How to Get Your Car Out of a Detroit Impound Lot

If your car has been impounded in Detroit, you have a clock running — every day in the lot adds storage fees. Here's exactly how to get it back.

Step 1: Find out which impound lot has your vehicle

Detroit uses several impound lots depending on what part of the city your car was towed from. Call Detroit Police Abandoned Vehicle Section at 313-596-1820 with your license plate or VIN. They'll tell you the lot, address, and conditions for release.

Step 2: Gather the documents you'll need

• Driver's license (yours)
• Vehicle registration (in your name)
• Proof of insurance (current)
• If the car isn't registered to you, a notarized letter from the owner authorizing release
• Cash or major credit card to pay impound + storage fees

Step 3: Pay the fees

Typical Detroit impound fees include: a base towing/storage charge, a per-day storage fee that accrues from the impound date, and any administrative fees. The longer you wait, the higher the storage portion grows. Most lots accept cash, debit, or credit (not all accept checks).

Step 4: Take the release paperwork to the lot

The police section gives you a release form once fees are paid. Bring it to the impound lot during their open hours (often limited — call first). Hand them the release, pick up your keys, and drive out.

If your car won't start at the lot

This is common — battery dies during the impound period, fuel evaporates, etc. You can't legally drive the car off the lot if it's not safe. Call Elite Detroit Towing at (313) 725-9795 — we'll meet you at the lot, jump-start or tow the car to your home or repair shop. We provide receipts for insurance.

How to avoid future impounds

• Don't leave a vehicle on a Detroit street unmoved for more than 48 hours (eligible for abandoned-vehicle tow)
• Keep registration current (expired plates can be impound-eligible)
• Move for street cleaning and snow emergency declarations
• Don't park in fire lanes, in front of fire hydrants, or in posted no-parking zones

Need help getting your car home?

Once you've paid the fees and have the release, we'll take it from the impound lot to wherever you need — your home, mechanic, or body shop. Same-day service in Detroit. Call (313) 725-9795.