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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: 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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| Posted by: Tabbi Hale in Hayward, CA. | Posted: February 28th, 2018 10:02PM |
| Reason Towed: Parked on street |
My son whose licence was suspended, sent his car for repairs to a shop, driven by a friend who parked it wrong. Someone reported it. Towing company picked it up. Even though my son had left his phone number with the shop AND on the car itseof, neither the police nor the towing company called him. He thought the car was in the repair shop till we got the notice from the towing company after A WEEK because it was picked up on a long weekend. The notice was mailed the monday after, took 2 days in the mail.
Resulting charge $ 1340. Police said they were not responsible for notifying. Towing company said they notified the Financing bank but not us. How is this legal?
And now it has happened AGAIN !! Once again, a differrnt repair shop. My son is struggling and so cannot pay for the repairs , so somehow it has got towed, once again we were not informed, but a notice has bern received after 5 days of storage without our knowledge.
I do not understand how this is legal??? |
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| Posted by: a user in San diego, CA. | Posted: February 18th, 2018 03:02PM |
| Reason Towed: Parked in apt complex without permit |
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| Posted by: Clutchhouse in Miami, FL. | Posted: February 2nd, 2018 06:02AM |
| Reason Towed: No Tag on city property |
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| Posted by: Jose03737292 in Richland, WA. | Posted: January 27th, 2018 11:01AM |
| Reason Towed: Parked in wrong parking spot. 2 over. |
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| Posted by: lindaloo in Bremerton, WA. | Posted: January 25th, 2018 07:01PM |
| Towed By: kitsap towing | Location: kitsap county |
| Reason Towed: left over night at county park |
I sold a 1975 ford to a friend who did not finish paying me, he parked it over night at a county park, it gets impounded. I had done my sellers report. the "friend" was unable to even retrieve his belongings from the truck. so i kindley go to the D.O.L. and pull my sellers report. I go to the towing company and there were kind enough to cut the impound charges in half, they were also kind enough to give me a couple of days to come up with the money, which my "friend" said he would do. He did nothing. I am now responsible for the impound costs. Towing company gives me another day. I pay the 220.00 and get the truck. The towing company was more than kind. There are good towing companies and I can say that Kitsap Towing is one of them. the story goes on with no fault of the towing company I sell the truck again to another "friend" who doesn't pay me, so i sell it again. He somehow justifies his not paying me and steals 663.00 dollars of my property. Again there is no title change. |
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| Posted by: David c in Sacramento, CA. | Posted: December 17th, 2017 10:12AM |
| Reason Towed: Partially red zone |
Davis towing is a rip-off, safe to say a criminal company. They towed my car from a private property. The reason was the car apparently was parked on a “partially red” zone. When I called them to recover the car they were rude, no manners what so ever, and they said if I’m late even for 5 minuets from the appointment I have to come next day. They were very specific about CASH-ONLY ( repeated multiple times). They don’t give any paperwork ( I wonder why) . I’m sure they have a lot to hide from the IRS. Anyway stay away from them at any cost. |
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| Posted by: Jeff moorhead in Beaverton, OR. | Posted: December 3rd, 2017 03:12PM |
| Reason Towed: No parking private proerty |
I was arrested for sleeping in my vehicle in a business parking lot and police left by vehicle parked in a no-parking Zone unsecured which was later towed and lost everything |
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| Posted by: Ricky710 in Santa barbara, CA. | Posted: October 16th, 2017 07:10AM |
| Reason Towed: Suspended license |
Car impounded driving on suspended without my knowledge.i provided my az license which i got in august and they claim its been suspended 3 y3ars ago. I also have registration and insurance |
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| Posted by: Victim1000 in Patapasco Baltimore Maryland, MD. | Posted: September 22nd, 2017 04:09AM |
| Reason Towed: Parking in a fire lane |
Parked to rush into the store and got towed. Went to get the car right away. Got charged $380. It was less than 3 miles (I literally walked 20 mins to get there). No credit card, no debit card , they just want cash. No explanation about how they got to the 380 figure. You pay outside before you can check you car or the contents but the receipt they make you sign says that you agree that your car was fine and all your stuff was there. Then as soon as you get in some huge fat guy says "go to your car and get out or I'm gonna close this gate...seriously!!!! Worst people one earth. And they have an ATM that only dispenses 360 at a time and charges you $3 each time so you have to do a minimum of 2 transactions |
