What Towing and Impound Fees Cost in South Carolina

How towing and impound fees work in South Carolina

When your car is towed in South Carolina, you will owe money to two separate entities: the towing company and the impound lot. The towing company charges for removing your vehicle from the street or parking lot. The impound lot charges a daily storage fee for holding your car while you arrange to retrieve it. Neither fee is set by the state — each towing company and impound lot sets its own rates, which means the total cost depends on which company towed you and where your car is being held.

You cannot retrieve your vehicle until you pay both the towing fee and all accumulated storage fees. If you do not retrieve your car within a certain period (usually 30 to 90 days, depending on the lot), the impound lot may sell it to cover the costs. Understanding what you owe and where to pay it can help you get your car back faster.

Key Takeaways

• Towing fees and daily storage fees are separate charges set by individual companies, not the state, so costs vary widely depending on which company towed you.
• You must pay both the towing company and the impound lot before you can retrieve your vehicle.
• Storage fees accumulate daily, so the longer your car sits, the more you owe.
• If you do not retrieve your car within 30 to 90 days, the impound lot may sell it to recover costs.
• You can contact the police department or towing company to find out where your car is being held and what you owe.

Typical towing and storage costs

A standard tow in South Carolina typically costs between $75 and $150, though longer distances or special circumstances (such as towing from a highway or towing a large vehicle) can push the cost higher. Some towing companies charge extra for after-hours service or for using a flatbed instead of a standard tow truck.

Daily storage fees at impound lots usually range from $15 to $35 per day, though some lots charge more. The total storage cost depends on how long your car sits before you retrieve it. A car impounded for a week could accumulate $105 to $245 in storage fees alone, on top of the towing charge.

These are not fixed statewide rates. Each towing company and lot operates independently and sets its own prices. Before you pay, ask the lot or towing company for an itemized breakdown of all charges so you know exactly what you owe.

Who towed your car and where it is being held

If your car was towed by police order (for example, after a traffic stop or from a parking violation), contact the police department in the city or county where the tow occurred. They can tell you which towing company removed your vehicle and where it is being held. If your car was towed from private property (such as a parking lot or apartment complex), contact the property owner or manager — they arranged the tow and can tell you which company did it.

Once you know the towing company's name, call them directly to find out the exact charges and the impound lot's location and phone number. The impound lot will tell you the daily storage fee and the total amount owed. Some lots accept payment by phone or online; others require you to pay in person before releasing the vehicle.

How to retrieve your vehicle

To get your car back, you will need to pay the towing company first, then pay the impound lot. Some towing companies and lots are the same business, so you may pay one entity for both charges. Others are separate, and you will need to make two payments.

Bring a valid photo ID and proof of vehicle ownership (your registration or title) when you go to retrieve your car. If someone else is picking up the vehicle on your behalf, bring a signed letter authorizing them to do so, along with both your ID and theirs. Ask the lot ahead of time what documents they require — policies vary.

Payment methods differ by lot. Some accept cash, credit cards, or checks; others may accept only certain payment types. Call ahead to confirm what they take and whether you can pay over the phone to speed up the process.

Challenging a tow or fee

If you believe your car was towed illegally or the charges are unreasonable, you have options. First, request an itemized receipt from the towing company and impound lot showing every charge. Then contact the police department or the property owner who authorized the tow and ask why it was done. If the tow violated South Carolina law or local ordinance, you may be able to dispute it.

South Carolina does not have a statewide towing board, but many cities and counties regulate towing companies through their business licensing. Contact your local city or county government to ask whether a complaint process exists. You can also consult a lawyer about whether you have grounds to sue for an illegal or wrongful tow, though this is usually only worth pursuing if the fees are very high.

If you cannot pay the full amount immediately, ask the impound lot whether they offer a payment plan. Some lots will hold your car for a short period while you arrange funds, though they will continue charging daily storage fees.

What happens if you do not retrieve your car

If you leave your car at an impound lot without paying or retrieving it, the lot will eventually sell it to recover the towing and storage costs. South Carolina law requires impound lots to notify you (usually by mail) before selling your vehicle, but the notification period is short — often only 10 to 30 days depending on the lot's policy.

Once your car is sold, you lose ownership of it. The lot keeps the proceeds to cover towing and storage fees. If the sale price exceeds what you owe, you may be may have access to to the remainder, but you will need to contact the lot to claim it. If the sale price is less than the fees, you may still owe the difference, depending on South Carolina law and the lot's policy.

Preventing future tows

Most tows in South Carolina happen because of parking violations, expired registration, or unpaid traffic tickets. Check parking signs before you leave your car — many tows happen in no-parking zones or during street-cleaning hours. Keep your vehicle registration current and your license plate visible. If you receive a traffic ticket, pay it promptly; unpaid tickets can result in a tow order.

If you park on private property, follow the posted rules. Apartment complexes, shopping centers, and private lots often have their own towing policies. If you are unsure whether parking is allowed, ask the property manager before you leave your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my car back without paying the full amount right away?

Most impound lots require full payment before releasing your vehicle, but some may negotiate a payment plan or hold your car briefly while you arrange funds. Call the lot directly and explain your situation. Even if they agree to wait, storage fees will continue to accumulate each day.

What if I cannot find out where my car was towed?

Start by calling the police non-emergency line in the city where your car was parked. They can tell you whether it was towed and by which company. If it was towed from private property, contact the property owner or manager. If you still cannot locate it, try calling the largest towing companies in your area — they may be able to search their records by your license plate number.

Can I dispute the towing fee itself, not just the storage?

Yes, if the tow was illegal or violated local ordinance. Request an itemized receipt and contact the police department or property owner to understand why the tow was authorized. If it was done without proper cause, you may have grounds to dispute the charge. Consult a lawyer if the fee is substantial.

How long do I have before the lot sells my car?

South Carolina law and individual lot policies vary, but most impound lots will sell your vehicle within 30 to 90 days if you do not retrieve it. The lot is required to notify you before the sale, but the notification period is often short. Contact your impound lot immediately to find out their specific timeline.

What documents do I need to pick up my car?

Bring a valid photo ID and proof of ownership (your registration or title). If someone else is picking it up for you, bring a signed letter from you authorizing them, plus both your ID and theirs. Call the lot ahead of time to confirm their specific document requirements.