
It was a Sunday with all parking spots taken. I left the car for an hour in the fire lane in front of my garage. Was planning to leave in an hour, but praise my luck. |
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| Posted by: Jessesgirl503 in Aumsville, OR. | Posted: March 26th, 2019 05:03PM |
| Towed By: rhino towing | Location: Stayton/lyons |
| Reason Towed: disabled car tire |
I blew a tire on hwy it was dark and must have hit something that was on side of road I dont know what not another car though. Called tow truck he showed up and decided to call OSP police saying there was damage to my car well duh thats y I called a tow truck. He had no reason or right to call. The tow was only 100 to get home then osp came and I'm suspended for unable to pay past fines not criminally just poor so osp towed it and the charges went to 600 in 5 hours. I couldnt get it til Monday cuz it was Friday so final charges were 800. |
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| Posted by: Sherie in Salem, OR. | Posted: March 14th, 2019 02:03PM |
| Towed By: City of Salem Police Dept | Location: Wiltses towing |
| Reason Towed: Insured but didn't have Id card |
The officer didn't have to TOW my car. I'm an upstanding citizen with No outstanding tickets or record of any kind. Had just purchased my car prior hadn't received cards. |
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| Posted by: Angry poor guy in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. | Posted: January 19th, 2019 04:01PM |
| Towed By: Steves Towing | Location: Rancho Cucamonga |
| Reason Towed: Apartment |
Parked in a location without a parking permit. Picked it up within 5 hours |
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| Posted by: Pissed off Tenant in New Castle, DE. | Posted: January 19th, 2019 08:01AM |
| Towed By: J.N.A Towing & Parking Enforcement | Location: Wilmington Delaware |
| Reason Towed: Forgot to Display Permit |
They charge different people different prices. Vehicle was parked less than 2 hrs and held by them from 1am- 9am SAME DAY |
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| Posted by: a user in Redding, CA. | Posted: November 30th, 2018 08:11PM |
| Towed By: Premier towing | Location: California |
| Reason Towed: Recovered after it was stolen |
It was towed to a lot in the local area. They charged me $750 after only having my Toyota Corolla for 4 hours. |
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| Posted by: Dunn in Daly city, CA. | Posted: November 28th, 2018 02:11PM |
| Towed By: Broadmoor Tow | Location: Daly City Ca |
| Reason Towed: Parked in apartment garage |
Literally less than a block away, lived at apartments for close to 9 years...I'm on fixed income. No visitor parking. Thanks for ruining my Xmas for my daughter. Have no money for the rest of the month to survive on. |
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| Posted by: [email protected] in Jefferson City, TN. | Posted: November 12th, 2018 01:11AM |
| Towed By: Chrokee | Location: Jefferson City |
| Reason Towed: Incarcerated |
Trying to get a round about price on what it's going to cost to get out today |
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| Posted by: antyant1919 in Alexandria la 71303, LA. | Posted: October 31st, 2018 04:10AM |
| Towed By: Meto towing | Location: Alexandria la 71303 |
| Reason Towed: Broke down on highway had to tow it |
What will I need at tow company besides money for storage to have my non running vehicle towed to my house ,do I have to have insurance |
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| Posted by: Tim the trucker in Richmond, IN. | Posted: October 23rd, 2018 08:10PM |
| Towed By: Pearson recovery service | Location: Dayton, in |
| Reason Towed: Private property unattended |
I am a local truck driver who lives in lynn, Indiana 112 miles away.i parked at the circle k in Dayton, in. The vehicle was towed in less than 24 hours without a notice placed on the vehicle. According to I. c. 9-22-1 this is illegal in Indiana. There was no notice on the vehicle nor signs visible on the premises from that area. Also I had verbal permission to park there in the auto side parking. Also this co. Had the words "cash only" which isn't legal. When I spoke to local law enforcement I was told that the law didn't matter. I will be sueing for the allowed 4 times the fee. |
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| Posted by: Cara Hoppis in San Diego, CA. | Posted: August 6th, 2018 12:08PM |
| Reason Towed: Abandoned car |
Clancy’s towing service towed my car with out my knowledge. My truck was stolen and I had reported it so they towed it after the police arrested th perps. I was not contacted until the next week and Clancy’s put a lien on my credit until I paid them the money. |
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| Posted by: Unexpected Tow in Lake Stevens, WA. | Posted: June 7th, 2018 03:06PM |
| Reason Towed: Abandoned untrue |
My car was parked on the street in lake Stevens, wa along with other cars and mine was towed for being abandoned although I wrote on a board that it wasn't after someone wrote on my car abandoned please tow me. I didn't know if you parked a car legally on a street and had current tabs and was trying to get your car running that they tow after 72hours. The car down the street had a tow sticker on it but it's still parked in the same spot. The sticker was put on my car wed and was towed on wed. |
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| Posted by: Andy Ward in Thornton, CO. | Posted: May 14th, 2018 09:05AM |
| Reason Towed: Wrong parking spot |
Tried county towing are a bunch of cons. Dropped by a friend's to drop off some stuff was out of my car for 20 mins come back out and my car was gone. Then called the towing company the guy was rude wouldn't give me 5he address of where they were located. Then when I finally get the address and show up they proceed to tell me my car was not there so I hit my lock on my car and the horn honks. Then they tell me someone tried to break the lock and called police. Cops made them release my car. But overall tri county towing is full of rude workers and liars and management was a joke. |
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| Posted by: larry saenz in litteton, CO. | Posted: March 5th, 2018 09:03AM |
| Towed By: wyatts towing | Location: lakewood co. |
my car was towed was on p property for 3days waiting to go to shop i was at work and it was towed they want more than 800.00 which i can't afford they want 180.00 to get my personal items out im screwed work is slow had to file for unemployment without car i lost two jobs there was no written or anything posted or even a tow co name on the lot the owner just had it towed |
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External Resources: |
- www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/vol05_ch0261-0319/hrs0290/hrs_0290-0011.htm
- www.sacpd.org/faq/tow/
- www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/streets/supp_info/common_towing_questions.html
- www.ci.chapel-hill.nc.us/index.aspx?page=1840
- www.arlingtonva.us/departments/countymanager/page70255.aspx
- askville.amazon.com/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=52509108
- www.usa.gov/directory/stateconsumer/index.shtml
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