If your car has been towed and impounded, you’re probably staring down a pile of frustrating fees, and wondering if there’s any way to get your vehicle back without shelling out hundreds of dollars. Unfortunately, in most cases, the answer is no...but there are rare exceptions worth knowing, especially if your situation involves theft, an error, or financial hardship.
Impound fees typically include towing, storage (charged daily), and administrative processing. These charges add up fast and aren’t just there for punishment, they cover the real costs of handling your vehicle. Tow yards are private businesses or contracted services, and they don’t release vehicles for free without explicit authorization. Most cities, counties, and states back this up with local ordinances and require full payment before release.
Here’s the good news: there are a few specific scenarios where you may be able to reduce or even waive impound fees.
1. Your Car Was Stolen and Then Recovered
If your vehicle was stolen and later impounded after recovery, you may be able to get some or all fees waived. Many jurisdictions do not hold the rightful owner responsible for what happened during the time the vehicle was out of their control. To qualify, you’ll need to provide a valid police report showing the date the vehicle was reported stolen.
2. The Vehicle Was Wrongfully Towed
Impound errors do happen—wrong location, misread signs, expired registrations that were actually up to date, etc. If you can prove the tow was a mistake, you may be eligible for a refund or fee waiver. This usually requires attending a post-storage hearing or filing a formal complaint with the city or law enforcement agency involved.
3. You’re Experiencing Severe Financial Hardship
Some cities offer relief programs or hardship waivers for individuals who can prove economic instability. If you are unemployed, facing homelessness, or living well below the poverty line, you may qualify for reduced fees. Documentation is key—proof of income, housing status, or assistance program enrollment is often required.
These scenarios are exceptions, not the rule. If your vehicle was impounded due to unpaid tickets, expired registration, or illegal parking, the chances of a fee waiver are slim to none. Likewise, appealing a fee may require paying it upfront and then pursuing a refund afterward, which doesn’t help much in a cash crunch.
What You Can Do
- Ask for a Hearing: If you think your car was towed unjustly, request a hearing as soon as possible. Time limits for these hearings vary by city.
- Gather Documentation: Police reports, photographs, receipts, and registration records can all help support your case.
- Contact the Impound Lot Directly: Speak calmly and ask if they offer any fee assistance programs or referrals.
- Seek Assistance Programs: Some nonprofits and community organizations may offer emergency aid to help cover impound costs in situations where losing your car means losing your job or housing.
A growing number of drivers are searching for ways to proactively avoid these situations altogether. Keeping your registration current, paying parking tickets promptly, and having updated contact info on file with your local DMV can prevent your vehicle from being towed in the first place. Here at OUTPOUND.com, we inform everyone to call the impound lot immediately once you know where your vehicle is, because storage fees accumulate daily, and acting fast can save you a substantial amount.
While it’s incredibly rare to get a car out of impound completely for free, you may have options if your vehicle was stolen, wrongfully towed, or if you’re in genuine financial distress. In all other cases, unfortunately, expect to pay and do it quickly, or those fees will only grow. If your car has been impounded and you're unsure what to do next, don't wait! Contact OUTPOUND as soon as possible. Our team can help you navigate the process, understand your rights, and potentially save time and money in getting your vehicle back. The longer you wait, the higher the fees climb, so let us help you take the first step toward reclaiming your car today.
