How Much Are Impound Fees in Michigan?
Getting a car out of impound in Michigan usually means an initial tow of $150-$350 plus daily storage of $20-$60/day. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
No statewide dollar figures exist for standard non-consensual impound fees; tow/release/daily-storage rates are unregulated at the state level and set by local ordinance (e.g., Detroit light-duty ~$215). MCL 257.252i's $1,000 aggregate ceiling applies only to the abandoned-vehicle disposition sub-category (individually-owned, non-commercial vehicles), not to ordinary private-property non-consensual tows.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Michigan statutes and regulator schedules.
Michigan 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. Michigan has no single statewide dollar cap, so actual fees vary by lot and vehicle.
Max tow fee: No statewide cap; local regulations may apply
Storage: No statewide daily-rate cap; MCL 257.252i caps total collectible storage at the least of the contracted rate, the facility's rate, or $1,000, but only for abandoned-vehicle disposition tows of individually-owned, non-commercial vehicles
Notification: Towing agency must notify a local police agency by phone or other means before removing the vehicle from private property; police must log it in the statewide network within 24 hours. (MCL 257.252a)
Sources & Legal References
- MCL 257.252i - Justia codification
law.justia.com
Regulated by Michigan Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Michigan'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 Michigan impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Michigan'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 →Michigan Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Michigan?
In Michigan, 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; local regulations may apply.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Michigan?
Daily storage in Michigan runs about $20-$60 per day. State rule: No statewide daily-rate cap; MCL 257.252i caps total collectible storage at the least of the contracted rate, the facility's rate, or $1,000, but only for abandoned-vehicle disposition tows of individually-owned, non-commercial vehicles. 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 Michigan?
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 Michigan?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Michigan rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General Consumer Protection Division. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
Does Michigan cap towing fees?
Michigan does not have statewide towing fee caps. Some municipalities may have local regulations. Always get written estimates for consensual towing services.
How do I find my towed car in Detroit?
Contact the Detroit Police Department to find out which tow company has your vehicle. Detroit has a centralized auto pound system. Bring ID, registration, and payment.