My guest got arrested for a DUI at 2:00 AM. The police impounded my Tesla. I didn’t find out until 3 days later when I got a certified letter from the tow yard. The bill is now
300 tow + $150/day storage + admin fees). I went to get it, and the police wouldn’t release it without a “Hold Harmless” letter. Turo says “We reimburse up to $500.” I am in the red.
Key Takeaways
- Act Fast: Storage fees compound daily. Every hour you argue with Turo is costing you $10. Go get the car now and fight for reimbursement later.
- The “Innocent Owner” Defense: Most police departments waive the “Administrative Fee” (often
200−200−500) if you prove you are a rental company and the “innocent owner.” - Turo’s Cap: Turo often caps incidental reimbursements. You need to frame this as “Damage/Recovery” expense, not just a parking ticket.
- You Pay First: You always have to pay the yard out of pocket to get the car released. Turo does not pay tow yards directly.
The “Why”: The Impound Racket
Tow yards and cities use impounds as revenue generation. They charge exorbitant daily rates.
Turo considers this the guest’s fault, so they will charge the guest. But if the guest’s card declines, Turo might try to stick you with the balance unless you are on a high-tier plan.
The Investigation: Releasing the Hold
I went through this process in Miami.
- The Police Station: I had to go to the station with my Title, Registration, and the Turo Rental Contract.
- The Argument: I cited the “Innocent Owner” statute. The sergeant waived the $350 police admin fee.
- The Tow Yard: I paid the $600 tow/storage bill on my credit card.
- The Claim: I submitted the receipt to Turo under “Incidental costs.” Turo reimbursed the full $600 because it was associated with a “Safety/Legal” violation (DUI).
Comparison: Who Pays the Bill?
| Fee Type | Turo Covers? | Notes |
| Tow Fee | YES | If related to a claim/violation. |
| Daily Storage | YES (Reasonable) | If you wait 10 days, they won’t pay. |
| Police Admin Fee | YES | But try to get it waived first. |
| Personal Time | NO | You get $0 for the 4 hours you spent at the DMV. |
[IMAGE: Photo of a “Vehicle Release Form” from a police department, stamped “fees waived”]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Bring the Title: You cannot get a car out of impound with just insurance. You need the Title or a limited power of attorney if financed.
- Print the Contract: Show the police the Turo reservation proving the car was rented to the person arrested.
- Pay and Scan: Pay the bill. Scan the receipt immediately.
- Invoice as “Towing/Impound”: Submit this in the Turo Resolution Center. If the guest refuses to pay (likely), escalate to Turo Support.
FAQ
What if the car is evidence in a crime?
The police can hold it for months. You need to file a “Motion for Return of Property” in court. You need a lawyer.
Does Turo pay for the days it sits in the impound lot?
No. You lose that rental income unless you have Loss of Use coverage (60 Plan).
Can I charge the guest an extra fee?
You can charge for the cost + a generic “processing fee” allowed by Turo (usually small), but not a $500 “annoyance fee.”