Car Towed and Impounded? Here's How to Get the Money for Fees
When your car gets towed and impounded, storage fees add up fast every day. Here are judgment-free ways to get the cash you need to get it back.
Your car is in an impound lot and the clock is ticking. Storage fees accumulate every day your vehicle sits there — and in some cities, the lot can auction unclaimed vehicles after as little as 30 days. Getting the money together quickly matters.
This guide lays out your real options, no judgment. Whether your credit is good or not, there are paths forward.
How Fast Fees Add Up
Impound costs hit in two stages: the tow charge when the vehicle is removed, then a daily storage fee for every night it stays in the lot.
Before you do anything else, call the impound lot directly and ask for an itemized breakdown of fees owed today, and the daily rate going forward. Get it in writing. Some jurisdictions cap fees or require a hearing before a vehicle can be auctioned — knowing your rights matters.
Your Fastest Options for Getting the Money
When you need cash quickly, these are the most practical paths, roughly in order from least to most expensive:
Ask a family member or close friend
If someone in your life can lend you the impound money, even as a short-term bridge loan, that is typically your cheapest option. Write out a simple agreement — the amount, the date you'll repay — and stick to it. A written note protects the relationship more than a handshake does.
Personal loan from an online lender
Online personal loan lenders can often approve applications and fund loans within one to two business days, sometimes the same day if you apply early. You'll need basic documentation: government-issued ID, proof of income (pay stubs or bank statements), and your bank account information for the deposit.
If your credit is fair or better, the APR on a small personal loan is often far lower than a payday loan or credit card cash advance. Even if you only need $400–$600, many lenders offer loans starting at $1,000 — which leaves you with a cushion in case there are other associated costs (reinstatement fees, fines, or a ticket you need to clear).
See loan options you may qualify for →
Credit union emergency loans
If you're a member of a credit union, call their loan department directly and explain the situation. Many credit unions have small-dollar emergency loan programs with lower rates than traditional personal loans. Funding may take a day or two, but the terms are often more favorable, especially for members with imperfect credit.
Employer paycheck advance or earned wage access
Some employers offer paycheck advances or work with earned wage access apps that let you draw a portion of wages you've already earned before payday. There's usually no interest — though some apps charge a small flat fee. Check your employee benefits or ask HR.
Credit card cash advance
A cash advance from a credit card is fast — you can often withdraw from an ATM immediately — but expensive. Interest on cash advances typically begins the day you take it, there's no grace period, and the rate is often higher than your regular purchase APR. This is a last resort option if the alternatives don't work out in time.
If You Have Bad Credit or No Credit
Don't count yourself out. Several lender types specialize in borrowers who don't have strong credit histories:
Online personal loan lenders that work with bad credit: Some lenders look beyond credit scores and consider your income, employment stability, and bank account history. Rates will be higher, but approval is possible with scores below 600 in some cases.
Credit-builder loans: These won't help you get cash today, but if this situation reveals a gap in your emergency savings, a credit-builder loan from a community bank or credit union can help you build both savings and credit over the next several months.
Secured personal loans: If you have a savings account, CD, or other asset that could serve as collateral, a secured loan can be easier to qualify for and may carry a lower rate than an unsecured option.
What to avoid: payday loans. They're marketed as fast cash for emergencies, and they are fast — but the costs can be severe. The CFPB has documented how borrowers frequently roll over payday loans, turning a short-term fee into a recurring debt that grows quickly. A personal loan with a fixed repayment schedule is almost always a better structure, even at a higher rate than you'd prefer.
Before You Go to the Lot
A few things to confirm before you show up with money in hand:
- What forms of payment they accept: Many impound lots accept cash, money orders, or debit cards — but not all accept credit cards or checks. Confirm in advance.
- What identification you need: Typically the vehicle registration or title, your driver's license, and any release paperwork if the tow was ordered by law enforcement.
- Whether any holds exist on the vehicle: A law enforcement hold or court order can prevent release even after fees are paid. If that's the case, you'll need to resolve the underlying matter first.
- Your state's redemption rights: Most states give vehicle owners a set period — often 30 days — to reclaim a car before it can be auctioned. Your state's DMV website typically has this information.
What to Do Next
If a personal loan is the path that makes the most sense for your situation, the next step is a quick application — many lenders give you a decision in minutes. Have your pay stubs or bank statements ready, and know the total amount you need before you apply so you're not borrowing more than necessary.
Find out what you may qualify for — no commitment required →