If your vehicle has ever been impounded, you already know the frustration and stress that can come with trying to get it back. One of the biggest surprises for many drivers is the total cost of reclaiming a vehicle after it’s been towed and stored. While fees can vary greatly depending on the city or state, there are some general averages that can help you understand what to expect and how to plan for it. The first charge you'll typically face is the towing fee. This is the cost of physically removing your vehicle and transporting it to the impound lot. On average, towing fees range from $100 to $300, depending on the distance, vehicle size, and whether it requires special equipment or after-hours service. Once your car is in the impound lot, the clock starts ticking on daily storage fees. These charges can range from $20 to $75 per day, depending on the facility and region. Urban areas with limited space and higher operating costs tend to be on the higher end. The longer your vehicle stays in the lot, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve it.
In addition to towing and storage, many impound facilities charge an administrative or release fee. This fee typically falls between $50 and $250 and covers the paperwork and personnel time involved in processing the release of your vehicle. In some cases, you may also encounter a lien processing fee if the vehicle stays in storage long enough for the facility to begin the legal process of claiming it due to non-payment. This lien fee can add another $70 to $150 to your bill. To put this into perspective, if your vehicle is impounded for three days, your bill might look something like this: a towing fee of $150, three days of storage at $40 per day totaling $120, and an administrative fee of $75. That adds up to around $345 just to get your car back. And that’s if no additional penalties or complications are involved.
The city you’re in plays a big role in the final cost. For example, impound fees in places like Los Angeles or New York City tend to be significantly higher than those in smaller towns or rural areas. The reason behind this is simple—higher overhead, stricter parking enforcement, and increased demand for towing services. It’s also important to understand why a vehicle was impounded in the first place. Common reasons include illegal parking, expired registration, accidents, unpaid tickets, or vehicles left abandoned. If law enforcement is involved, such as in cases of DUI or stolen vehicle recovery, additional fines and paperwork may apply.
To avoid surprises, it’s always a good idea to check with the local police department or impound lot as soon as your vehicle is taken. Once you have located your vehicle and have contacted the impound facility, contact one of our agents at OUTPOUND that can help you understand the fees involved, which can make the process smoother and less stressful. Want to know more about what we do here at OUTPOUND? Check us out so we can help you out! While getting your vehicle impounded is never convenient, being informed can help you act quickly and keep costs to a minimum. Understanding these average fees and planning ahead could save you hundreds of dollars and a major headache. Contact us today! Agents standing by!
