How Much Does It Cost to Get a Car Towed

Recovering a Towed Vehicle Cost

How Much Does Recovering a Towed Vehicle Cost?

Towed from Public Property: $100-$1,000+

Towed from Private Property: $100-2,000+

State and local laws typically give specific public agencies the authority to tow a vehicle on public property for matters of public interest, including parking violations or if the driver does not have a valid license or proof of insurance, or has been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Private property owners typically have a legal right to remove unauthorized vehicles from the property, with the vehicle owner responsible for the towing costs.

Typical costs:

Recovering a vehicle towed by a public agency can cost $100-$1,000 or more depending on the reason the vehicle was towed; the type, size and condition of the vehicle; how long it is stored before it is claimed; and any fees or outstanding fines. Many jurisdictions charge an impound/vehicle release fee of $90-$250 or more. Towing charges can be $100-$800 or more; these are paid to the private tow company, but local laws may set the allowable maximum. If the vehicle is disabled, there may be a flatbed or dolly fee of $40-$150 or more. Storage fees can be $10-$100 a day, depending on local regulations. If the driver was driving without a valid license or while under the influence, the vehicle might not be released for 30 days.
For example, in Hawaii[1] the maximum tow fee is $65 or $75 with a dolly, plus $7.50 per mile towed; storage is $25 a day for seven days and $20 per day after that. Sacramento, CA[2] , has a $130 vehicle-release fee plus a maximum $180 tow fee and $50 a day storage. Chicago[3] allows a $150 tow fee for a passenger vehicle with storage at $10 a day for first five days and $35 a day after that.
Auto insurance may pay recovery costs if the vehicle was involved in a collision or stolen and then recovered. In addition, some jurisdictions will waive or discount fees for towing and storage of recovered stolen vehicles. Insurance does not typically cover towing costs for parking violations or other infractions.
Recovering a vehicle that was towed from private property can cost $100-$2,000 or more. Local laws may set a maximum allowable towing fee. For tows from private property Chapel Hill, NC[4] , allows a maximum fee of $125, or $50 if the vehicle is released to the owner after hook-up but before it is towed away; storage is free for 24 hours and $20 a day after that. Arlington, VA[5] , allows private-property towing charges of $125 for a standard-size vehicle, $250 for vehicles rated 7,501-10,001 pounds and $500 for vehicles over 10,001 pounds; storage is free for 24 hours and $50 a day after that. A Seattle resident[6] received a bill of $1,300 for a car with expired registration that was towed from a large apartment complex.

Related articles: Removing a Car Boot, Attorney Fees, Car Rental

What should be included:

If a vehicle is missing from a public area and may have been towed, contact the local police department for information. If the vehicle was towed from private property, the tow company phone number and location should be provided on signs in the parking lot or mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle, depending on local regulations.
When making inquiries about a towed vehicle, know the license plate number, year, make and color of the vehicle, and the possible tow date; it can be helpful to know the vehicle's VIN number.
Recovering a towed vehicle typically requires the registered owner or authorized representative to present a valid ID and proof of ownership (typically a valid registration form), plus proof that all outstanding tickets, fines, fees and registration have been paid and all other requirements have been satisfied.
When a vehicle has been towed, the owner's rights and responsibilities may vary by state, and even by city or county. Contact local consumer protection agencies[7] for assistance.

Additional costs:

If the vehicle was immobilized with a boot device before being towed, in addition to towing and storage fees there may be a boot-removal fee of $40-$400 or more, plus paying any outstanding parking fines.
Typically, if a towed vehicle is not claimed by its owner within a specific length of time, it may be destroyed or sold at auction. If the money received is not enough to cover all costs related to towing, storage and auction, the last known registered owner is held responsible for the unpaid debt.

Post

Comments (68)

CostHelper News

What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Page 3 of 3 - << Previous 1 23

Posted by: S Surguine in Carmel, IN.	Posted: November 14th, 2021 01:11PM
Towed By: Indy Pro Tow	Location: My assigned parking place
Reason Towed: Did not have current parking permit

I was preoccupied with my rent money having been ripped off and so did read mail as I should have which said I needed to pick up my new parking tags from the apartment office or risk being towed. I have lived here 15 years. I am 73 and retired, rarely get outside. Was in shock when I saw my spot empty. Worse when they told me what it would cost to get it back.,Worse, my vehicle ran before it was towed. Now it does not run! I had to join AAA $138.00 just to get it home. Mechanic quoted $2000.00 to get it back up running

Posted by: Erika Garay in New Braunfels, TX.	Posted: July 31st, 2021 10:07PM
Towed By: JJS auto services	Location: 602 N Crockett Avenue
Reason Towed: Engine or transmission wouldn't turnover

He said the car wasn't working but the car was trying to start I just couldn't get the car to turn over. When he asked for my address, he kept making common mistakes on getting it down on paper. Never received any info…

Posted by: Stephanie Ann in Arvada, CO.	Posted: June 19th, 2021 08:06AM
Towed By: Cons & crooks towing Co.	Location: In front of my apartment
Reason Towed: My placard handicap blew off the mirror.

