How Much Is It to Get Car Out of Towing?

Imagine stepping out of a grocery store with your hands full, only to find an empty space where your car used to be. That sinking feeling is all too real. Your car’s been towed, and now you’re scrambling to figure out what just happened—and more importantly, how much is it to get car out of towing?

This article will walk you through everything you need to know: the costs, the process, the reasons behind towing, and how to avoid it. We’ll break down complicated terms into plain language, share real-life stories, and sprinkle in some friendly advice to help you feel confident—even in a stressful moment like this.

Why Was My Car Towed in the First Place?

Before we get to the numbers, let’s talk about the “why.” Cars don’t just vanish for no reason.

Here are some of the common reasons cars get towed:

• Illegal parking (red zone, fire lane, blocking a driveway)

• Unpaid parking tickets piling up

• Expired registration

• Car accident (and left at the scene)

• Police impoundment for investigations

• Private property violations (like parking in a business lot after hours)

In big cities, towing is quick and unforgiving. I’ve seen friends have their cars towed within 15 minutes of parking somewhere they shouldn’t have. One even got towed while grabbing coffee because she didn’t see a small “no parking” sign.

How Much Is It to Get Car Out of Towing?

A Breakdown of Average Towing Costs

Let’s face it—getting your car out of towing isn’t cheap. The cost varies depending on the city, the reason for towing, and how long your vehicle stays in the impound lot.

Here’s a basic table to give you a clear idea:

➡️ Typical total cost: $150 to $500+, depending on how fast you act.

Let’s say your car was towed 15 miles, and you pick it up two days later. You might be paying:

• $150 towing

• $50 in mileage

• $50/day storage × 2 = $100

• $75 admin fee
  Total: $375

And that’s if you act fast. Some cities hike fees daily. In places like Los Angeles or New York City, the longer your car sits in the impound lot, the more painful the bill gets. It’s almost like a hotel stay you never booked.

Factors That Affect Towing Costs

Costs aren’t fixed. Here are some variables that play a huge role in how much you’ll pay to get your car back:

1. Location

Urban areas tend to have higher towing and storage fees. For instance, New York or San Francisco may charge double compared to a smaller town in the Midwest.

2. Time of Day

Was your car towed late at night? Expect a higher after-hours release fee if you want it back outside business hours.

3. Towing Company

Private towing companies often set their own prices—especially in private property towing cases. And yes, they can charge more than municipal rates.

4. Vehicle Size

Bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, or vans may cost more to tow than a small sedan.

5. How Long It’s Been in the Lot

Storage fees add up daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.

6. Local Laws

Some states have strict regulations; others leave pricing more open. For example, Texas caps fees for non-consent tows, while Florida allows more flexibility.

My Personal Story: Learning the Hard Way

Back in college, I once parked in a lot with a “Permit Required” sign I didn’t see. I returned an hour later and—boom—my car was gone. I panicked, called the police (they told me it was towed), then contacted the towing yard. They told me the fee was $240 plus $45/day storage. I didn’t have that kind of cash. So I waited a few days to get paid. By then, the cost ballooned to over $400. Painful lesson.

Here’s what I learned:

• Act fast. Every day costs more.

• Read every sign. Don’t assume just because others are parked, it’s allowed.

• Keep your paperwork handy. You’ll need ID, registration, and proof of insurance to claim your car.

What to Do Immediately After Your Car Gets Towed

So your car’s gone. Here’s a checklist to help you move fast:

✅ Stay Calm and Gather Information

Did you see a sign nearby? Were there any posted rules? Did you park on private property?

✅ Call the Local Police Department

They’ll often tell you if your car was towed and where it is. It’s a better first call than randomly Googling tow yards.

✅ Contact the Tow Yard

Once you know the company, call them immediately. Ask for:

• Total fee

• Operating hours

• Required documents

✅ Go Quickly

Even waiting a single day can add $50–$100 to your bill. If you can’t go yourself, some yards allow a friend to retrieve it if you give written permission.

Documents You’ll Likely Need to Get Your Car Back

When you ask “how much is it to get car out of towing,” also ask what do I need to bring? You don’t want to show up empty-handed.

Here’s a list of documents most towing lots require:

• Government-issued photo ID

• Car registration

• Proof of insurance

• Tow receipt (or reference number)

• Payment (cash, debit/credit—some places don’t accept checks)

⚠️ Tip: If your wallet was in the car, ask the yard to retrieve it. Some won’t let you inside the vehicle until the bill is paid.

Can I Dispute a Towing Charge?

Yes—and no. If your car was wrongfully towed (say, it was legally parked), you can challenge the fee. Most cities allow you to:

• File a dispute form or appeal

• Request a tow hearing

• Provide photos or documents proving your case

But here’s the catch: you still have to pay upfront in most cases, then seek a refund. It’s frustrating, I know.

Quick Summary of Towing Fee Costs

Let’s recap the essentials:

• Base tow fee: $100–$250

• Daily storage: $20–$75

• After-hours or admin fees: $30–$150

• Mileage charges: $2.50–$7 per mile

Total cost to retrieve your car = $150–$500+, depending on speed and location.

