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
  • 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
  • Administrative fees are $40.00
  • Certified mailings are $15.00/addressee + any 3rd party registered owner/lien holder 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?

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  • Who can access an abandoned vehicle?

    Only the current registered owner may access an abandoned 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 Waukee and State Patrol holds, the registered owner must be present in person for 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?

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  • 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