Blanco County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Blanco County, Texas
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Blanco 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 Blanco 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 daily in Blanco 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
Find Impound Lots in Blanco County
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 Blanco County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) manages non-consent towing through a "Rotation List" system.
Vehicle Impound After a DWI Arrest in Blanco County, Texas: A Local Guide
If you've been arrested for DWI in Blanco County, Texas, your vehicle will likely be impounded. Understanding the local procedures for vehicle impoundment and recovery is crucial to minimizing costs and getting your vehicle back as quickly as possible. Here’s what you need to know:
Towing Companies and Locations
When your vehicle is impounded after a DWI arrest, it will be towed by a company on the Blanco County Sheriff's Office rotation list. The specific company depends on the geographical "Response Zone" where the arrest occurred. Here's a breakdown of the primary providers:
-
Wimberley Towing: This provider has a local facility at 174 Koch Road, Blanco, TX 78606. Using Wimberley Towing is generally the most convenient option. You can reach their dispatch at 512-375-1215.
-
Hill Country Customs: While serving the Blanco County area, Hill Country Customs utilizes storage lots in New Braunfels (e.g., 5505 W. State Hwy 46; 153 E. Nacogdoches) and Spring Branch (1052 Rainbow Dr.). This means if they tow your vehicle, you'll have to travel to Comal County to retrieve it. Hill Country Customs enforces a strict "1 Hour Notice" policy for accessing the lot.
Impound Fees: What to Expect
Expect to pay several fees related to the impoundment of your vehicle. Wimberley Towing cites a starting rate of $300 for Blanco County Sheriff tows. Here are some of the common fees:
- Tow Fee: The base fee for a light-duty non-consent tow is typically capped around $272 under state guidelines, but Wimberley Towing starts at $300.
- Daily Storage: Storage fees accrue every 24 hours at a rate of up to $22.85 per day.
- Impound Fee: A flat processing fee, often around $20.00, is charged.
- Notification Fee: If your vehicle remains in storage for more than five days, the Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) is required to send a certified letter to the registered owner and lienholder. The cost of this notice—capped at $50.00—is passed on to the owner.
Getting Your Vehicle Back: Required Documents
To retrieve your vehicle, you'll need the following:
- Valid Government-Issued Photo ID: A driver’s license, state ID card, or passport.
- Proof of Ownership: A current vehicle registration, title, or insurance card in the name of the person retrieving the vehicle.
- Affidavit of Right of Possession (VSF013/VSF001): If someone other than the registered owner is picking up the vehicle, they'll need this form, notarized.
Payment Methods
While state law requires VSFs to accept at least one form of electronic payment (credit or debit cards), cash remains the most reliable method for vehicle retrieval. Providers like Hill Country Customs explicitly ban personal checks.
Important Considerations
- If your driver's license was confiscated at the time of arrest, and you do not have alternate photo ID, TDLR rules mandate that the VSF must allow the owner access to the vehicle to retrieve ownership documents or ID stored inside without charging a fee.
- If you need someone else to pick up your vehicle on your behalf, they will need the Affidavit of Right of Possession (VSF013/VSF001) and it MUST be notarized.
- Hill Country Customs enforces a strict "1 Hour Notice" policy for accessing the lot.
Wimberley Towing can be reached at 512-375-1215.
Sources
Texas Transportation Code
Blanco County Towing Regulations
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
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