How Much Are Impound Fees in Kentucky?
Getting a car out of impound in Kentucky usually means an initial tow of $150-$350 plus daily storage of $20-$60/day. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
Operator-filed rate-sheet regime: each tow company posts its own schedule and files it with the nearest KY State Police post and local law enforcement (KRS 281.926); charges are capped at the filed rate but the filed rates themselves vary by operator - no statewide dollar figure. Local ordinances (e.g., Louisville Metro Code Sec. 72.062 / 115.451 / 115.453) may impose lower dollar caps.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Kentucky statutes and regulator schedules.
Kentucky 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. Kentucky has no single statewide dollar cap, so actual fees vary by lot and vehicle.
Max tow fee: No statewide dollar cap, but statewide law (KRS 281.926/281.932) caps all tow charges at each company's mandatory KYTC-filed rate sheet; private-property drop fee capped at 50% of the release fee (KRS 281.924). Louisville Metro and some localities set local maximums.
Storage: No statewide dollar cap; capped at the towing company's KYTC-filed rate sheet (KRS 281.930/281.932). No storage charge for days release was not permitted during posted business hours. Varies by company and by local ordinance.
Notification: Law enforcement must be notified of non-consensual tows.
Sources & Legal References
- KRS 281.926 (Mandatory uniform rate sheet; excessive-charge refund)
apps.legislature.ky.gov
- KRS 281.930 (Storage / investigative-hold rules, amended eff. June 27, 2025)
apps.legislature.ky.gov
Regulated by Kentucky Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Kentucky'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 Kentucky impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Kentucky'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 →Kentucky Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, 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 dollar cap, but statewide law (KRS 281.926/281.932) caps all tow charges at each company's mandatory KYTC-filed rate sheet; private-property drop fee capped at 50% of the release fee (KRS 281.924). Louisville Metro and some localities set local maximums.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Kentucky?
Daily storage in Kentucky runs about $20-$60 per day. State rule: No statewide dollar cap; capped at the towing company's KYTC-filed rate sheet (KRS 281.930/281.932). No storage charge for days release was not permitted during posted business hours. Varies by company and by local ordinance.. 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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Kentucky rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Kentucky Attorney General Consumer Protection Division. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
Are there tow fee caps in Kentucky?
Kentucky does not have statewide fee caps, but Louisville Metro and some other jurisdictions have local regulations. Check with your local government for applicable rate limits.
What do I need to pick up my towed car in Kentucky?
Bring valid photo ID, vehicle registration or title, and payment. Most facilities accept credit cards. Retrieve your car as soon as possible to minimize storage fees.