How Much Is It to Get Car Out of Tow?

Having your car towed can be a stressful and often expensive experience. When you find yourself in this situation, one of the most immediate and pressing questions is, “how much is it to get car out of tow?” The answer isn’t always straightforward, as various factors can influence the final cost. This comprehensive guide aims to break down the typical expenses involved, what to expect during the retrieval process, and how you can potentially mitigate these costs. Understanding these details can help you navigate the situation with greater clarity and less financial shock.

Understanding the Components of Towing Costs

how much is it to get car out of tow
How Much Is It to Get Car Out of Tow?

The total cost to retrieve your towed vehicle is rarely a single flat fee. Instead, it’s usually an accumulation of several charges that can vary significantly based on location, the reason for the tow, and the impound lot’s policies. Here’s a breakdown of the common components:

1. The Initial Towing Fee (Hook-Up Fee)

This is the charge for the actual act of hooking your car to the tow truck and transporting it from the initial location to the impound lot. This fee often includes the truck dispatch, the labor involved in securing the vehicle, and the basic transport.
Average Cost: This can range from $75 to $150 for a standard tow, but specialized towing for larger vehicles, complex recovery (e.g., from a ditch), or after-hours service can push this higher, sometimes exceeding $250.

2. Mileage Charges

Some towing companies charge an additional fee per mile for the distance the vehicle is transported. This is less common for simple impound lot transfers within city limits but can apply if your car is towed a significant distance, especially if it’s from a remote location.
Average Cost: If applied, mileage charges typically fall between $2.50 to $5.00 per mile.

3. Storage Fees

This is often the most impactful daily charge, as it accumulates for every day (or part of a day) your car remains in the impound lot. Storage fees begin accruing immediately after the car arrives at the lot. The longer it takes you to retrieve your vehicle, the more expensive this portion becomes.
Average Cost: Daily storage fees can range from $30 to $100 per day. Some lots may charge a higher rate for the first 24 hours.

4. Administrative Fees

Impound lots and towing companies often charge administrative fees to cover the paperwork, record-keeping, and processing required for a towed vehicle. These are typically one-time charges.
Average Cost: Expect to pay an additional $20 to $75 for administrative costs.

5. After-Hours/Weekend Fees

If you attempt to retrieve your vehicle outside of normal business hours (e.g., late at night, on weekends, or holidays), many impound lots will charge an additional “gate fee” or after-hours release fee.
Average Cost: These fees can add an extra $50 to $150 to your total.

6. Lien Fees (for prolonged storage)

If your car remains in the impound lot for an extended period, the towing company may begin the process of placing a lien on the vehicle, eventually leading to its auction to recover costs. This process incurs significant additional fees for legal processing and notifications.
Cost: These fees can quickly add hundreds of dollars and are a strong incentive to retrieve your car as soon as possible.

Combining these components, how much is it to get car out of tow can easily range from $150 to $500 for a standard retrieval within the first 24 hours, and significantly more if the car is stored for longer or if special circumstances apply. For example, a car towed on a Friday evening and picked up on Monday morning could accrue multiple days of storage fees, plus weekend release fees.

Factors Influencing the Cost

how much is it to get car out of tow
How Much Is It to Get Car Out of Tow?

Beyond the basic components, several other factors can significantly impact the total amount you’ll pay:

Reason for the Tow

The reason your car was towed plays a crucial role.
Parking Violations: Tows for illegal parking (e.g., fire lane, handicapped spot, expired meter, private property trespassing) are common and typically involve standard fees.
Traffic Violations: More serious offenses like reckless driving, DUI, or expired registration/plates can lead to police-initiated tows. These often involve higher initial fees and might require additional steps (like a police hold) before release.
Accident Recovery: If your car is towed after an accident, especially if it’s heavily damaged, the towing process can be more complex, requiring specialized equipment or additional personnel, leading to higher costs.
Breakdown/Mechanical Failure: If you called a tow yourself, the costs are usually negotiated directly with the towing company. If a police officer calls the tow due to your car blocking traffic, it’s treated similarly to a violation tow.

