Having your car stolen is an overwhelming experience, but the ordeal doesn’t always end when the vehicle is found. In many cases, law enforcement recovers the car only to have it towed and placed in an impound lot. When you’re notified that your vehicle has been recovered, you may also find out you’re responsible for hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in impound and storage fees. So the question becomes: Will your insurance company pay these impound fees?
What Insurance Might Cover
If you have comprehensive insurance, you're in the best position. Comprehensive coverage generally includes protection against theft and vandalism, meaning your insurance company may pay for repairs or even replace your car if it’s never recovered. However, coverage for impound and storage fees isn't guaranteed and often falls into a gray area.
Insurance companies may cover these fees if:
- The car was impounded as a direct result of being stolen.
- You acted quickly to retrieve the vehicle once notified.
- Your policy explicitly includes towing or storage reimbursement as part of comprehensive coverage.
You’ll need to demonstrate that you were not at fault for the vehicle ending up in the impound lot. If it was towed as part of a police recovery effort, and not because of unpaid tickets or expired registration, your insurer is more likely to step in. When You're Likely On Your Own
If you only carry liability insurance, you’re unlikely to get any help from your insurer for impound or towing costs. Even with comprehensive coverage, insurers may deny reimbursement if the impoundment resulted from unrelated legal issues—such as someone using your car in a crime or abandoning it illegally. Additionally, most insurers have strict deadlines and documentation requirements, which can delay or prevent reimbursement.
What You Should Do Right Away
- Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately: Ask if your policy covers towing and storage fees for recovered stolen vehicles.
- Get the Police Report: This supports your claim that the car was stolen and not impounded for reasons under your control.
- Act Fast: Storage fees increase daily. The longer the car stays impounded, the higher the bill.
- Save Every Receipt: You’ll need detailed documentation for any potential reimbursement from your insurer.
- Contact OUTPOUND.COM
Why You Should Contact OUTPOUND.COM
Navigating impound fees and insurance claims can be time-consuming and confusing, especially during an already stressful situation. That’s where we can help! We specialize in helping victims of vehicle impoundment, especially in complex cases like stolen car recoveries. We will assist in identifying the best next steps, advocating on your behalf, and even helping reduce or waive unnecessary fees. If you’re unsure how to deal with your impound bill or whether your insurance will pay, contacting OUTPOUND.com could save you time, money, and a major headache.
