After reading through Ontario's vehicle-impoundment guide, Toronto Police Service towing instructions, British Columbia's Vehicle Impoundment Program, Quebec's vehicle seizure and recovery guide, and Alberta's vehicle seizure programs, we’ve pulled together general steps for getting an impounded vehicle back.
What happens if your car is impounded somewhere other than Toronto? How does impoundment affect your insurance rates? To learn more about those, let’s dive deeper into vehicle impoundment in Canada.
How Do You Get an Impounded Car Back in Canada?
Generally speaking, if your car is impounded, then you need to work with the local authorities to retrieve it. However, the procedure for getting your car out of impound differs by area. For example, if your car was towed in Toronto, you can call the Toronto Police Service’s non-emergency line for the next steps.
Your First Steps
Here are a couple of immediate steps to take to get your car out of impound.
- Read the impound notice. Confirm who arranged the tow, the lot location, reason for impoundment, release date, and any review deadline.
- Call the tow lot. Ask about required documents, fees, payment methods, hours, access to personal property, and release requirements.
- Check for a review or early-release option. Find out whether you qualify, the deadline to apply, and what evidence is required. A review does not necessarily stop storage charges or result in release.
- Arrange lawful removal. Bring identification and authorization if you are not the owner. If you cannot legally drive, arrange for a licensed driver or a tow truck.
- Document the vehicle and keep your records. Photograph the vehicle before moving it. Keep the impound notice, release authorization, damage reports, and invoice.
Documents and Questions for the Impound Lot
| Bring or confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Government photo identification | The impound lot must verify the identity of the person seeking release. |
| Vehicle permit or other ownership proof | Helps prove your right to collect the vehicle. |
| Impound or seizure notice and any release order | Shows the hold and any authorization for release. |
| Authorization if someone else is collecting | The lot may require forms or business paperwork. |
| Valid driver’s licence, registration, and insurance for removal | If it is not legal to drive the car, arrange for it to be towed. |
| Accepted payment | Towing, storage, and authorized charges may need to be paid before release. |
| Inventory and damage check | Documents the vehicle’s condition and personal property at release. |
Requirements vary, so ask the police service and impound lot for a written list before you go.
Provincial Impoundment Differences
| Province | Examples from the current official guide | Recovery point |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Depending on the reason for suspension, some vehicles may be impounded for 7 days, 14 days, or a minimum of 45 days. | Contact the impounding police service for release steps. Ontario’s listed appeal option applies only to qualifying 45-day impoundments. |
| British Columbia | Behavioural impoundments can be 7, 30, or 60 days. Alcohol-related roadside prohibitions can also result in impoundment periods of 3, 7, or 30 days. | The registered owner generally needs identification and payment of applicable charges. Review and authorization options may be available. |
| Quebec | Vehicles seized under the Highway Safety Code may be impounded for 7, 30, or 90 days, depending on the grounds and driving history. | Use the seizure statement to make an appointment with the pound. Claim the vehicle no later than 10 days after the impoundment period ends. |
| Alberta | An Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS): FAIL event results in a 30-day seizure. A first IRS: WARN event is 3 days, with later events lasting 7 days. Suspended-driver seizures are 30 or 60 days. | The Seizure Notice identifies the storage location and impoundment period. Eligible reviews are handled by SafeRoads Alberta. |
Read More: Read About Driving Without a Licence in Ontario
Can You Retrieve Belongings Before the Car Is Released?
Ask the tow lot and impounding authority whether you can access the car before release. Access may be restricted if there is an ownership dispute or police hold. You may need an appointment, identification, and proof of ownership.
Make a list of important items to remove, such as medication, child car seats, or work tools.
How Impoundment Affects Your Car Insurance Rates
An impoundment may affect insurance eligibility or price when the insurer considers the underlying event, such as a serious conviction or licence suspension.
It’s best to drive safely and ensure your car doesn’t get impounded in the first place to keep your auto insurance rates from jumping.
Read More: See How to Get Car Insurance After a Licence Suspension
If the Vehicle Was Damaged or Property Is Missing
Photograph all sides of the vehicle before moving it. Compare its condition with the police or tow inventory list. If there is damage or theft:
- Ask the tow or impound lot about its complaint or claim process.
- Mark missing items on the release forms.
- Keep the paid invoice.
- Notify your auto insurer promptly if you may have a covered damage or theft claim.
Your policy may not cover every fee or loss.