How Much Are Impound Fees in Montana?
Getting a car out of impound in Montana 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 cap; fees are unregulated at state level. MCA 61-12 governs procedures (lien, notice) but sets no fee maximums.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Montana statutes and regulator schedules.
Montana 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. Montana has no single statewide dollar cap, so actual fees vary by lot and vehicle.
Max tow fee: No statewide cap
Storage: No statewide cap
Notification: After a non-consensual private-property tow, the tow operator must notify local law enforcement. The vehicle owner must receive written notice within 15 days (MCA 61-8-913). Specific law enforcement notification timeframes vary by secondary sources and are not clearly fixed in the reviewed statute text.
Sources & Legal References
Regulated by Montana Attorney General Consumer Protection Office.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Montana'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 Montana impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Montana'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 →Montana Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Montana?
In Montana, 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.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Montana?
Daily storage in Montana 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 Montana?
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 Montana?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Montana rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Montana Attorney General Consumer Protection Office. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
Why is towing expensive in Montana?
Montana large geographic area and rural roads mean tow companies often travel long distances. This increases costs. Limited competition in rural areas also affects pricing.
What are my rights when towed in Montana?
You have the right to know where your vehicle is stored, access personal belongings, receive an itemized receipt, and file complaints with the Attorney General if you believe you were unfairly charged.