How to Avoid Getting Towed Again

Once you’ve been towed, it’s a lesson you won’t forget. The costs sting, but the inconvenience is worse—lost time, missed work, the stress of tracking down your car. Luckily, there are some very practical ways to avoid ever having to ask how much is it to get car out of towing again.

Read Every Sign (Even the Small Ones)

Most towing signs are not billboard-sized. They’re often posted at the entrance of a lot, near the corner, or on a nearby pole. Scan for words like “Permit Only,” “Tow-Away Zone,” or “No Overnight Parking.”

Use Parking Apps

Apps like ParkMobile or SpotHero don’t just help you pay—they often alert you to restricted areas. Some apps even let you report towing hotspots.

Set Reminders

If you’re parked in a 2-hour zone, set a timer on your phone. Sounds silly, but it works. Many people get towed just because they lost track of time.

Don’t Assume It’s Safe

Just because other cars are parked there, doesn’t mean it’s legal. They may have permits—or they may get towed minutes after you.

Can You Negotiate Towing Fees? Yes, Sometimes.

If you’re thinking the cost feels unfair, you’re not alone. Many people want to know if there’s a way to lower towing or impound fees.

Here’s the truth: It depends.

✅ When You Might Get a Discount:

• If the towing was accidental or wrongful

• If you were in a medical emergency

• If the tow yard employee is sympathetic and has flexibility

• If you’re willing to pay in full immediately

Some cities even have low-income hardship waivers. You’ll need to ask directly and be polite. It never hurts to explain your situation. Just like dealing with customer service—kindness can go a long way.

How Long Before They Sell or Scrap My Car?

This is a nightmare scenario: You can’t pay the fee fast enough, and now you’re scared the yard will auction off your car.

Here’s what usually happens:

• Most states require a notice before a vehicle is sold—often by mail.

• The waiting period ranges from 10 to 30 days, depending on the state.

• After that, the towing company can sell your car at auction to cover their costs.

So, what should you do?

• Communicate. Call and ask how long you have.

• Try to arrange partial payment or borrow money to avoid losing your vehicle.

You can also dispute the lien, but that takes time and legal knowledge.

Laws That Protect You (State by State Differences)

Each U.S. state sets its own rules. Some protect drivers more than others.

Here’s a quick look at how local laws affect towing fees:

Always check your state or city’s website for updated towing laws.

Real-Life Stories That Hit Home

“Towed at My Own Apartment”

James, a college student, parked in his complex’s guest spot thinking it was fine. He woke up to find his car gone—and a $390 bill. Turns out, his guest tag expired 3 hours earlier. Now, he triple-checks his parking permit every night.

“My Car Was Towed While I Was Sick”

Maria was hospitalized unexpectedly. She left her car parked on the street for five days. When she got out, it was gone. The city told her it had been towed due to “abandoned vehicle” laws. Thankfully, she showed hospital records and was able to get most of the fees waived.

Moral of the story? Life happens. And sometimes, city policies can feel cold. But it’s worth asking for compassion.

FAQs on Getting a Car Out of Towing

❓ 1. How much is it to get car out of towing after one day?

Expect to pay $150–$300 for a typical 1-day impound. It includes a flat towing fee and one day of storage.

❓ 2. What if I can’t afford to pay the towing fee?

You might:

• Request a payment plan

• Ask about hardship waivers

• Borrow funds or use emergency assistance programs

• Let it go—but risk losing your car to auction

❓ 3. Can my insurance cover towing fees?

Yes—if your car was towed after an accident. But not if it was parked illegally. Check your comprehensive or roadside assistance coverage.

❓ 4. Can I get my personal items from my towed car?

Usually yes, but only after showing ID. Some places won’t let you access the car until the bill is paid.

❓ 5. How long do I have to pick up my towed car?

It varies by state. On average, 10–30 days before it’s sold. But the fees increase daily.

❓ 6. Who do I call to find my towed car?

Start with the local police department’s non-emergency line. They can look it up by license plate.

❓ 7. Can I dispute a towing fee?

Yes, especially if the tow was wrongful. Contact your city’s towing division or file a dispute form online.

❓ 8. Is it legal to tow without warning?

In some cases, yes—especially if you’re blocking a fire lane, violating permit rules, or parking in a tow-away zone.

Final Thoughts: Your Car, Your Responsibility

Let’s be honest—no one wants to deal with getting their car towed. It’s expensive, frustrating, and always seems to happen at the worst time.

But here’s the thing: you have more power than you think. By knowing the rules, acting fast, and staying calm, you can minimize the damage. And most importantly, you can avoid getting towed again.

Key Reminders:

• Watch where you park

• Know your local laws

• Move fast once your car is towed

• Always ask if discounts are available

• Keep essential documents ready

The next time someone panics and asks, “How much is it to get car out of towing?”, you’ll be the calm, collected friend who knows exactly what to do—and how to help them save a few hundred bucks in the process.