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| Posted by: Kris Starosta in Detroit, MI. | Posted: August 25th, 2017 01:08PM |
| Towed By: Goch & Sons | Location: Wayne State Campus Detroit Michigan |
| Reason Towed: parked in a "non campus" location |
My husband and I went to a sporting event on the Wayne State Campus. We parked in what was apparently a non-campus location. There were no signs stating that we couldn't park there, so we took advantage of the spot. Bad on us. The tow company towed the car at 4:45 pm and when we got back to the lot at 5 pm, we were told the impound lot was closed and we would have to wait until the next day to retrieve the vehicle. They would also not allow us to pay with credit card or check, cash only. I wonder why cash only! Someone's pockets got lined! $400 for a 2 minute tow is outrageous! I am going to go to everyone who will listen and get this company shut down! Yes, we were apparently in the wrong for parking where we did, but who are they to tell us cash only, no receipt, and no paper records to verify anything! This is a BS company that is scamming folks out of hard earned cash. I recommend everyone in the area be on the look out for these guys! |
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| Posted by: joe finch in conway, AR. | Posted: July 13th, 2017 04:07PM |
| Towed By: united recovery | Location: no. littleRock,ar |
| Reason Towed: 3 payments behind |
tow co came on my home property at 2:am ,hooked up car while household slept Dogs barking awoke us The tow truck driver offered no name of co. he represented or identity I was advised that is illegal to come on private property & hook up for tow.told must wait for legal letter for total recovery fees advised I should not have given up the keys by my lawyer this tow &recovery is a big time scam made 72 payments on 2011 toyota corolla & fully intended to catch up on payments on car that was grossly over priced to begin with. |
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| Posted by: a user in san diego, CA. | Posted: June 4th, 2017 10:06AM |
| Towed By: Star Towing | Location: San Diego |
| Reason Towed: parked a little too long in a spot |
McDonald's parking lot. Like another couple who also parked there, we all went window shopping, and didn't get back before the 2 hour window. |
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| Posted by: Cera Ward in Vallejo, CA. | Posted: April 11th, 2017 07:04AM |
| Towed By: Palace Garage | Location: San Leandro, CA |
| Reason Towed: Expired License |
My roommate (who is on the car insurance) got pulled over and found out her license was still suspended. I couldn't be reached right away (though we're unsure if they would have allowed me to come get the car). I had to go to the CHP office to get a release form, and was able to pick the car up from the lot the same day. My car was stored for less than 5 hours. The cost to get the car out of impound was $275. |
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| Posted by: mazda3017 in senatobia, MS. | Posted: April 8th, 2017 04:04AM |
| Reason Towed: for driving on suspend linceses |
if the car is imobile with 4 flats an willbe held up to 30 days or longer but i was jailed for 18 days whats the max they can charge me... |
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| Posted by: Upset Mom in Indianapolis, IN. | Posted: April 4th, 2017 08:04AM |
| Reason Towed: Not in vistor parking |
My daughter's car was towed from Country Lake Apartments in Indianapolis IN. I was told she was not in vistors parking. For the past 9 years the location where she was parked has been vistor parking. Well, the apartments have new management and I guess the parking changed with no notice to the residents. My daughter is graduating in May and now we have to pay an unnecessary $150 due to the apartments negligence to inform the tenants of changes and are not willing to compensate, when clearly the reason for towing was there fault. There were also other vechiles parked where she was. A flatbed was used for a compact car when there was a truck there also. The tow is $125 and an additional $25 if you don't have proof of insurance. Is it even legal for tow companies to charge for proof of insurance? |
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| Posted by: April_rainz in Everett, WA. | Posted: April 1st, 2017 11:04PM |
| Reason Towed: Parked in fire lane at apartments |
Nearest street parking is .5 miles away, but home owners are retaliating . Park and ride is .75 away, but high break in rates. Mary's towing is a rip off! Mirabella Apartments have terrible parking. |
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| Posted by: RLL in Poway, CA. | Posted: January 19th, 2017 11:01AM |
