One of the most common questions vehicle owners ask is: How long will a tow or impound yard hold my car before they sell it? The answer is AS LONG AS THEY CAN!!!! They get paid to delay the release of your vehicle and it’s their Modus Operandi to stall, delay, deny and ask for anything they can to get more storage time. OutPOUND was created by Car Buyer USA because we got jerked around by one too many Impound Yards. It’s incredible how these people are empowered to abuse the American Public, but OutPOUND is here to change that!
Most impound or tow yards will hold your car for a period ranging from 10 to 30 days before they can legally sell it. This sale is typically done through a lien sale or public auction. Some states, such as California or Hawaii, allow impound lots to begin the auction process in as little as 15 days. That means time is not on your side if your car is sitting in a lot and accumulating daily storage fees.Before a vehicle is sold, the impound yard is generally required to notify the registered owner and any lienholders. This notification is often sent by certified mail to the address listed on the vehicle’s registration. In addition to notifying the owner, some jurisdictions require the yard to publish public notice, such as a listing in a local newspaper or an online auction site. Once proper notice has been given, the clock starts ticking.
The best way to prevent your car from being sold is to act quickly. As soon as you find out your car has been towed or impounded, call the yard to confirm where it is and how much you owe. Most yards will require you to pay the towing fee, daily storage fees, and possibly administrative or paperwork fees before releasing your vehicle. If you wait too long, the cost can become unmanageable, and the vehicle may be sold to recover the lot’s expenses. If you haven’t received any notification, it’s still your responsibility to act. Sometimes impound yards don’t have your current address or may send the notice late. The longer you wait, the more fees pile up, and the more likely your car is to be auctioned off.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or aren’t sure what to do next, OutPOUND can help. We specialize in helping people recover their vehicles from impound and tow yards quickly and efficiently. They assist with understanding what fees you need to pay, and even navigating state-specific regulations so you don’t lose your car unnecessarily.
Every state has slightly different rules, and timelines can vary depending on whether the vehicle is considered abandoned, whether law enforcement was involved, and if proper notice was served. However, the core message remains the same—time is critical. The sooner you act, the better your chances of reclaiming your vehicle without excessive costs or risking its sale. In short, don’t delay. If your car has been impounded, take action immediately. And if you need expert help to speed up the process or understand your rights, OutPOUND is there to guide you every step of the way. Be quick and don't lose your car to an impound sale!
