How much is it to get a car out of impound?

We all make mistakes now and then—it's just part of being human. Some slip-ups don’t cause much trouble, but others, like breaking traffic laws, can have serious consequences. For instance, if you’re caught driving without a valid licence or while driving under the influence, there’s a good chance your car will be impounded by the authorities.

If that’s happened to you, you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to cost to get your impounded vehicle back and what steps you need to take. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down what you need to know about vehicle impoundment and how to handle it.

Vehicle impoundment fees

The cost to get your car out of impound can vary depending on a few things—like why it was impounded, how long it’s been sitting there, and whether the towing company or impound lot is handling it. Plus, where you are in Canada plays a big role in the price.

When getting your vehicle out of impoundment, you're likely to face several types of impound fees, such as towing and storage costs, admin fees, and other fees like fines or penalties. These fees are set by the tow truck company or impound lot—not the police—and are the responsibility of the registered owner of the vehicle. For example, here's what you can expect if you live in Ontario:

Towing fees

This covers the cost of towing your vehicle to the impound lot. The fee usually depends on your gross vehicle weight, the towing distance, and other factors, with fees typically ranging from $100 to $200 or more. For example, you may have to pay an extra fee per kilometre if the impoundment lot is a far distance away.

Storage fees

The longer your car stays in impound, the more you’ll pay in storage fees, which can add up daily—anywhere from $50 to $100 or more per day. Picking up your car as soon as possible can save you a lot here.

Admin fees

Many impound lots charge administrative fees for different services. For example, to process the release of your vehicle, it's usually around $50 to $100. Some impound lots may also charge a fee just to notify the owner of the vehicle that it's been impounded at their lot. This could be around $100-$150.

Other fees

If your car was impounded due to legal issues like driving violations or unpaid fines, you’ll need to settle those as well. For example, unpaid parking tickets or other infractions, like speeding tickets, may come with their own set of costs.

How long can my vehicle be impounded?

Again, this depends on things like where in Canada you live and why your vehicle was impounded. Let's break it down by province:

How do I get my impounded car back?

Getting impounded vehicles back requires a few steps, so here’s what you need to do:

1. Contact the impound lot

First, find out where your car is being held. Call the impound lot to confirm the location, get details on fees, understand what paperwork you’ll need, and check their hours of operation.

2. Gather the right documentation

To prove the vehicle is yours, you’ll usually need documents like your vehicle title, a valid driver’s licence, proof of insurance, and current registration. Double-check with the impound lot for any additional requirements.

3. Resolve the reason for impoundment

If your car was impounded because of unpaid fines, a suspended licence, or another legal issue, you’ll need to take care of that first. This might involve contacting the appropriate authorities or settling any outstanding tickets.

4. Pay the fees

Be ready to pay towing and storage fees, which can add up quickly, especially if your car has been on the lot for several days.

5. Act quickly

Time is of the essence. Storage fees can accumulate daily, and if your car isn’t claimed within a certain timeframe, it could be auctioned or scrapped. Since procedures and costs can vary by location, reach out to the impound lot or your local law enforcement for exact details.

Can I appeal an impoundment?

Yes, you can usually appeal a vehicle impoundment, and if your appeal is successful, you might be able to get a refund for the towing and storage fees. However, the appeal process and rules can differ depending on the province. Here's how it works in Alberta and Ontario:

Alberta

In Alberta, you can appeal a vehicle impoundment for several reasons, such as:

• The driver wasn’t served with a notice of suspension or disqualification.
• The vehicle owner wasn’t the one driving, and the vehicle was used without their permission (express or implied).
• The owner wasn’t driving the vehicle when it was seized and couldn’t have known it was being driven in a way that would lead to a disqualification.
• The driver hasn’t been served with a notice of suspension or disqualification under section 88 of the Traffic Safety Act.

If you want to apply for a vehicle seizure review, you need to act fast—you have until 11:59 pm the day before the vehicle’s scheduled release. For drivers, there’s a non-refundable $150 application fee, while affected individuals pay $50.

To start the process, you can use the SafeRoads portal or visit a participating Alberta registry agent. From there, you’ll choose a date for your review and submit your application to be evaluated by an adjudicator.

Ontario

In Ontario, you can only appeal impoundments related to Criminal Code suspensions, like a 45-day impoundment. Unfortunately, appeals aren’t allowed for 7-day impoundments. You might be able to appeal if:

• The driver’s licence wasn’t suspended due to a Criminal Code conviction.
• The vehicle was stolen and impounded at the time.
• The vehicle owner did everything they could to verify the driver’s record with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and confirmed the driver had a valid licence and wasn’t under an ignition interlock condition from a Criminal Code conviction.
• Losing access to the vehicle would create significant hardship.

To start an appeal, you’ll need to pay a non-refundable fee of $106 and file a Licence Appeal Tribunal form.

Will my car insurance cover my impound fees?

Usually, the answer is no. When your car gets impounded, it’s often because of things like committing a criminal traffic violation, getting arrested, driving under the influence, or unpaid parking tickets—and these aren’t typically covered by car insurance.

That said, there are exceptions. For example, if your car is towed and impounded after an accident because it’s blocking the road, your collision coverage might cover the towing fees. If you’ve been in an accident and your vehicle was taken to an impound lot, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance company right away. They may even arrange to have your car moved somewhere with lower storage fees.

Another example is if your car was stolen and the authorities found it and had it towed to an impound lot. In this case, your comprehensive coverage may cover some of the fees since vehicle theft is typically covered by your comprehensive coverage.

To be sure about what’s covered, it’s always best to check with your insurance company or broker. They can clarify the details of your towing coverage and what’s included in your policy.

Do I need car insurance to get my vehicle out of impound?

Yes, in Canada, you need valid car insurance to get your car out of impound. It’s illegal to drive a vehicle without insurance, so you won’t be allowed to remove it from the lot unless your coverage is up to date. In Canada, valid car insurance typically includes some variation of:

• Liability car insurance
• Accident benefits coverage
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Direct compensation—property damage

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure your insurance is active and meets these requirements to avoid any delays.

Contact BrokerLink today

If your vehicle has been impounded and you need proper car insurance to get it out of the impound lot, reach out to BrokerLink. Our expert insurance agents are here to find you the best coverage at the right price and answer any questions you may have.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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