Written by: Shir Amram
When your car is impounded and you find yourself unable to afford to get it back, it can feel like an overwhelming situation. But don’t worry—there are various assistance programs and strategies to help you get your car back from the impound lot without falling deeper into financial strain. This article covers how to locate financial aid, reduce towing fees, and even negotiate fee waivers to reclaim your vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Locating assistance programs: Government agencies, non-profits, and community action organizations often have programs to help cover impound fees and offer payment plans.
- Financial aid options: Loans like personal loans or payday loans can be quick solutions, but they come with high interest rates, so it’s important to weigh the options carefully.
- Legal assistance: Free legal aid can help if you need to dispute impound fees or towing charges, potentially leading to them being waived or reduced.
- Negotiation strategies: Towing companies may offer discounts or flexible payment plans, especially if you communicate your financial hardship clearly.
How Do I Find My Towed Car?
Locating your towed car can be a stressful experience, but knowing the right steps can make the process smoother. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Contact Local Authorities: Start by reaching out to your local police department or city’s non-emergency number to inquire about your vehicle. They can provide information on which impound lot your car has been taken to.
- Check Online Resources: Visit your city’s official website. Many municipalities have online databases where you can search for impounded cars by entering your license plate number.
- Confirm Details with the Impound Lot: Once you locate your car, contact the impound lot to confirm the required documents and fees.
- Prepare Necessary Documents: Typically, you’ll need to present proof of car insurance, vehicle registration, and a valid driver’s license to retrieve your car.
Following these steps can help you quickly and efficiently get your car back.
Why Did a Towing Company Impound My Car?
If your car has been towed and impounded, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Each year, millions of vehicles are towed for various reasons. Knowing the common causes of impoundment can help you understand why it happened and how to handle it. Here are some common reasons why your car might have been towed:
Towed From Public Property
If you’ve parked illegally on public property, your vehicle may be towed. Common situations that lead to impoundment include parking in spaces that block intersections, driveways, or traffic lanes. Parking in a spot meant for a specific use, such as a designated lot for customers of a business, can also result in towing. Publicly owned or controlled parking areas often have strict regulations that, if not followed, may lead to your car being towed to an impound lot.
Towed From Private Property
Property owners, especially in residential areas, have the right to tow vehicles that are parked illegally on their premises, as long as they have proper signage. A visible sign must be posted at the entrance of the property to indicate that unauthorized vehicles will be towed. If the vehicle is left unattended for more than 24 hours on private property without a towing sign, it can still be towed. Be sure to check any posted signs if you’re parking on private land.
Unpaid Tickets and Fees
Unpaid parking tickets, speeding violations, or unpaid DMV registration fees can also lead to your car being impounded. If you’ve accumulated multiple unpaid tickets, cities often have the authority to tow your vehicle. For example, in Chicago, if you have three or more unpaid parking tickets, your car could be booted and towed to an impound lot, and you would need to pay the impound fees to recover it.
Driving Without Car Insurance
In most states, having car insurance is mandatory, and driving without it can result in severe consequences. If you’re caught driving without insurance and don’t have proof of coverage, your car may be impounded. The only exceptions are New Hampshire and Virginia, where auto insurance isn’t required. But if you’re driving in any other state and lack insurance, your car could be towed as a result of a traffic stop.
No Driver’s License or Expired License
If you’re caught driving without a valid driver’s license, your car can be impounded. Police officers have the authority to tow your vehicle if you fail to present a valid driver’s license during a traffic stop. Additionally, if your license is expired or suspended, your car may also be impounded. This can lead to fines, additional penalties, and even possible jail time, depending on your state’s laws.
Understanding the reasons behind impoundment can help you avoid such situations in the future and guide you in getting your car back from the impound lot.
What Is an Impound Fee?
When your car gets towed, it usually incurs several towing and impound fees, which may include the towing fee, daily storage fees, and administrative charges. Towing fees can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the location, type of vehicle, and how far it was towed. Storage fees, on top of that, can accumulate quickly, sometimes adding $20–$50 per day.
Understanding the breakdown of these costs is crucial to finding ways to lower or avoid them. Let’s explore the main types of fees you might face when your car is impounded:
Towing Fees
Towing fees are typically charged for the transportation of your car to the impound lot. These fees vary based on distance, the size of the vehicle, and whether the towing company uses a flatbed or a regular tow truck. Additionally, flatbed fees may apply, and certain financial assistance programs can help low-income individuals by waiving these flatbed fees along with storage and towing fees for eligible applicants.
Storage Fees
Storage fees are daily charges that accumulate as long as your car remains in the impound lot. These fees can quickly add up, so it’s important to address your impounded car situation as soon as possible.
Other Fees
Other fees could include administrative fees, which are often added by the impound lot, and sometimes fees for retrieving your car outside of normal business hours.
How to Get Your Car Out of Impound with No Money
Facing financial hardship can make getting your car out of impound feel impossible. However, there are still options to consider:
1. Contact Local Government Agencies
Local government programs often provide relief for individuals in financial distress. Some cities and counties offer impound fee waivers, installment payment plans, or hardship programs. You’ll need to contact local law enforcement or the impound lot directly to explain your situation.
Be sure to explain your financial hardship—many programs are available for people who qualify based on income. By showing proof of income, such as pay stubs, you might be eligible for assistance.
2. Seek Financial Assistance from Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations frequently offer financial aid for people who need help paying off impound fees. These organizations can either provide direct funding or direct you to additional resources that may help with the payment process. Individuals earning below 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify for such assistance.