The tow guy walked around the lots looking for cars that had missing placard. I was in front enjoying the summer evening breexe, soon as I went into put my stuff away in my homebthe vulture swooped in and took my car. I walked out to bring in the rest of my things, go back out & my car is gone rolling down the street. he totaly waited for me to go inside to swoop in and take my car. So unfair im broke till the end of the month. Im disabled. We need a law to at leafy posy a warning before towing. My placard simply fell on the seat.

Posted by: Forkinator in Portland, OR.	Posted: January 16th, 2021 10:01AM
Towed By: Retrieval towing	Location: Portland oregon
Reason Towed: Fire lane

All it took was 15 minutes to ruin my day and make me broke. Thanks retrieval towing!

Posted by: Kacy in Meridian, MS.	Posted: April 18th, 2020 09:04AM
Towed By: J & j Collsion Center	Location: Meridian Mississippi 3127 Valley Street
Reason Towed: No License

I feel like I am getting overcharge they started the fee at $200 pick up in not even 10 minutes away from $25 a day and they pick the car up at 7:30 Thursday night 24 hours Will be Friday 7:30 So I'm trying to add up what happened and today is Saturday and they say I am now 250 right now

Posted by: Brandon forbes in Adelaide, Other.	Posted: March 23rd, 2020 11:03PM
Towed By: A towing company	Location: Marion road
Reason Towed: Driving without license and under the in

How much will it cost to get my car out after its been 30 days

Posted by: Victim8262838 in Baldwin Park, CA.	Posted: March 3rd, 2020 09:03PM
Towed By: Royal Coaches	Location:

Had car stolen and recovered but the fees are already not worth paying. The car(1991 Honda accord) is only worth $1,000 at this point and not sure what state it's in but finished up getting vehicle release form the police and told that the lot closes in 10 mins. Made it with 1 min to spare but was told it would cost $530 and that the reccuring fee is $60 a day and I couldn't pay up then and there so $590 now. I feel as if I'm better off letting them auction it off...

Posted by: Sweet D in Colma, CA.	Posted: December 17th, 2019 08:12PM
Towed By: Bluewater	Location: Colma, CA
Reason Towed: Property Manager insists registration ex

I bought Lincoln LS 2000, recovery car in a towing company, no license plate and no current registration. I registered but required smog and insured. Showed Property Mgr all paperwork but still towed my car on Sunday morning
Tower paperwork was signed by unknown person and wrote different address.

Posted by: Las Vegas Resident in Las Vegas, NV.	Posted: October 23rd, 2019 03:10PM
Towed By: Titan Towing	Location: Las Vegas, NV
Reason Towed: Parked without active registration

The registration on my vehicle lapsed due to an engine problem that caused it to fail the required smog test. I parked it down the street and around the corner from my house with other parked cars while trying to sell it online, not realizing that storing an unlicensed vehicle violated my HOA. It was towed on October 7th, and I didn't notice it was missing until October 22 when I received a letter from the towing company (very busy times). They charged me for the more expensive night tow because they were creeping around my neighborhood at 1am when they took my car ($300). They charged me for 17 miles ($60) when the fastest route from my house is 13 miles. They charge me two lien fees ($240). They charged me $35/day for storage ($550). They charged me for an after hours retrieval at 6pm ($60). Overall not money well spent.

Posted by: Hugol in Las Vegas, NV.	Posted: September 10th, 2019 04:09PM
Towed By: uS Tow	Location: Hawthorne CA
Reason Towed: It only had a moving permit

According to the police the car must be moving , but I parked in front of my house for about an hour. Was dining some construction in my garage. Gangs with batches and permits !!!

Posted by: Robin Meredith in Peterstown, WV.	Posted: August 16th, 2019 11:08AM
Towed By: White's Towing	Location: Peterstown
Reason Towed: Inpound

Very Rude And i was staight up lied to,, first she said i could get my car abd pay later yeah right ok? Then I myself gace my title to get my things out of the car until I got paid!Then she looks at me and says I quoit your not getting your title until you pay me? Ok first thingk you hateful [email protected]@ i have the money second who do you think you are??? Don't use them!

Posted by: Huda Rashid in Pomona, CA.	Posted: August 14th, 2019 12:08AM
Towed By: Dynamic towing	Location: Pomona
Reason Towed: Parked in fire lane

It was a Sunday with all parking spots taken. I left the car for an hour in the fire lane in front of my garage. Was planning to leave in an hour, but praise my luck.

Posted by: Jessesgirl503 in Aumsville, OR.	Posted: March 26th, 2019 05:03PM
Towed By: rhino towing	Location: Stayton/lyons
Reason Towed: disabled car tire

I blew a tire on hwy it was dark and must have hit something that was on side of road I dont know what not another car though. Called tow truck he showed up and decided to call OSP police saying there was damage to my car well duh thats y I called a tow truck. He had no reason or right to call. The tow was only 100 to get home then osp came and I'm suspended for unable to pay past fines not criminally just poor so osp towed it and the charges went to 600 in 5 hours. I couldnt get it til Monday cuz it was Friday so final charges were 800.

