Impound Info

Ricks Towing & Transport

Have questions about impound pricing or storage fees? Review the information below and contact us for more information.


Abandoned vehicle internal personal property release hours:

Monday – Friday, excluding closed Holidays

9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Vehicle Locator

Impound Pricing and Storage Fees

3% Convenience fee for credit card transactions.

  • West Des Moines Police impounds $95.00
  • Urbandale Police impounds $95.00
  • Clive Police impounds $95.00
  • Waukee Police impounds $100.00
  • State Patrol Police impounds $85.00
  • Private property impounds for passenger vehicles are $4.00/loaded mile and $100.00 hook fee
  • Private property impounds for non-passenger vehicles, medium/heavy duty, tractors, equipment, and trailers are $150.00–$250.00/hour depending on size and severity
  • Specialty impounds by police authority or private property, such as medium or heavy-duty units, equipment, and trailers range from $150.00–$250.00/hour depending on size and severity
  • Daily storage fee for all light-duty passenger vehicles is $45.00. This fee is assessed immediately on the day of the tow. After the initial 24 hours, it will switch to a per calendar day fee.
  • Daily storage for non-passenger vehicles, medium/heavy duty, tractors, equipment, and trailers range from $65.00–$135.00 depending on size
  • Inside daily storage is $65.00 but could increase for larger units. This fee is assessed immediately on the day of the tow. After the initial 24 hours, it will switch to a per calendar day fee.
  • Administrative fees are $40.00
  • Certified mailings are $25.00 for the first letter and $15.00 for each additional addressee, plus any third-party registered owner or lienholder fees, if applicable.
  • Labor, misc., and clean up fees are on a case-by-case basis, each service starting at $25.00 and going up based on severity
  • Winching service and recovery pricing is on a case-by-case basis, depending on severity – starting at $75.00
  • Light duty fuel surcharges are a minimum of $8.00 within 30 loaded miles, for over 30 miles, it’s priced at $0.26/loaded mile
  • Medium/heavy duty fuel surcharges are a minimum of $12.00 within 30 loaded miles, for over 30 miles, it’s priced at $0.40/loaded mile
  • Lien holder or insurance inspections are $100.00 and must be approved by the registered owner or acting agent
  • State of Iowa 6% and local option tax 1% apply to all the above

  • What forms of payment do you accept?

    We accept cash and all major credit cards. Credit card payments must be made in person by the cardholder, who must provide a valid state or federal photo ID. Borrowed credit cards are not accepted. 3% Convenience fee for credit card transactions.


    For towed vehicles or accident-related releases, checks are only accepted if they are issued by an insurance company or an authorized insurance representative. Checks are not accepted for any impounded vehicles.


    Credit Card Disclaimer: When a credit card is used for payment on an impounded vehicle or item, we will document a photo of the credit card, the ID presented, and the person making the payment.

  • Are there special hours for vehicle releases or services?

    Yes, abandoned vehicle property retrieval is available between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. On weekends, you must schedule an appointment within this timeframe. Most other services can likely be conducted during our posted business hours.


    Additionally, if the vehicle is not considered abandoned, a gate fee of $100.00 plus tax may apply and/or an insurance claim number may be required. 

  • Who can access an abandoned vehicle?

    Only the current registered owner may access an abandoned vehicle. If the vehicle is under police impound, the person named on the police release form must be present and provide a valid state-issued or government-issued photo ID. If no police release form is available, only the current registered owner may access the vehicle.

  • Who can access a vehicle involved in an accident that has not been impounded?

    The registered owner or the driver at the time of the accident may access the vehicle.


    The driver must provide:

    • Driver exchange form
    • Valid state or federal photo ID (physical ID required; photos of IDs are not accepted)

    A claim number from your insurance company may be provided instead of paying the $107 gate fee. We do not bill insurance companies, but you may submit your receipt to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.

  • Can I use a notarized letter from the registered owner?

    Yes. We will verify the validity of the notarized letter. Please contact us for the required information that must be included.

  • Can I change my flat tire before removing my vehicle?

    No. Due to liability reasons, vehicle repairs cannot be performed on our property.

  • Can someone else pick up my personal property for me?

    Yes, but they must provide a stamped notarized letter authorizing them to do so.

  • Do you offer payment plans?

    No, payment plans are not available.

  • Do I need a police release to pick up my impounded vehicle?

    It depends on the authority that placed the hold on the vehicle.


    A paper release is required from:

    • West Des Moines Police
    • Urbandale Police
    • Clive Police

    For paper releases, the person named on the police release must be present and provide a valid state-issued or government-issued photo ID. The release must be delivered to our office in person.


    For Waukee Police and Iowa State Patrol holds, the registered owner must be present in person to obtain the vehicle release.

  • Do you accept AAA?

    No, we do not accept AAA.

  • Can I pick up my vehicle if I have full coverage insurance?

    Yes. However, the vehicle must be paid in full before it can be removed from our property.

  • Can you load my vehicle onto my own trailer?

    Yes, we can provide this service for a fee ranging from $50.00 to $300.00, depending on the extent of the damage and the size of the vehicle.

  • Do I have to remove my vehicle after paying the bill?

    Yes. The vehicle must be removed before our office closes on the same day the payment is completed.

  • I am a lien holder and need to arrange vehicle pickup. What do I need?

    Lien holders must provide:


    A copy of the title

    A hold harmless agreement releasing Rick’s Towing Company from liability

    A repossession order

  • Do I need to pay a fee to clean out my vehicle?

    Yes, if the vehicle is not in abandoned status, a $100.00 plus tax gate fee will be assessed to enter our facility. This fee may be waived if you provide an insurance claim number and the insurance company is accepting responsibility for the charges.


    If the vehicle is in abandoned status, you may provide a list of items that are legally allowable for retrieval, along with their location within the vehicle. We will then make a good-faith effort to retrieve those items at no charge.


    Additionally, if the vehicle is in abandoned status and you would prefer to enter our facility to retrieve the items yourself, the $100.00 plus tax gate fee option is available.