3. Explore Short-Term Loan Options
If you’re desperate to pay the fees but can’t afford them upfront, consider a short-term payday loan or a personal loan. While payday loans can offer quick cash, they often come with high-interest rates, so only use this option if you’re confident you can repay it quickly. Personal loans, on the other hand, may have better terms but take longer to process.
The approval process for these loans can vary, but payday loans typically have a faster approval process, making them suitable for urgent financial situations.
4. Negotiate With the Towing Company
Tow company negotiation is often an overlooked option. You can contact the towing company directly to inquire about fee reductions or flexible payment options. Some towing companies might offer discounts for paying in cash or allow you to pay in installments if you explain your situation.
5. Utilize Free Legal Assistance
If you feel the fees are unfair or that your car was wrongfully impounded, free legal assistance might help. Non-profit legal organizations and community action agencies can provide legal aid at no cost to help you contest the charges and potentially have some fees waived.
Ways to Get Impound Fees Waived or Reduced
You might be able to have impound fees waived or reduced by proving financial hardship or contesting the impound at the impound yard. Here’s how:
1. Apply for Hardship Programs
Many cities offer hardship programs that reduce or waive fees for people facing significant financial difficulties. These programs usually require proof of income or other financial documentation. Be prepared to show that paying the fees would cause undue hardship.
2. Dispute Towing Fees
In some cases, you may be able to dispute the towing charges if you believe the vehicle was towed unfairly or unlawfully. Depending on your location, you may be able to request a hearing or file a complaint with your local government.
Other Financial Options for Getting Your Car Out of Impound
If you have no immediate funds available to cover your fees, there are still ways to get your car out of the impound lot.
1. Borrowing from Friends and Family
One of the quickest ways to get the cash you need is to ask friends or family members for a loan. If this is an option, be sure to discuss repayment terms clearly so that both parties are on the same page.
2. Title Loans
If you own your car outright, a title loan can help you get the funds you need to pay impound fees. This option allows you to borrow money using your car’s title as collateral. However, keep in mind that if you don’t repay the loan, the lender may seize your car.
3. Crowdfunding or Online Fundraising
Another option to consider is setting up a crowdfunding campaign. Some people use GoFundMe or other platforms to raise funds for personal emergencies, including getting their car out of impound.
How to Avoid Future Impound Fees
Once you get your car back, it’s important to avoid getting into a similar situation in the future. Here are a few steps you can take to avoid impound fees down the line:
1. Pay Parking Tickets and Fines
Stay up-to-date with parking tickets, fines, and potential tow fees to prevent them from accumulating. If you can’t afford to pay them immediately, ask about a payment plan or other options to avoid your car being impounded.
2. Set Up Payment Reminders
You can avoid unpaid parking tickets and other fines by setting reminders to pay them before the due date. Many municipalities offer online payment systems that allow you to pay tickets and fines on time, preventing your car from being towed.
3. Use Parking Apps
There are several parking apps available that provide alerts for parking rules and availability. Using these apps can help you avoid tickets and impoundments by keeping you informed about parking restrictions.
Conclusion
Finding financial assistance for impound fees is possible, even if you’re in a tight spot. Whether you explore local government assistance, legal options, or borrowing from family, there are numerous ways to get your car back.
It’s crucial to take quick action and explore all available resources to reduce the financial burden. By planning ahead and using the strategies outlined above, you can avoid impound fees in the future and manage the process more effectively.
If you consider taking a loan, you can fill out our short online form to see how much money you can get with no obligations, providing a quick and easy way to explore your financial options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 30 Day Impound Law in California?
In California, the 30-day impound law allows law enforcement to impound vehicles for up to 30 days if the driver is found driving without a valid license, with a suspended or revoked license, or if the vehicle is involved in certain illegal activities. This law aims to deter unlicensed driving and enhance road safety.
During this period, the car remains in the impound lot, and the owner is responsible for any towing and storage fees incurred. It’s important to address the underlying issues, such as resolving license suspensions, to avoid prolonged impoundment and additional charges.
What Are My Rights If My Car Is Towed in California?
In California, you have several rights when your car is towed. You have the right to be notified of the reason for the tow and the location of your vehicle. You can request a hearing within 10 days to contest the tow. You are also entitled to retrieve personal belongings from your car without paying the fees upfront. Always request a detailed invoice from the towing company to ensure transparency in the charges.
What Happens If a Financed Car Is Impounded?
When a financed car is impounded, you must continue making loan payments to avoid default. Inform your lender about the situation, as they may offer guidance or temporary relief. Retrieve your vehicle quickly to minimize storage fees, and review your loan agreement for any clauses related to impoundment.
If needed, seek legal advice to understand your rights and obligations. Taking prompt action and communicating with your lender can help you manage the situation effectively.
Can I Get a Title Loan If My Car Was Towed?
Typically, you cannot get a title loan on a car that has already been towed and is in an impound lot. This is because the lender cannot assess the vehicle’s condition, making it a risky investment for them. However, if you have another qualifying vehicle, you may be able to use it as collateral for a car title loan. While getting a title loan on an impounded car is rare, using a different car as collateral is often the more viable option.
What is the Difference Between Towed and Impound?
“Towed” refers to moving a vehicle, often due to illegal parking or breakdowns. “Impound” means the towed vehicle is held in a secure lot until fees are paid and legal issues are resolved. Impoundment usually involves legal infractions like unpaid tickets or lack of insurance. Knowing the difference helps in efficiently retrieving your car.
Written by
Shir Amram
Shir Amram is a senior loan officer at Montana Capital Car Title Loans. With over 10 years of experience in the finance industry, Shir has been an asset in her role and has contributed significantly to our company’s success, Shir’s academic background in economics and financial knowledge helps us fulfill our education mission as she creates a valuable content to our blog.