Bexar County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Bexar County, Texas
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from City of San Antonio Vehicle Impound Facility (Growdon).
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Bexar County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Bexar County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
What Happens Immediately After Arrest
- 1
Vehicle is towed (usually within 30 minutes of arrest)
- 2
Tow company notifies impound lot (charges start immediately)
- 3
Storage fees begin accruing at $20/day in Bexar County
- 4
Administrative fees added (varies by lot)
Documents You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for all fees (see calculator above)
- Release authorization (if not the registered owner)
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car?
Yes, but they'll need:
- • Written authorization from the registered owner
- • Copy of owner's ID
- • Their own valid ID
- • Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
Impound Lot Details
City of San Antonio Vehicle Impound Facility (Growdon)
Call Before You Go
Verify your vehicle is at this lot and confirm the exact amount owed before making the trip. Hours and fees may change without notice.
The Impound “Poverty Trap”
Many people can't afford to get their car out immediately, but waiting only makes it worse.
Here's the vicious cycle:
Can't afford the first 3 days of storage + admin fees
Wait a week to save money → fees double
Can't get to work without car → lose income
Wait 2 weeks → fees triple or quadruple
After 30 days → Car may be auctioned by the lot
What You Can Do
- • Borrow money from family/friends (pay them back later, cheaper than daily fees)
- • Use a credit card (even with interest, cheaper than impound fees)
- • Sell non-essential items quickly
- • Ask your employer for an advance
- • Check if your auto insurance covers towing/storage (some policies do)
The seizure of a motor vehicle represents a critical intersection of municipal ordinance, state legislative mandates, and law enforcement procedure. For the vehicle owner in Bexar County, the immediate aftermath of an arrest or an involuntary tow is defined by what can only be described as a "logistical nightmare."
Bexar County Vehicle Impound: A Local Guide
If your vehicle has been impounded in San Antonio or Bexar County, navigating the process to get it back can be confusing. This guide provides key information specific to Bexar County to help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Primary Impound Facility: City of San Antonio
The primary impound lot for vehicles towed by the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) is:
City of San Antonio Vehicle Impound Facility (Growdon) 📍 Address: 3625 Growdon Rd, San Antonio, TX 78227 📞 Phone: 210-881-8440 🕐 Hours: 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
The facility is managed by Alanis Wrecker Service, LLC.
Fees and Costs
Understanding the fees is essential. Here's a breakdown:
- Daily Storage Fee: $20
It's crucial to know that state law dictates fees may be charged for any part of the day the vehicle is on the lot. However, there is an exception: if the vehicle is on the lot for two calendar days, but the total duration is within a 12-hour period, the facility may only charge one day of storage.
Required Documents for Vehicle Release
To retrieve your vehicle, you'll need to provide the following:
- Valid Photo Identification (Driver’s License, State ID Card, Passport)
- Proof of Ownership (Certificate of Title, Current Registration Receipt, Notarized Documents/TDLR "Right of Possession" form VSF013)
- Full payment of all accrued fees
If your ID is inside the vehicle, you are legally allowed to retrieve it to prove your identity.
Payment Methods Accepted
The Growdon facility accepts the following payment methods:
- Cash (Exact change is recommended)
- Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
- Debit Cards
American Express and personal checks are generally not accepted.
Important Deadlines and Notes
A 14-day deadline (excluding weekends/holidays) exists to request a Tow Hearing. Vehicles unclaimed 30 days after owner notification are eligible for public auction. Storage fees are charged for any part of the day, with an exception for durations within a 12-hour period across two calendar days, where only one day may be charged. City Customer Service can be reached at 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000. The vehicle locator is available at https://www.autoreturn.com/san-antonio-tx/.
Sources
Texas Transportation Code
Bexar County Towing Regulations
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Nearby Texas Counties
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