How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Car Out of Impound?

The hardest part of getting a towed car back is often the bill, and it grows every day the car sits. Here is what makes up the cost of getting your car out of impound, and how to keep it as low as possible.

What you are actually paying for

• Towing fee – a one-time charge for the tow itself. This commonly runs about $100 to $250, but varies widely by city and vehicle size.
• Daily storage fee – charged for every day (or part of a day) the car sits at the lot, often around $20 to $75 per day. This is what makes waiting so expensive.
• Release or administrative fees – some lots add a flat processing fee.
• Outstanding tickets or judgments – in some cities you must clear these before release (more below).

Actual amounts vary a lot by location and by whether a city pound or a private company towed the car, so always call the lot for your exact total before you go.

The NYC rule that can add hundreds

In New York City, if your unpaid parking tickets in judgment total more than $101, you must pay the Department of Finance all of that judgment debt and penalties before the pound will release your car, on top of the towing and storage. See how to find your towed car in NYC for the full process.

How to keep the cost down

• Act fast – the daily storage fee is the biggest variable. Every day counts.
• Confirm the total first – call the lot so you bring exactly the right payment and accepted method.
• Send someone if you cannot go – rather than let the car sit and rack up storage, send an authorized person with a notarized letter.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my impound bill so high?

Usually the daily storage fee, it adds up quickly, plus any tow fee, release fee, and (in NYC) outstanding judgment debt.

Can I avoid extra storage days by sending someone else?

Yes. Rather than wait, send an authorized person, see can someone else pick up my towed car?

What do I need to bring to pay and pick up?

See what to bring to pick up a towed car and the full impound retrieval steps.

This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Fees vary by city and facility; the figures here are typical ranges only, confirm the exact amount with the lot holding your vehicle.