Location and Local Regulations

Towing fees are often regulated at the state, county, or municipal level. Larger cities tend to have higher maximum allowable fees due to increased operational costs. Conversely, rural areas might have lower base fees but higher mileage charges if the impound lot is far. It’s crucial to check local ordinances for maximum allowable towing and storage fees. Some states also have laws regarding notification and release times.

Type of Vehicle

Larger, heavier vehicles (trucks, SUVs, commercial vehicles) or those requiring specialized equipment (e.g., flatbed tow, heavy-duty tow) will incur higher towing and storage fees. Motorcycles might sometimes have different rates as well.

Time of Day and Week

As mentioned, retrieving your vehicle during off-hours, weekends, or holidays almost always comes with an additional surcharge. The urgency of needing your vehicle might force you to pay these extra fees.

Duration of Storage

This is perhaps the biggest variable. Every 24-hour period your vehicle is stored adds to the bill. Delaying retrieval for just a few days can double or triple the initial cost. After a certain period (e.g., 30-60 days, depending on local laws), the impound lot may initiate a lien sale process, and you could lose your vehicle entirely.

The Process of Retrieving Your Towed Car

Once you discover your car has been towed, knowing the steps to retrieve it can save you time and additional fees.

1. Confirm Your Car Was Towed and Locate It

  • Check for Signs: Look for “No Parking” signs or signs indicating towing enforcement.
  • Call Non-Emergency Police Line: If you suspect it was a municipal tow (e.g., for a parking violation or traffic incident), call your local non-emergency police or sheriff’s department. They can confirm if your car was towed and which impound lot it was taken to.
  • Call Towing Companies: If you parked on private property, the property owner might have called a specific towing company. Call local towing services.

2. Gather Necessary Documents

Before heading to the impound lot, ensure you have:
Proof of Ownership: Vehicle title, registration, or a notarized bill of sale.
Valid Photo Identification: Driver’s license or state ID.
Proof of Insurance: Current insurance card.
Cash or Credit Card: Be prepared to pay the fees. Many impound lots prefer or only accept cash for immediate release.

3. Head to the Impound Lot

Once you have the location and your documents, go to the impound lot as soon as possible. Be prepared for potentially long wait times, especially if it’s a busy period.

4. Pay the Fees and Retrieve Your Vehicle

Present your documents, pay all accumulated fees, and you should be able to retrieve your vehicle. Before driving away, inspect your car thoroughly for any new damage. If you find any, document it with photos and report it to the impound lot management immediately.

5. Get a Receipt

Always request a detailed, itemized receipt showing all charges, the date, and the time of release. This is crucial for your records and if you need to dispute any charges later.

What to Do If You Can’t Afford the Towing Fees

The financial burden of towing fees can be significant. If you find yourself unable to pay, here are a few options:

  • Act Quickly: The longer you wait, the higher the storage fees. Explore all options immediately.
  • Negotiate: While impound lots are not usually flexible on regulated fees, it doesn’t hurt to ask if there’s any grace period or payment plan option, especially if the tow was due to a minor oversight. This is rare but worth a try.
  • Borrow Money: Friends, family, or short-term loans might be necessary to avoid accumulating more fees and potentially losing your car.
  • Sell the Vehicle (as a last resort): If the fees become exorbitant and exceed the car’s value, you might consider signing over the title to the towing company or selling it to a junkyard to cover some costs. However, this is a drastic measure and often means you walk away with nothing or even owe a small balance.
  • Dispute the Tow: If you believe your car was towed illegally or unfairly, you can dispute the tow. This usually involves paying the fees to retrieve your car first, then filing a complaint with the appropriate regulatory body (e.g., local consumer protection agency, police department, or city council) or taking legal action in small claims court. Gather all evidence, such as photos of signage, parking permits, and receipts.

Avoiding Future Tows and Unnecessary Costs

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to towing. Here are tips to avoid getting your car towed:

  • Park Legally: Always adhere to parking signs, curb markings, and local ordinances.
  • Understand Private Property Rules: If parking on private property, ensure you have permission or that you’re parking in designated visitor spots. Property owners have the right to tow vehicles trespassing or parked illegally.
  • Check Your Registration and Tags: Keep your vehicle registration current and ensure your license plates and inspection stickers are up to date. Expired tags are a common reason for police-initiated tows.
  • Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns that could lead to your car being abandoned and towed.
  • Don’t Drink and Drive: DUIs are a major cause of police-initiated tows, along with severe legal consequences.
  • Know Your Local Towing Laws: Familiarize yourself with local towing regulations and maximum fees in your area. Knowledge is power.
  • Utilize Parking Apps: Many cities have apps that show available parking and highlight restrictions.

