Last week we covered Stolen Vehicle Impound and wanted to dig a bit deeper on the insanity of fees across the country. Your misery is a cash cow for towing companies and impound lots. Here’s just a glimpse of what victims face across America:
1. Towing Fees – Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 for the “privilege” of having your stolen vehicle towed.
2. Storage Fees – Each day your car sits in the impound lot can cost $20 to $30, and some cities take it up a notch.
3. Administrative Fees – In San Francisco, for example, victims can face an administrative tow fee of $266, plus additional contractor fees.
4. Weekend and Holiday Charges – In Aurora, Colorado, if your car is impounded during a weekend or holiday, some hours may be covered—but any storage fees after the first 72 hours? That’s on you.
5. Unnotified Recoveries – In Austin, Texas, recovered cars may sit for days if the impound lot doesn’t have the correct address, leaving owners in the dark.
6. High Storage Fees – In Springfield, Missouri, some victims have faced towing bills over $1,000 for vehicles that were impounded only briefly.
7. Stripped Vehicles – In Des Moines, Iowa, a recovered motorcycle was returned stripped for parts, leaving the owner with nothing but a bill.
8. Double Charges – In Eastpointe, Michigan, one family faced a second $2,000 bill when their recovered vehicle was towed again due to missing paperwork.
9. Unfair Towing Practices – In Maryland, a man was charged over $2,000 after his recovered car was towed without his knowledge.
10. Unjustified Fees – In Charlotte, North Carolina, a victim paid a $745 fee to reclaim a stolen car, only to be surprised by an additional $350 “recovery fee.”
Yes, this happens all over the country. From California to Missouri, Iowa to Michigan, the system seems determined to punish the victims while the thieves disappear without a care.
Need Help Navigating This Nightmare? Don’t let impound lots and towing companies victimize you twice. OUTPOUND.com is here to guide you through the maze of fees, red tape, and bureaucracy. We offer advice on what to do immediately after your car is stolen, how to minimize storage and towing fees, and strategies to reclaim your vehicle without losing your sanity or your savings.
Your stolen car didn’t ask to be taken, and you shouldn’t pay the ransom while it lounges in an impound lot somewhere. Visit OUTPOUND.com and take control before the fees multiply.
