When a loved one passes away, the last thing you expect to deal with is an impounded vehicle. But it happens more often than people realize. Whether the car was parked illegally, involved in an incident, or simply abandoned after their passing, the question becomes: How do you get the car back if the legal owner is no longer here to claim it?
The good news? There is a way, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Legal Authority Comes First
To retrieve a deceased person's car from impound, you’ll first need to establish your legal authority. If you’re the executor of the estate or have been granted power by probate court, you’re already on the right path. In some states, you may qualify to act on behalf of the estate using a small estate affidavit, especially if there’s no will or if the estate's total value is low.
No matter the method, documentation is key. Expect to show the death certificate, proof of your identity, and some form of documentation proving your legal right to claim the vehicle.
Know What the Impound Lot Requires
Every city or tow yard has its own set of rules. You’ll need to contact the impound lot directly to confirm exactly what they require. Commonly, you’ll be asked to provide:
- The deceased’s name and vehicle information
- Proof of your legal authority
- A copy of the death certificate
- Any documents you received from the tow company or law enforcement
Some impound yards may ask for a notarized letter or additional paperwork. In rare cases, they may even require a court order.
Be Ready to Cover the Fees
Even though the owner is deceased, impound fees still apply. These fees accumulate daily and can quickly become overwhelming. Unfortunately, most cities don’t offer automatic waivers, but some may consider fee reductions based on hardship or special circumstances.
Time is critical. The longer you wait, the higher the fees. In many areas, the impound yard only holds the vehicle for 30 days before auctioning it off. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Real Help from Real People: OUTPOUND’s Success with Mildred
This is where OUTPOUND.com can help you!
OUTPOUND specializes in situations exactly like this. They’ve helped countless people across the country retrieve vehicles from impound lots, even when the legal waters are murky.
Take Mildred’s story, featured on OUTPOUND's Instagram. After losing a family member, she was left to deal with the vehicle they left behind, trapped in an impound lot and wrapped in red tape. OUTPOUND navigated the process for her, handled the paperwork, and got the car released. Her story isn’t just a feel good moment, it’s proof that this system doesn’t have to beat you.
Don’t Wait!! Contact OUTPOUND Today
If you're facing the difficult task of retrieving a loved one’s impounded vehicle, don’t do it alone. Time is not on your side, and neither is the system.
Visit OUTPOUND.com now to get expert help with documents, impound communication, and legal navigation. Whether you need a one on one consultation or just don’t know where to start, they’re ready. Let us help you get that car, and your peace of mind back.
