How Much Are Impound Fees in Alaska?
Getting a car out of impound in Alaska usually means an initial tow of $150-$350 plus daily storage of $20-$60/day. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
Rate caps exist only at the municipal level. Anchorage Municipal Code Ch. 9.54 (AMC 9.54.030, "Nonconsensual tow rates and allowable fees") caps nonconsensual/PPI tow-and-transport at $235 light-duty (GVWR <=10,000 lb), $335 medium-duty (10,000-29,999 lb), and $200/hr heavy-duty (>=30,000 lb), with on-scene release fees capped at $50 unloaded / $75 loaded; it also auto-escalates fees by Anchorage CPI-U + 5% if unchanged for 5 years. These apply to Anchorage only. Fairbanks has its own separate towing ordinance (Fairbanks Code of Ordinances Ch. 14, Art. X - Towing Vehicles). Because rate-setting is municipal and non-uniform, no single statewide dollar figure is defensible.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Alaska statutes and regulator schedules.
Alaska Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| 1 day | ~$170-$410 |
| 3 days | ~$210-$530 |
| 7 days | ~$290-$770 |
| 14 days | ~$430-$1,190 |
Estimate = a typical tow + storage. Alaska has no single statewide dollar cap, so actual fees vary by lot and vehicle.
Max tow fee: No statewide cap; Anchorage has local regulations
Storage: No statewide cap
Notification: Towing operators must notify the vehicle owner by certified mail within 7 working days of the tow (AS 28.10.502). Anchorage also requires notifying APD within 1 hour of vehicle arrival at the lot (AMC 9.54.030 E).
Sources & Legal References
Regulated by Alaska Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Alaska's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
How to Get Your Car Out Fast
- Call the local police non-emergency line to confirm which lot holds your car and get a case number.
- Bring a photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment.
- Many lots require proof of current insurance to release the car - if yours lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first.
- Ask for an itemized receipt and retrieve personal belongings (allowed during business hours in most states).
Think your Alaska impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Alaska's legal maximum, you can dispute it. Build a ready-to-send demand letter on your state's fee limits and send it yourself - in minutes.
Get the documents to dispute my bill →Alaska Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Alaska?
In Alaska, expect an initial tow of roughly $150-$350 plus daily storage of about $20-$60 per day, plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. No statewide cap; Anchorage has local regulations.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Alaska?
Daily storage in Alaska runs about $20-$60 per day. State rule: No statewide cap. Fees accrue every calendar day (sometimes counting partial days), which is why retrieving the vehicle fast saves the most money.
What do I need to get my car out of impound in Alaska?
Bring a government photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment. Many lots also require proof of current insurance to release the vehicle - if your coverage has lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first so you can release the car.
Can I dispute impound or towing fees in Alaska?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Alaska rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Alaska Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
Why is towing so expensive in Alaska?
Alaska has the highest towing costs in the US due to extreme weather conditions, remote locations, limited road infrastructure, and high operating costs for tow companies. Winter conditions often require specialized equipment.
What happens if my car is towed in Anchorage?
Contact the Anchorage Police Department non-emergency line to locate your vehicle. Anchorage has local regulations governing tow fees and storage rates. Bring valid ID, registration, and payment.