Remember, responsible car ownership extends to understanding parking rules and vehicle maintenance. Ensuring your car is always legally parked and in good working order minimizes the chances of facing the hassle and expense of a tow. For all your car repair and maintenance needs, along with useful car tips, visit maxmotorsmissouri.com.

How to Dispute a Towing Charge

If you believe your car was towed improperly or that the charges are excessive, you have the right to dispute it. Here’s a general approach:

  1. Retrieve Your Vehicle First: In most cases, you must pay the fees and retrieve your vehicle to stop accumulating storage charges. Document everything when you pick up the car.
  2. Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant evidence, including:
    • Photos of where your car was parked (showing lack of proper signage, valid permit, etc.).
    • Copies of your parking permit, registration, and insurance.
    • The detailed, itemized receipt from the towing company/impound lot.
    • Witness statements, if available.
  3. Contact the Towing Company/Impound Lot: Start by formally requesting a review of your case and explaining why you believe the tow was unlawful or the charges are incorrect. This might be a dead end, but it’s a necessary first step.
  4. File a Formal Complaint: Depending on your location, you can file a complaint with:
    • Local Police Department (Traffic Division): If it was a municipal tow.
    • State or Local Consumer Protection Agency: These agencies often handle complaints against businesses, including towing companies.
    • Better Business Bureau (BBB): While not a regulatory body, a BBB complaint can sometimes motivate a company to resolve an issue.
    • Local Department of Transportation (DOT) or Public Utilities Commission (PUC): In some areas, these agencies regulate towing services.
  5. Small Claims Court: If all other avenues fail, you might consider taking the towing company to small claims court. This allows you to sue for the amount you paid and any damages incurred. You’ll need strong evidence and a clear understanding of local towing laws.

Important Considerations After Your Car Is Towed

Beyond the immediate financial aspect, there are a few other things to keep in mind:

Potential for Damage

Towing, if not done properly, can cause damage to your vehicle. This is why inspecting your car thoroughly upon retrieval is crucial. Modern vehicles with all-wheel drive or low clearances require specific towing methods (e.g., flatbed). If a tow truck operator uses an incorrect method, it can damage the drivetrain, suspension, or undercarriage. Document any pre-existing damage with photos on your phone before you leave your car parked to potentially compare it with any new damage after a tow.

Vehicle Security

While in the impound lot, your vehicle should be secure. However, it’s wise to remove any valuables before leaving your car unattended in areas where towing is a risk. Impound lots are generally secure facilities, but it’s an added layer of precaution.

Insurance Implications

Tows due to illegal parking or traffic violations typically don’t involve your car insurance. However, if your car was towed after an accident, the towing and storage fees might be covered under your collision or comprehensive insurance, depending on your policy and who was at fault. Contact your insurance provider promptly if this is the case.

Preventing a Lien and Loss of Vehicle

If you cannot retrieve your car quickly, be aware of the laws regarding abandoned vehicles and liens in your state. Towing companies typically have the right to sell an unclaimed vehicle after a certain period to cover their accumulated costs. This period can be as short as 15-30 days in some jurisdictions. You will be notified by mail (if your address is current), but missing these notices can lead to losing your car.

Conclusion

The question of “how much is it to get car out of tow” involves more than just a simple fee; it encompasses a range of charges including towing, storage, and administrative costs, all influenced by factors like the reason for the tow, location, and how quickly you retrieve your vehicle. While a basic tow can start at around $150-$200, costs can escalate rapidly with daily storage fees and other surcharges, potentially reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars if delays occur. Being informed about these potential expenses, understanding the retrieval process, and taking steps to avoid illegal parking are your best defenses against this often frustrating and costly experience.

Last Updated on October 10, 2025 by Cristian Steven

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