Polk County Vehicle Impound Guide

Polk County runs a wrecker rotation, not a central lot, and county ordinance sets the maximum rates a tow operator can charge. The main companies on the list are North and South Towing in Old Fort, (423) 299-9190, which covers the southern county and the Highway 411 corridor, and Raines Wrecker Service in Benton, (423) 338-5149, close to the Justice Center. Buddy's Wrecker Service and other regional operators fill in on heavy-duty or overflow calls, and independent towing sometimes supports Highway Patrol stops on the interstate.

The arresting officer should give you a tow slip. If not, call the jail release officer at (423) 338-8215 to find out where the car went. Before you drive over, ask whether a law enforcement hold is on the vehicle, which is common in a DUI involving a serious injury or a death. If a hold exists, you need a release form from the investigating agency, the Sheriff's Office or the Highway Patrol, before the tow lot can let it go.

To claim the car you need a valid driver's license, or a government ID plus a licensed driver to take it, along with the title or current registration and proof of insurance. Bring cash; some lots take cards but add a processing fee.

Base tow fees run about $150 to $250, and storage runs $30 to $45 a day, generally starting after the first 24 hours, though some operators bill for the calendar day the car arrived. Winching, window wrapping, and after-hours gate fees can add to the total. A car left unclaimed for 30 days can be processed as abandoned and sold at auction to cover the bill, so retrieve it promptly.