When the impound fees are more than the car is worth
What happens if you leave a car at the impound lot, how lien sales work, and your options when storage fees pass the car value.
The fees keep growing
Daily storage adds up quickly. After a few weeks the bill can pass what an older car is worth. Use the calculator to see the total for a given pickup date.
If you walk away
The lot can eventually sell the car to cover the bill through a lien or abandoned vehicle sale, after sending notice. In some states you can still owe the difference if the sale brings in less than the bill, and it can go to collections. Leaving it is not always free.
Your options
- Get it out now, before more days are added.
- Ask the lot whether they will accept a title signover to settle the bill. Some do.
- Get a cash offer from a buyer that purchases cars in impound and pays the fees as part of the deal.
- Get your personal belongings out first. Many states let you do this without paying.
Your state rules · Fee calculator · City lookups
Think the tow or the bill was wrong?
Ask the lot for an itemized receipt, compare it to the legal limits, and request a hearing before the deadline. Our step-by-step guide and calculator are free.
Questions
What happens if I never pick up my towed car?
After the notice period in your state the lot can sell it at a lien sale. Depending on the state, you may still be billed for any amount the sale did not cover.