| Towed By: Tow Pros | Location: 13119 Bowren Rd, Poway |
| Reason Towed: Recovered Stolen Vehicle |
San Diego Sheriff department allows 20 minutes for the owner of a recovered stolen vehicle to reclaim the car before it is impounded. A tow fee of $185 , a Sheriff NIP of $70 and a $40 storage cost was imposed for a whopping $295. What is most remarkable about this fee is that NIP stands for NEGLIGENT IMPOUND, which goes directly back to either the Sheriff or the city itself. Now, as a victim of a crime in this jurisdiction, I'm having real difficulty reconciling the world NEGLIGENT against my experience. This is clearly misplaced culpability, and a very disappointing end to an already pretty miserable experience. |
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| Posted by: [email protected] in Chalfont, PA. | Posted: January 7th, 2017 08:01PM |
| Towed By: Kirk Auto Body | Location: Perkasie, PA |
| Reason Towed: Following Accident |
This towing company picked up my son's car after he slid into a railroad tie fence 300 feet from our house, at 6:00 PM the Friday before New Year's weekend. The car was loaded onto a flatbed, towed to their facility, and locked up for four days, during which I was unable to contact the company to get my car back. They charged $650 and said they were giving me a break to bring it back to my house. |
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| Posted by: Megan Chase in Ogden, UT. | Posted: December 31st, 2016 10:12AM |
| Reason Towed: No proof of insurance |
Sons car was impounded without the knowledge of it being driven and was never contacted by any law agency to advise him of the situation and offer him a way to have it towed himself by his own commercial tow truck or to provide his insurance in person. The officer had it a no consent to tow by registered owner which is against the law in Utah. The registered owner must be present or contacted and must verify consent to tow. Law enforcement in UTAH NEED TO READ THEIR CODES AND STATE STATUTES AS WELL AS THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AND STOP BULLYING PEOPLE. WE ARE TRAVELERS NOT DRIVERS THEREFORE LEGALLY THROUGH OUR FOUNDING FATHERS IT IS OUR RIGHT TO TRAVEL WITHOUT HAVING TO DISCLOSE ANY OF OUR INFOTMATION. 24 YEAR OLD ON HIS BIRTHDAY HAD TO PAY 760.00 BY PAWNING HIS CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO RETRIEVE HIS VEHICLE. ALL BECAUSE OF LAW ENFORCEMENTS MIS CONDUCT AND IGORANCE. |
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| Posted by: Candace J Skvorchuk in Antelope, CA. | Posted: November 21st, 2016 03:11PM |
| Towed By: CHP | Location: Sacramento |
| Reason Towed: None |
Officer called me and told me it had to be towed when i asked if i could retreive my vehicle. Minding it was 1.5 miles away from stolen area. Only thing stolen from car was speakers in perfect drivable order |
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| Posted by: The extrorted in Merrimack, NH. | Posted: November 3rd, 2016 01:11AM |
| Reason Towed: lapsed registration renewal |
04 ford escape, towed by a AAA authorized/affiliated company but the tow company wouldn't let me use my AAA for payment, they said "cash only" even though AAA said they would be okay providing compensation to the tow company. after a 3 day weekend and a week of back and forth I conceded and asked for a cash total. $900 of which I could not produce. so they kept and sold my $4,500 vehicle.
so I paid 4500 for a tow that at maximum should have cost me 200 cash or nothing if they would have taken my AAA. |
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| Posted by: Sharita in Waukegan, IN. | Posted: October 30th, 2016 08:10AM |
| Reason Towed: No sticker |
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| Posted by: Outrageously Ripped Off in Torrance, CA. | Posted: October 29th, 2016 10:10AM |
| Towed By: Torrance Towing Company | Location: Torrance, CA |
| Reason Towed: Street |
It's been a few years when my old car was towed, but I had to pay $1,000 plus taxes & other fees. They charged me $250 per day for storage. I had to go get a loan becuz I didn't have the money, plus I had to get my license tags paid plus get a court paper saying it's paid. I was devastated and late on my rent. I am a single parent with two kids and my job only paid $8 hour. I don't think its fair that they charge you for days their business is closed and then charge you to open it up on the weekends. That is outrageous gauging fees. Not fair and no mercy for the poor people. |
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| Posted by: Robert A gaitan in Riverview, FL. | Posted: October 18th, 2016 07:10AM |
| Reason Towed: Repossession |
How much will my fees be and how long will they hold my car |
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| Posted by: Goddess Williams in Chicago, IL. | Posted: September 26th, 2016 01:09PM |
| Reason Towed: Driving on suspended license |
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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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