Posted by: Sherie in Salem, OR.	Posted: March 14th, 2019 02:03PM
Towed By: City of Salem Police Dept	Location: Wiltses towing
Reason Towed: Insured but didn't have Id card

The officer didn't have to TOW my car. I'm an upstanding citizen with No outstanding tickets or record of any kind. Had just purchased my car prior hadn't received cards.

Posted by: Angry poor guy in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.	Posted: January 19th, 2019 04:01PM
Towed By: Steves Towing	Location: Rancho Cucamonga
Reason Towed: Apartment

Parked in a location without a parking permit. Picked it up within 5 hours

Posted by: Pissed off Tenant in New Castle, DE.	Posted: January 19th, 2019 08:01AM
Towed By: J.N.A Towing & Parking Enforcement	Location: Wilmington Delaware
Reason Towed: Forgot to Display Permit

They charge different people different prices. Vehicle was parked less than 2 hrs and held by them from 1am- 9am SAME DAY

Posted by: a user in Redding, CA.	Posted: November 30th, 2018 08:11PM
Towed By: Premier towing	Location: California
Reason Towed: Recovered after it was stolen

It was towed to a lot in the local area. They charged me $750 after only having my Toyota Corolla for 4 hours.

Posted by: Dunn in Daly city, CA.	Posted: November 28th, 2018 02:11PM
Towed By: Broadmoor Tow	Location: Daly City Ca
Reason Towed: Parked in apartment garage

Literally less than a block away, lived at apartments for close to 9 years...I'm on fixed income. No visitor parking. Thanks for ruining my Xmas for my daughter. Have no money for the rest of the month to survive on.

Posted by: [email protected] in Jefferson City, TN.	Posted: November 12th, 2018 01:11AM
Towed By: Chrokee	Location: Jefferson City
Reason Towed: Incarcerated

Trying to get a round about price on what it's going to cost to get out today

Posted by: antyant1919 in Alexandria la 71303, LA.	Posted: October 31st, 2018 04:10AM
Towed By: Meto towing	Location: Alexandria la 71303
Reason Towed: Broke down on highway had to tow it

What will I need at tow company besides money for storage to have my non running vehicle towed to my house ,do I have to have insurance

Posted by: Tim the trucker in Richmond, IN.	Posted: October 23rd, 2018 08:10PM
Towed By: Pearson recovery service	Location: Dayton, in
Reason Towed: Private property unattended

I am a local truck driver who lives in lynn, Indiana 112 miles away.i parked at the circle k in Dayton, in. The vehicle was towed in less than 24 hours without a notice placed on the vehicle. According to I. c. 9-22-1 this is illegal in Indiana. There was no notice on the vehicle nor signs visible on the premises from that area. Also I had verbal permission to park there in the auto side parking. Also this co. Had the words "cash only" which isn't legal. When I spoke to local law enforcement I was told that the law didn't matter. I will be sueing for the allowed 4 times the fee.

Posted by: Cara Hoppis in San Diego, CA.	Posted: August 6th, 2018 12:08PM
Reason Towed: Abandoned car

Clancy's towing service towed my car with out my knowledge. My truck was stolen and I had reported it so they towed it after the police arrested th perps. I was not contacted until the next week and Clancy's put a lien on my credit until I paid them the money.

Posted by: Unexpected Tow in Lake Stevens, WA.	Posted: June 7th, 2018 03:06PM
Reason Towed: Abandoned untrue

My car was parked on the street in lake Stevens, wa along with other cars and mine was towed for being abandoned although I wrote on a board that it wasn't after someone wrote on my car abandoned please tow me. I didn't know if you parked a car legally on a street and had current tabs and was trying to get your car running that they tow after 72hours. The car down the street had a tow sticker on it but it's still parked in the same spot. The sticker was put on my car wed and was towed on wed.

Posted by: Andy Ward in Thornton, CO.	Posted: May 14th, 2018 09:05AM
Reason Towed: Wrong parking spot

Tried county towing are a bunch of cons. Dropped by a friend's to drop off some stuff was out of my car for 20 mins come back out and my car was gone. Then called the towing company the guy was rude wouldn't give me 5he address of where they were located. Then when I finally get the address and show up they proceed to tell me my car was not there so I hit my lock on my car and the horn honks. Then they tell me someone tried to break the lock and called police. Cops made them release my car. But overall tri county towing is full of rude workers and liars and management was a joke.

Page 3 of 3 - << Previous 1 23

External Resources:

www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/vol05_ch0261-0319/hrs0290/hrs_0290-0011.htm
www.sacpd.org/faq/tow/
www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/streets/supp_info/common_towing_questions.html
www.ci.chapel-hill.nc.us/index.aspx?page=1840
www.arlingtonva.us/departments/countymanager/page70255.aspx
askville.amazon.com/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=52509108
www.usa.gov/directory/stateconsumer/index.shtml